Choosing your first horse is an exciting milestone, but with over 300 horse breeds worldwide, the decision can feel overwhelming. The right breed for a beginner combines a calm temperament, forgiving nature, and manageable size. Here’s our guide to the best horse breeds for new equestrians.
What Makes a Good Beginner Horse?
Before diving into specific breeds, it’s important to understand what qualities make a horse suitable for beginners:
Temperament: The horse should be calm, patient, and not easily spooked. A forgiving nature means they won’t overreact to beginner mistakes like unbalanced riding or unclear cues.
Trainability: Some breeds are naturally more willing to please and easier to communicate with, which helps new riders build confidence.
Size: While not a hard rule, moderately-sized horses (14-16 hands) are often easier for beginners to mount, groom, and handle than very large or very small horses.
Health: Hardy breeds with fewer congenital health issues mean less veterinary complexity for new owners to manage.
Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse consistently tops lists of best beginner breeds, and for good reason. Known for their “gentle giant” personality, Quarter Horses are calm, intelligent, and incredibly versatile.
Originally bred for working cattle, they have a natural “cow sense” and athletic ability that makes them suitable for both Western and English disciplines. Their compact, muscular build provides a stable, comfortable ride, and they’re generally very patient with inexperienced riders.
Quarter Horses are also widely available and come at various price points, making them accessible for most budgets.
Morgan Horse
Morgans are one of America’s oldest breeds, known for their friendly, people-oriented personalities. They form strong bonds with their owners and genuinely seem to enjoy human interaction.
Standing typically between 14.1 and 15.2 hands, Morgans are a manageable size for beginners. They’re hardy, long-lived horses that maintain their willingness to work well into their senior years. Their smooth gaits and responsive nature make them excellent for learning proper riding technique.
Morgans excel in nearly every discipline, from trail riding to dressage to driving, giving beginners options as they discover their interests.
Paint Horse
Closely related to Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses share many of the same wonderful temperament traits with the added appeal of their distinctive color patterns. Their calm, easygoing nature makes them forgiving of beginner errors.
Paints are athletic and versatile, suitable for Western riding, trail riding, and even some English disciplines. They typically stand between 14.2 and 16 hands and have a sturdy build that provides beginners with a secure feeling in the saddle.
Tennessee Walking Horse
If you’re primarily interested in trail riding, the Tennessee Walking Horse deserves serious consideration. These horses are famous for their smooth, four-beat running walk gait that’s incredibly comfortable to ride.
Tennessee Walkers are known for their gentle dispositions and willing attitudes. They’re tall horses (15-17 hands) but their calm temperament offsets their size for many beginners. The smooth gaits are easier on the body for riders who may have back or joint issues.
Clydesdale
While their massive size might seem intimidating, Clydesdales are often called “gentle giants” for their remarkably kind, patient temperaments. These draft horses are docile, willing to please, and surprisingly easy to handle despite weighing around 2,000 pounds.
Clydesdales are best suited for beginners who are confident around large animals and interested in activities like pleasure driving or casual riding rather than athletic disciplines. Their slow, steady movements can actually be reassuring for nervous beginners.
Icelandic Horse
Don’t let their pony-like size fool you – Icelandic horses are strong enough to carry adult riders and are known for their exceptional temperaments. These horses have been isolated in Iceland for over 1,000 years, developing into incredibly hardy, sure-footed animals.
Icelandics are known for being friendly, curious, and easy to train. They have five natural gaits, including the smooth tölt, which is very comfortable to ride. Their small size (12.2-14.2 hands) makes them less intimidating for anxious beginners.
Tips for Choosing Your First Horse
While breed provides a general indication of temperament, individual personality matters enormously. When selecting your first horse:
- Look for horses with experience carrying beginners
- Consider an older, well-trained horse over a young horse
- Have a veterinarian perform a pre-purchase exam
- Spend time with the horse before committing
- Ask about the horse’s history and any behavioral quirks
- Consider leasing before buying to gain experience
The best first horse is one that matches your goals, fits your budget, and makes you feel safe and confident. With the right horse as your partner, you’ll build skills and confidence that last a lifetime.
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