The horse’s conformation and general build, as well as her health, will also determine how much weight she can handle. In general, heavy riders need to choose larger, stouter horses. If you have an experienced friend or instructor to take horse shopping with you, this person can help you evaluate whether a potential prospect is right for you. You can also ask your vet’s opinion on the size match when the prepurchase exam is scheduled.
Although all breeds are known for particular traits, you’ll find exceptions to every rule. Remember that each horse, like each person, has her own set of attributes; so evaluate every potential horse on her own merits, not just by breed or color. Although one breed may be known for its great temperament, that doesn’t mean all horses of that breed will have great temperaments. And even breeds with a reputation for being hot or high-strung can have very mellow individuals. The following are some of the most common breeds you’ll find on the trail.
AMERICAN PAINT HORSE
Original use: Paint Horses were used to perform cattle and ranch work across the West. They have bloodlines similar to those of the American Quarter Horse.
Characteristics and trail suitability: The traditional Paint Horse features a stock horse build, with a muscular body averaging 15 to 16 hands. The American Paint Horse is known for flashy coloring and a calm temperament.
AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE
Original use: Quarter Horses were developed to run quarter-mile races, hence the name, but they have also achieved great success as ranch horses and all-around mounts.
Characteristics and trail suitability: Traditionally, Quarter Horses feature a muscular, stock horse build, averaging 15 to 16 hands high. As America’s most popular horses, they are known for being sturdy and level-headed mounts.
APPALOOSA
Original use: Appaloosas were developed by the Nez Perce Indians, who prized them for their colorful spots and coat patterns. Western settlers used them for ranch and cattle work.
Characteristics and trail suitability: This breed tends to have a muscular build, in part from the Quarter Horse blood added in modern times. Appaloosas average 14.2 to 15.2 hands in height. Among other traits, Appaloosas are known for their stamina and strong hooves.
ARABIAN
Original use: Best known for their stamina, Arabians are the oldest pure breed in existence. Developed on the Arabian Peninsula thousands of years ago, the breed was used in battle and for quick travel across the deserts.
Characteristics and trail suitability: Arabians have refined, delicate features; they often have small heads, dished faces, and high tail carriage. The breed’s average height is 14.2 to 15 hands. Because Arabians were bred to travel long distances swiftly, they are considered a “hot” breed, but they are also known for being friendly, intelligent, and people oriented. Arabians are the mounts of choice for many long-distance and endurance riders.
MORGAN
Original use: Morgans were originally used for farm work and racing under saddle and in harness.
Characteristics and trail suitability: Standing an average of 14.2 to 15.2 hands, Morgans are known for their stamina, intelligence, and good temperament.
MUSTANG
Original use: Mustangs are America’s wild horses, originating from stock that escaped or was turned loose on the range.
Long-distance trail riders and competitors often choose Arabians.
Characteristics and trail suitability: Mustangs are considered hardy and sturdy, but be aware that horses adopted off the range will need considerable training. Most Mustangs average 13.2 to 15 hands.
STANDARDBRED
Original use: Standardbreds were bred as trotters or pacers to pull sulkies in harness races.
Characteristics and trail suitability: Standardbreds are known for having great temperaments. The breed features a slightly longer and leaner build than the stock horse breeds and stands, on average, about 15.2 hands. As with other racehorses, off-the-track Standardbreds will need considerable training before they can be suitable trail horses. But the breed is often used for trail riding, and Standardbreds are even making inroads in endurance competition.
THOROUGHBRED
Original use: The Thoroughbred was bred for racing and is the world’s most popular racehorse. Thoroughbreds are also successful sport horses.
Characteristics and trail suitability: Thoroughbreds tend to be long and lean compared with the stock breeds, averaging 16 to 16.2 hands. Like Arabians, Thoroughbreds are considered a hot breed and can be sensitive and high strung. Thoroughbreds with milder dispositions are often suitable for the trail. With retraining, even many ex-racehorses adapt to make good trail horses.
GAITED BREEDS
Gaited breeds, meaning breeds that have a gait other than the traditional walk, trot, and canter, are increasingly popular on the trail. These breeds are known for smooth gaits that do not bounce or jostle a rider as a trot might. If you’re interested in purchasing a gaited horse for trail, find an instructor who teaches on the breed you’re considering, and take a few lessons. Become familiar with the breed’s gaits, and arrange to take a trail ride or two.
Thoroughbreds are popular on the track and on trails.
Smooth movement and generally calm temperaments make gaited breeds, like this Rocky Mountain Horse, popular.
When evaluating a gaited horse, make sure she goes into her gaits and maintains them easily and correctly. Another factor to consider is whether you plan to ride with friends who own nongaited horses. Many gaited horses “walk” quite a bit faster than nongaited breeds. This can present a problem on a mixed group ride.
Some of the most popular gaited breeds include the following:
Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse
Original use: Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses were developed in central and eastern Kentucky as multipurpose family, ranch, and workhorses.
Characteristics and trail suitability: The breed registry features two divisions to accommodate horses of different sizes: Class A for horses and Class B for ponies. Known for their hardiness and willingness, these horses are bred to naturally perform a four-beat, rack-style gait that is smooth and ground covering, traveling up to 15 miles per hour.