| Owning a horse is a huge responsibility. Just like | | | | strong-legged Thoroughbred may be the perfect |
| owning any pet, you should put a great deal of | | | | fit. These gentle giants are rugged enough to |
| thought and consideration before you decide to | | | | withstand the abuse of jumping, but are agile |
| purchase an equine. Since most individuals will have | | | | enough to soar over the highest gates. If you |
| to house horses off their property, you should | | | | would rather have a rough-and-tumble horse |
| first consider finding a suitable stable before you | | | | perfect for uneven trail rides, the American |
| purchase a horse. Also, consider your wants and | | | | Quarter Horse should be your top pick. These |
| needs. If you or your stable has limited space, | | | | famous horses are often used in competitive |
| you might not want to consider a sizable draft | | | | Western riding events, including the heart-pumping |
| horse like a Clydesdale. However, if you are in | | | | barrel racing. American Quarter Horses are |
| need of a large horse to do a great deal of work | | | | perfect for the intense training required for |
| pulling wagons, you should consider breeds other | | | | competitive racing, but also have the sure-footed |
| than Shetlands. There are a great number of | | | | step necessary for making the quick turns and |
| breeds, each with a different pro and con. After | | | | negotiating rocky terrain. A Tennessee Walking |
| carefully reviewing each breed, you are sure to | | | | Horse or Mountain Horse is the perfect fit for the |
| find the exact type of horse to fit your needs | | | | horse owners who want to go on quiet rides. The |
| and your lifestyle. | | | | gentle gait of these beautiful creatures gives |
| Ask yourself what you are looking for in a horse. | | | | these horses the best ride over even terrain. |
| Do you want a horse that you can show? Do you | | | | Finally, if you are looking a horse for a child, |
| want a horse for work purposes? Do you want a | | | | consider a smaller breed like the Icelandic. The |
| horse to jump or ride competitively? Do you | | | | shorter stature better fits the proportion of a |
| want a horse to race? Do you want a horse to | | | | child, and their smooth gait and easy-going |
| ride on trails or one that is compatible with | | | | attitude will prevent much bumping and jostling. |
| children? After you determine why you want a | | | | Whatever your choice of breed, carefully consider |
| horse (and the answer should be better than "just | | | | its pros and cons. Even though you may have |
| because"), you can set out determining what | | | | your heart set on one specific breed, if it will not |
| breed is best for you. Keep in mind, even though | | | | meet your needs, you should carefully rethink |
| the breed might fit everything you want, each | | | | your choice. A horse is a huge responsibility and |
| horse will have a different personality. Before you | | | | you cannot simply return the magnificent creature |
| run out and buy the first horse in your desired | | | | because you did not seriously research all your |
| breed, take a careful look at the specific horse in | | | | options and hastily chose a horse that will not fit |
| question. | | | | into your lifestyle. |
| If you are interesting in showing a horse for its | | | | To find more information about selecting a horse, |
| beauty and grace, an Arabian horse is probably | | | | just log on to the Internet and visit locations such |
| your best bet. These beautiful creatures are | | | | as to do a thorough search. |
| well-liked on the show circuit and enjoy being | | | | © Copyright 2005 by Lynn Walls. All rights |
| fussed and fawned over. For those daring riders | | | | reserved. |
| who want a horse for jump training, the | | | | |