| exactly, is a breed of horse? It’s a | | | | short-distance speed, and sturdiness make it ideal |
| collection of horses that have been selectively | | | | for ranch work, cutting and reining, and |
| developed by breeders to carry certain traits. | | | | short-distance races;the Arabian, whose beauty, |
| Since the beginning of time people have bred | | | | incredible endurance, and high spirits make it ideal |
| horses for particular jobs and tasks, and | | | | for endurance trail riding, showing, and pleasure; |
| that’s why there are so many distinct | | | | the Dutch Warmblood, whose conformation, |
| breeds today. | | | | athleticism, and size make it perfect for jumping, |
| Some people needed big, heavy, and strong | | | | dressage, and driving; the Morgan, whose |
| horses to get chores done around the barn, while | | | | excellent temperament, strength, endurance, |
| others were more interested in breeding light and | | | | soundness, and versatility appeal to people |
| fast horses for racing or riding. Traits that stand | | | | engaged in just about any discipline; and the |
| the test of time that are passed down from | | | | Thoroughbred, whose speed, endurance, and |
| generation to generation often become traits by | | | | “never-give-up” attitude make it |
| which the breed is known. | | | | well-suited to racing, jumping, dressage, and |
| The breed of horse you select can be very | | | | cross-country. |
| important to whether or not you and your horse | | | | Ponies. By definition, a pony is any horse standing |
| are well matched. So how do you determine | | | | under 14.2 hands. Despite their small stature, |
| which breed is right for you? Ask yourself a few | | | | ponies can be excellent mounts for adults and |
| questions: | | | | children alike, and often excel at jumping, driving, |
| • What discipline am I planning on enjoying | | | | and trail riding. Popular pony breeds include the |
| with my horse? Those who plan on enjoying | | | | Chincoteague Pony, whose wonderful |
| barrel racing with their horse will have dramatically | | | | temperaments and pretty faces make them ideal |
| different needs than someone whose goal is to | | | | first mounts for children; the Connemara, whose |
| reach the Grand Prix level of dressage. | | | | stamina, strength, and jumping talent help them |
| • What is my experience level? If you are | | | | excel in jumping, hunting, dressage, driving, and |
| a novice rider, you will likely need a horse with a | | | | other sporting pursuits; the Hackney Pony, whose |
| calm temperament. More advanced riders can | | | | high action, great stamina, and effervescent |
| handle hotter horses. | | | | personalities make them just right for pleasure, |
| • What is my temperament like? A good | | | | harness, and roadster driving; and the Shetland |
| rule of thumb is that you and your horse should | | | | Pony, whose versatility and great temperament |
| balance each other out, and that means you | | | | make them ideal for carrying children or for |
| shouldn’t have the same weaknesses! | | | | driving. |
| If you are hotheaded, go for a horse with a | | | | Heavy Horses. Heavy horses are those horses |
| calmer temperament. Now that you’ve | | | | that are selectively bred to be tall and massive, |
| asked yourself all the right questions, make a list | | | | and were originally used for farm work. Today, |
| of the traits that are important to you. | | | | some heavy horses are used for riding. Popular |
| It’s easier if you make two | | | | heavy horse breeds include the Belgian, whose |
| columns—one for conformation, and | | | | sturdiness of bone and high-stepping action make |
| another for temperament. | | | | it ideal for pulling; the Clydesdale, whose size and |
| Once you have your list, you can start doing | | | | fluid and powerful movement make it well-suited |
| some research to find breeds that share these | | | | to draft work and being part of multi-horse |
| traits. | | | | hitches; and the Percheron, whose elegance make |
| Light horses. Light horses refer to just about any | | | | it ideal for harness and carriage driving. |
| breed of horse used for riding, and there is a | | | | So hope that gives you some insight on what you |
| great variety when it comes to color, size, | | | | might be thinking of starting your search for. We |
| conformation, and temperament. | | | | have included in our resource box some sites that |
| Popular light horse breeds include the American | | | | will help you start your search. |
| Quarter Horse, whose athleticism, versatility, | | | | |