10 Best Horse Breeds for First-Time Owners & Riders

While no horse breed is perfect for beginning riders and owners, some breeds have attributes that make them more suitable than others. Your main concern should always be safety. When choosing a beginner's horse, the horse's temperament and experience level should matter more than pedigree. Breeds like Morgans and American paint horses tend to be attentive and easier to train—essential characteristics that suit novice riders.

Breed Characteristics

Horses that make good rides for beginners are calm, trainable, and have a smooth ride. Most are typically more patient with riders who have little experience. A mature, well-trained, well-mannered horse will be your best bet. 

Here are 10 of the best horse breeds for beginners.

1. American Quarter Horse

   The American quarter horse—the No. 1 horse breed in America—is popular with English and Western riders. Quarter horses often make great beginner horses because of their even temperament. However, some can be energetic. Spritely spirit aside, their other attributes—adaptability, dexterity, and reliability—make them a great first horse.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

   Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Medium-boned; finely chiseled head; wide forehead; flat profile

   Life Expectancy: 25 to 35 years

2. Arabian

   By reputation, Arabians are hot-headed or hot-bloods. They were known for being warhorses with speed, endurance, and strength. Many Arabians are quiet and trustworthy. A quiet horse with a calm disposition is less likely to spook in startling situations. Generally, geldings (castrated adult males) are considered the calmest Arabians and may make a good beginner horse depending on the individual horse's temperament.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

   Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Compact body; wedge-shaped sculpted head and small muzzle; short back with sloping shoulders and powerful hindquarters

   Life Expectancy: 25 to 30 years

3. Thoroughbred

   Largely bred for racing, a thoroughbred might turn out to be more horse than most beginners can handle. For the most part, pass on a retired racehorse that is trained to bolt at the crack of a starter pistol. However, non-racing thoroughbreds can be quiet and steady and may make great first horses.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 15 hands (60 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)

   Weight: 1,000 to 1,300 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Deep chest; lean body; long, flat muscles

   Life Expectancy: 25 to 28 years

4. American Paint

   Paint horses have a strong mix of American quarter horse in their pedigree. They typically have a calm, easygoing temperament and are social animals. They can form deep bonds with their person of choice and tend to do well with children. They are an intelligent breed and are easy to train.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

   Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Muscular body; broad chest; strong hindquarters; distinctive coat pattern

   Life Expectancy: 30 to 31 years

5. Morgan

   The versatile Morgan is an excellent choice for a family horse. These horses are typically attentive, social, and have a strong desire to please their caretakers. For beginning riders, they are pretty forgiving. And with experienced riders, they are quick to follow commands. These horses are generally easy to care for, and health issues are rare.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)

   Weight: 900 to 1,100 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Smooth lines; small ears; expressive eyes; crested neck

   Life Expectancy: 20 to 30 years

6. Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse

   Kentucky mountain horses are a gaited breed, which means they have a four-beat hoof movement for a smoother ride. The ride almost feels effortless, and your body hardly moves in the saddle. Older people or those with back or joint problems favor these horses. This breed also tends to have a gentle temperament and is a requirement for breed registry examiners.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 13 hands (52 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

   Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Muscular, compact body; flat facial profile; arched neck; deep chest; well-sloped shoulders

   Life Expectancy: 25 to 30 years

7. Missouri Fox Trotter Horse

   The Missouri fox trotter horse is another gaited breed for a comfortable ride. Its unique ambling gait is called a foxtrot. With its head down and tail up, the horse steps deliberately with one foot always in contact with the ground. This horse has a friendly, gentle disposition and is an excellent choice for families.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

   Weight: 900 to 1,200 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Straight facial profile; pointy ears; muscular body; short back; pronounced withers, sloped shoulders

   Life Expectancy: 20 and 30 years

8. Icelandic Horse

   Icelandic horses are sure-footed, long-lived, and resistant to harsh conditions. Some can live up to 40 years, and they mature later than other horses, not usually ready for riding until about age 4. They descend from Shetland ponies, and their shorter stature makes them feel less imposing to new riders. Icelandics are another gaited breed. Their unique step is called a "tolt," a sped-up walk that offers a level ride even over rocky terrain.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 13 hands (52 inches) to 14 hands (56 inches)

   Weight: 730 to 840 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Squat-legged; deep-chested; long back; shaggy fur, straight facial profile and wide forehead

   Life Expectancy: 30-plus years

9. Clydesdale

   Clydesdales often have a quiet demeanor that beginners enjoy. These horses tend to be forgiving of a beginner’s mistakes and are generally calm and steady. Their biggest downside is their size. Sometimes saddle fit and tack sizing can be tricky for these larger horses. Some people find these towering horses intimidating or challenging to mount.

   Breed Overview

   Height: 16 hands (64 inches) to 18 hands (72 inches)

   Weight: 1,800 to 2,000 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Feathering on legs; round feet; broad forehead; arched, long neck

   Life Expectancy: 20 to 25 years

10. Draft Crossbreeds

    A nice alternative to a full-blooded draft breed is a draft crossbreed. Draft horse breeds, including Clydesdales, Shires, and Percherons, have successfully bred with thoroughbreds, quarter horses, and paint horses to produce docile horses of a smaller stature. These crossbreeds are easier for beginners to mount, ride, and maintain at a more approachable height.

Breeds to Avoid

In general, beginners should avoid untrained and highly spirited horses; they can be difficult for even veteran equestrians. The Akhal-Teke is one breed that might be too excitable for someone with little equine experience. Similarly, the athleticism of Andalusian horses can make them challenging to manage for beginners. As with all breeds, exceptions abound, and it comes down to the individual horse—their age, experience, training, and demeanor matter most.