Horse Breeds - Which is best for you?
There are so many different horse breeds that it’s difficult to cover each and every one of them in one short page, so I’ll concentrate on some of the more popular horse breeds.
American Paint Horses are the second most popular amongst horse breeds. It’s similarity to the American Quarter breed is nearly identical, except that this breed has white markings of various shapes and sizes. Its name stems from the Spanish word, “pintado”, which means, “painted” or “paint”. The history, of this breed, can be traced back to Spain and the Andalusian horses.
The American Quarter is the top breed in the world, but got its start in the United States on western ranches. This is the breed most seen in the old cowboy movies. These horses are intelligent, gentle, muscular, and very fast sprinters. In fact, they can run a quarter of a mile faster than any other horses in the world, and that how it got its name. Also, they are fast sprinters, gentle, and an all around wonderful breed for riding.
The unique looking Appaloosa is another breed that has its roots in the American west. The Spanish introduced this gentle breed to the Nez Pearce Indians, but the Indians were the first to breed these horses for spots. They also bred them to be strong, fast, and sure-footed. The Appaloosa was named after the Palouse River, in Washington State. This breed is popular amongst new riders because of its good temperament and other gentle qualities.
The striking Arabian is the oldest and purest of the horse breeds throughout the world. All other horse breeds can be traced back to this Arabian breed, and the Nomadic Arabs (Bedouins). This breed is good natured, energetic, quick, highly intelligent, bonds well with its owner, and is known for its endurance. All these traits make it one of the most sought-after horses.
The Thoroughbred equine is traced back to English Stallions, and is the fastest of horse breeds in the entire world. Thoroughbreds are tall (with very long legs), extremely athletic, reliable, excellent long distance runners, and first-class race horses. Many other horse breeds have greatly improved with the introduction of the Thoroughbred’s genes into it.
Because there are so many different horse breeds, you will have to do a lot of research before buying one. Good resources to find information are books, veterinarians, free online searches, and other owners of horses. For first-time owners, it’s important to know the behavior characteristics of the horse breeds you are considering. For instance, a rambunctious Stallion would not be a good choice for a first timer, and especially for a young child. In fact, placing a new rider or child on unsuitable horses can be dangerous. A better choice would be to buy a breed that’s older (about 7 years old), gentle, and trained in both walking and riding. The American Saddlebred and Tennessee Walking Horses are well-liked by novice riders because of their gentle dispositions and docile temperaments.
One thing’s for sure, there are many horse breeds to choose from so if you are looking for a great ride, you will almost certainly be able to find the perfect companion to suit your style.