What breed of horse would be best for a first time owner?

Question

I'm looking for a companion. No competing, no shows, just a pal who I can take care of.

Easy to train, not stubborn. I've got enough stubborness in my family to last me a lifetime.

Answer 1

QUARTER HORSE!!!!!!!!!!!OR PALOMINO.

Answer 2

No breed - depends on the horse. IDK if your a horse person or not, but if you aren't take lessons and talk to your trainer anout getting a horse. If you are a horse person: http://horsetopia.horse-for-sale.org/buy...

Answer 3

What ^ mtn. flyf said, exactly.

Answer 4

Nice old quater horse cant do you wrong :] they are sweet and mellow and if you find a good one, bomb proof. Good luck ;)

Answer 5

Appaloosa gelding was my first horse. He was a dream to handle.  Quarter horses are great if they are bomb proof.  You really have to demand respect from quarter horses if they are not broke completely.

Answer 6

look for an older, calm horse that knows what it's doing

Answer 7

A quarter horse past its prime thats mellowed out, preerably in its teens

Answer 8

I would say a QH gelding...QH are calm! And I gelding doesn't have "urges" and mares can become quite cranky sometimes! So that is what I would say!

Answer 9

I've said this a million times it seems. There is no certain breed that would be best. Just find a horse that meets your requirements and never mind the breed, color, and age.

There are bad apples tin every breed. And I'd hate for you to go on a search for the perfect horse by only looking with in one certain breed selection.

PS- If you are looking for just a companion go to equine.com and search free horses. Many people are willing to part with their family friend for free or cheap as long as the horse has a good home.

EDIT: When did Bay's become a breed? Did I miss a newsletter or something?

Answer 10

I agree with many of the answerers on here, breed doesnt always matter. However, I would suggest a breed that is less prone to temperments. A Quarter Horse is an all-around great horse; they are good for beginniners, buddy horses, and shows or competition (in case you decide to change your mind :}) Another great breed would be Morgans. They have great temperments, and are very 'sturdy'. Just make sure you get to know the horse, BEFORE you buy him/her. Make sure that you have the horse inspected too. You can either have a vet look at him, or even take a trusted friend (that has experience with horses) along with you, when you go to see the horse, and this will help you get a more thourough veiwpoint. Because all true horse lovers, tend to fall in love with any horse, and will look blindly at his faults! Come on admit it!

I hope this helps...and I hope you find your perfect horse!

Answer 11

quarter horse, appy, paint. preferably gelding, since they dont get all pissy in mating season, as my mare does. but dont get me wrong, mares are great. but look for geldings!

Answer 12

i think it's more about the age/experience than the breed.

xx

Answer 13

bay gelding

at a middle in life age you could get one for lone or buy if you have the facilites.

My bay is 12 and he's a pain yes but most horses will be at some point! but he's  easy to train alwayls welcomes you when you come to the yard

i definately thing bay's are the one :D! xx

Answer 14

When you are shopping for your horse I would pay attention to the temperament of the horse and not so much on the breed because like people each horse is an individual. When you are trying out the horse see if it is willing to follow you without a lot of coaxing, if it lets you pick up its feet and when you ride whether it yields to your leg and hands right away without a fight.

Answer 15

1. bay is not a breed, its a color, never buy a horse based on color.

2. any breed is lovely, look for older/maybe consider a lesson horse.

3. do not get a rescue horse (based on pervous question i'm not the only one here suggesting this).

4. take a trainer with you (even if you dont get lessons/ect) it's always nice to have another person's opinions.

5.always get a vet check(just adding to cover all bases)

now for me personally, to answer you're question, my first was a 14.2 arab that was a lesson horse/brood mare more/all her life. did i buy her cause she was an arab? no, she was given to me b/c she was safe/good for teaching kids/i had ridden her since i started riding(she was the first horse i rode).

quarter horses are nice for trails, i'm sure you'll get that answer as well. just make sure you do alittle research, ride  the horse, and dont pass on a horse just cause they're breed.

Answer 16

quarter horse gelding always get a gelding first not a mare and deffenly not a stallion

Answer 17

Breed depends on what you intend to do with the horse.  Are you familiar with riding and all that requires?  How much training you have with horses will be a factor as well.  you should have at least 5 acres per horse to exercise them properly.  How broke they are will dictate price as well. Do you have time to work with a horse that is only green broke, or are you looking ot spend a bit more on one that is saddle broke?  

For just overall decent attitude a quarter horse/ paint combination that is saddle broke would be a good first horse.  My friend actually chose that way to go and it worked out well.

Answer 18

A gentle, well-broke (bomb-proof) husband horse and a gelding.

Answer 19

I would definately recommend an older, well-trained Quarter Horse or a Paint. These horses are usually so even-tempered! They are wonderful first horses. I would not recommend getting a young horse or one that is hot-tempered. A nice horse does not necessarily have to be registered; there are plenty of wonderful grade horses out there that are just waiting for a job! Good luck! Getting your first horse is such an exciting experience!

Answer 20

the breed of the horse usually doesn't matter... although some breeds are more prone to high temperates.  try looking for companion horses on petfinder.com, and asking around.  consider a older horse, as they are usually well-trained and will make great companions!

Answer 21

i would probably buy an older, probably mid-late teens quarter horse or appendix gelding. mares tend to be too bitchy. i used to own a mare and it would pin its ears at everything, kick out at other horses, and bite. they get very nasty when they're in heat too.

i have a pure bred thoroughbred gelding now, and they're much nicer and more laid back than mares.

and if you don't plan on showing it, i wouldn't spend a fortune on it either. you can find nice horses just for companionship without spending $30,000.

Answer 22

i personally can't stand QHs, and geldings aren't always more friendly and chilled out than mares. i agree 100% with:  

"I've said this a million times it seems. There is no certain breed that would be best. Just find a horse that meets your requirements and never mind the breed, color, and age.

There are bad apples tin every breed. And I'd hate for you to go on a search for the perfect horse by only looking with in one certain breed selection.

PS- If you are looking for just a companion go to equine.com and search free horses. Many people are willing to part with their family friend for free or cheap as long as the horse has a good home."

also, try www.ac4h.com   they have so many perfect first horse prospects, and you'll be taking in a horse that came so close to being slaughtered just because they fell into the wrong hands.

good luck!