What kind of horse should I get???

Question

Next month my grand father is buying me a horse but I dont no what breed to get. I plan on barrel racing, pole bending, and reining and I need a big sturdy horse. I know what breeds are out there but which one would you reccomend and why.

Answer 1

a black one

Answer 2

Quarter horse or American Paint (from Quarter stock). They are traditional ranch horses used for this type of work. They can jump into short bursts of high speed and are agile enough to easily change direction at full speed (think pole bending and reining). As for big... well, how big? A horse can easily carry 20% of it's body weight -- that's rider and saddle. If you and your saddle weigh more than 200 - 225 you may want to look at a Quarter horse or TB cross bred with a draft horse. These are becoming popular at riding stables to accomadate larger riders.

Answer 3

A quarter horse, or Appaloosa or Paint (basically color versions of quarter horse).

For your intended use, find one with a bit less width between the front legs...they do better on the turns.  If you haven't already been taking lessons, you should.  Before you get on and go fast, there's a lot to know about discipline...yours and the horse's.  At least be sure you understand leads and stops...good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

Quarter Horse thick fast and made for it.

Answer 5

You will want a wide sturdy horse, able to make wide turns around barrels and go through the pole bending. A horse that is fast but level headed. You are looking for a Quarter Horse or a well trained Mustang. The reasons why, a Quarter Horse can handle those needs, they are the horse that most professionals use because they are considered a multipurpose horse, strong and sound. As for Mustangs if you get the right one they are loyal and willing to do anything you ask of them. They can be level headed and quiet.

Answer 6

Quarter Horses are the common breed for this type of riding.  They have the build for it.  I also like them because of their "trainability," or good minds, and willing personalities.  This isn't to say that other breeds won't do well in these sports, but this would be my recommendation.

Answer 7

If you are a beginner, I would get a Quarter Horse gelding, but if you want a challange, get an Arabian or a Paint would be good.

Answer 8

An American Quarter Horse is what you should get. They happen to excel in most disciplines, especially western riding such as barrel racing, pole bending, and reining. I ride a Quarter horse and he is always willing to work and is calm. They are great for beginner riders and advanced ones too. They stand an average of 15.1-15.3 hands. I find them easy to handle and loving. I would recommend a quarter horse because they do well in different styles of riding, are gentle and calm (most of the time, each breed has an exception,) willing to work, and are great for beginning mounts. They are very stocky and can carry around most anyone. This is why I think you should get an American Quarter Horse.

Answer 9

Paint horses are just prettyer quarterhorses. so a paint. they are like the same breed just more unique and beautiful.

Answer 10

quarter horse.. since you said barrels, poles, and reining

get a well trained quarter horse... they were bred for that kind of running

Answer 11

I agree with the others, a quarter horse sounds like it will fit the bill, but...

It is way more important to match the horse's training with your skill level.  If you are a beginning rider (someone with less than 300 hours in the saddle) and you get a well-trained, sensitive and spirited Quarter Horse -- you are not getting a good match.  This kind of horse is not going to have a lot of patience and be accomodating with any accidental mistakes you might make.  On the other hand, if you are an intermediate rider (with 300 - 1000 hours in the saddle) and you get a dead-broke horse that is less sensitive to the aids -- you won't be well matched either.

So take your time, try lots of horses (it's a buyer's market as far as horses are concerned) and try to get a friend with lots of experience to help you find the right partner.

Good luck!

Answer 12

There are all different breeds good for that kind of things... Quarter horses are really good at Western things...  Check out all different websites to find out what you are looking for... GOOD LUCK

Answer 13

Quarter Horse or Arabian, have great stamina, will do anything you throw at them and look good in both saddle majors.  Plus there my Fav breed along with Friesians

Answer 14

You shouldn't worry about breeds so much as what suits you and your disciplines. You should try not to focus on the stereotypical characteristics of certain breeds although most horses of a breed do possess those qualities and attributes. But focus more on personality and ability, a horse that you can get along with and work with through challenges together.

Answer 15

any breed would work. i'd go more for what the horse can do than what its lineage is. every horse is different. i have a really heavy belgian who jumps 3', and  then i have a friend who is pretttty sucessful barrel racing on her rescued thoroughbred. it all depends on the individual horse.

so shop for the skill, not the pedigree