If you’re going to purchase a horse for a child, it’s important to understand the temperaments of different breeds so that you don’t buy a dangerous horse. If you asked ten horse trainers about the top five horse breeds for children, you might get ten very different answers, but these are the horse breeds I would recommend for young kids.
Quarter Horses
Known for their docility and quiet nature, Quarter Horses are excellent for children because they aren’t prone to sudden bursts of energy. In fact, many Quarter Horses are quite lazy, despite for their proven speed at the quarter-mile, and they make great learning horses for kids.
As with all horses, however, you’ll find the rare Quarter Horse that isn’t good for children, so make sure you look at each one closely. Quarter Horses with speed events in their ancestry might be too “hot” for children to handle, so make sure to examine the animal’s pedigree. You should also be aware of the fact that an Appendix Quarter Horse is half Thoroughbred, which might add more energy and fire to the disposition.
Tennessee Walking Horses
Another great horse breed for children is the Tennessee Walking horse, which is one of the gaited saddle horses. A walker is generally mild-mannered and kind, though some have a tendency to spook when nervous. The major benefit to purchasing a Walker for children is the fact that their gaits are smooth as glass, which reduces the possibility of getting bounced out of the saddle.
In most cases, Tennessee Walkers are good for children who are interested in learning saddleseat riding. They are excellent and flashy competitors that often place higher than other gaited breeds, such as the Saddlebred.
Appaloosas
Although many people believe that Appaloosas have nasty dispositions, they are a great horse breed for children because they are generally quiet. It takes a lot to spook most Appaloosas and they are sufficiently athletic for just about any equestrian sport. The only drawback to purchasing an Appaloosa is that they are sometimes picky eaters and might have difficulty keeping weight on. They are a beautiful horse breed, however, and are usually very capable animals.
Arabians
Arabian horses as a breed have reputations for flighty behavior, but this isn’t the case for many of them. Arabians are a great horse breed for children because they are small and slender, thus seeming less intimidating. They have comfortable gaits, mild dispositions and often do well in the show ring. It is best to either purchase an older Arabian (ten years plus) or an Arabian crossed with a Quarter Horse. Young Arabians often live up to their stereotypes as spooky and energetic.
Mustangs
Most people associate mustangs with the wild, untamable horses you see in the movies, but there are plenty of domesticated Mustangs in the U.S. and Europe. Mustangs are a great breed for children because they are generally mild-mannered and loyal. They easily form bonds with their human partners and will go out of their way to protect their riders. You can find Mustangs at rescue centers and from local horse dealers.
The best horse breeds for children are those that are known for their calm, gentle dispositions, but you will find that horses, like people, are individuals. You can find Thoroughbreds that are as calm as elderly Basset Hounds and you’ll also meet Quarter Horses that toss every rider on their back. Make sure you ride a horse several times before buying him for your child.
