What Type of Horse Should I Get?
Picking the right horse can take time and can be challenging. Horses come in many sizes, breeds, colors, personalities, and health conditions. Think about how you'll use the horse (like for pleasure riding, barrel racing, showing, jumping, etc.) and about your own skill level and comfort around horses.
In the United States, there are over 150 breeds of horses and ponies. They range from large breeds like Percherons and Clydesdales to medium-sized ones like Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses and smaller breeds like Morgans and Arabians. If you're going to ride the horse, it's important to consider how your size compares to the horse's size. Each breed also has different traits. For example, breeds with "feathering" (long hair) around their hooves might not be a good fit if you live near muddy areas and can't groom your horse daily.
Horse breeds
Different horse breeds have their own personalities and are bred for specific activities, so it's important to match the horse to both the rider and the intended use. For example, draft horses are usually calm, while Arabians and Thoroughbreds can be more nervous. Putting a beginning rider on a fast Thoroughbred would be a bad idea, and so would choosing a slow draft horse for racing.
There are many good books and websites about horse breeds that can help you decide. It's also smart to ask experienced horse people (like breeders, trainers, and veterinarians) for their opinions before making a choice.
Desirable Characteristics of Horses for Selected Uses
Use | Main Qualities | Temperament |
|---|---|---|
Pulling/driving | Strength | Calm and willing |
Polo | Quickness and agility | Well balanced |
Show jumping | Agility | Well balanced |
Steeplechasing or flat racing | Speed and stamina | Well balanced and competitive |
Classic horsemanship or dressage | Elegance | Calm and well balanced |
Distance riding | Stamina and endurance | Calm and dependable |
Pleasure riding | Easy, sure-footed gait | Calm and dependable |
Should I Get a Male or Female Horse? Young or Older?
The horse's sex is another thing to think about. Mares (female horses) can be gentle or strong-willed, and their behavior can change depending on the timing within their breeding cycle. Geldings (castrated males) are usually calmer and easier to handle than stallions (males that have testicles). If you want a horse for breeding, it must be a stallion or a mare.
Older horses are often calmer than younger ones, but they can have health issues (like arthritis) that affect their behavior or have bad habits (like biting or being stubborn). Breeding horses should be mature enough to mate but not so old that they can't breed successfully.
How Do I Know If a Horse is Healthy?
Before buying a horse, you should have a veterinarian check it out. A prepurchase examination includes a complete evaluation, including watching how the horse moves. This step is worth the time and money because it helps ensure that the horse is healthy and has no potential problems. You should tell the vet how you plan to use the horse so they can advise you on whether it’s a good fit. Ultimately, the decision to buy is yours.
Where Can I Buy a Horse?
Take your time when looking for the right horse. You can watch horses compete at shows and races. Trainers, instructors, and farriers (people who put shoes on horses) might know of horses for sale that fit your needs. Asking around at your barn or riding stable can also help. Local 4-H clubs often have horses available.
If you're looking for specific breeds, breed associations can provide lists of breeders or owners nearby. Be ready to make many phone calls and visits before finding the right horse. You can also hire a horse broker to help you find a horse that suits you.
