Top 10+ Types of Horses That Are Great for First-Time Owners and Old Hands

1) Arabian

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

With a history that can be traced back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula, these horses are one of the planet's oldest. Their bloodlines have contributed to the development of breeds including Morgans and Thoroughbreds, and they are cherished across the world for what Miller calls "their beauty and energy."

"They have a flat, dished face, an arched neck, and high tail carriage, and they are exceptionally intelligent and spirited," Miller adds. "Therefore, strong bonds with their owners are easily formed. The horses are popular for endurance riding because of their stamina and sensitivity."

  • Group: Light
  • Height: 14.1 hands (56.4 inches) to 15.1 hands (60.4 inches)
  • Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds
  • Life Expectancy 25 to 30 years

2) Appaloosa

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

This thoroughly American horse was developed by the Nez Perce people of the Pacific Northwest from animals brought over by the Spanish. White settlers dubbed them "Palouse horses" after the area's Palouse River, which eventually morphed into the name we know today.

While the Appaloosa may be most famed for its distinctive, spotted coat, which comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, there is "so much more to this breed," according to Miller. "Appaloosas are known to be intelligent and versatile horses, generally excelling in western riding disciplines," she says. "They are often steady and people-oriented, making them great for families and beginning riders."

  • Group: Light
  • Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)
  • Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 30 years

3) American Quarter Horse

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

The most popular horse worldwide, the American Quarter Horse is a star as well in its native country thanks to its calm temperament and fast acceleration in short distances, Miller says. "They are muscular and compact, ideal for ranch work, rodeos, and western pleasure riding," she adds. "Their gentle nature wins them affection among youth and therapy programs."

One of the United States's oldest equine breeds, the American Quarter Horse was developed in the mid-17th century from Spanish horses and the English horses the colonists brought with them. Named for its ability to race a quarter-mile course (often in less than 21 seconds), the American Quarter Horse boasts plenty of Thoroughbred in its genetic makeup.

  • Group: Light
  • Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)
  • Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 25+ years

4) Tennessee Walking Horse

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

Hailing from the central region of the Volunteer State, the Tennessee Walking Horse counts as its ancestors the Morgan, Tennessee Pacer, and Thoroughbred breeds. It's said to date to the late 1800s, when its famously fluid, gliding gaits, including its running walk, made it a favorite horse of people who had to travel long distances through the mountains.

This horse's three natural, inherited gaits are all so smooth that it's one of the most sought-after for trail riding, says Miller. "Their special gait makes long rides comfortable even for those with sore joints or elderly riders." Gentle, even-tempered and easy to train, the Tennessee Walking Horse is an ideal option for kids and beginners.

  • Group: Light
  • Height: 14.3 hands (59 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)
  • Weight: 900 to 1,200 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 25 to 33 years

5) Thoroughbred

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

While there's no doubt that "Thoroughbreds are generally regarded as the top athletes in the horse world," as Miller notes, they might not be the right horse for first-time owners. "Tall, lean, and powerful, they have sensitive and high-energy temperaments," she explains. "Many require experienced handling, however, retired racehorses manage the transition to jumping, dressage, and eventing."

The most popular racehorse in the United States, Thoroughbreds were developed in England in the late 17th century before making their way to these shores. They're famed for competing in iconic events like the Kentucky Derby, an annual springtime race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

  • Group: Light
  • Height: 15 hands (60 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)
  • Weight: 990 to 1,200 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 25 to 35 years

6) Pony

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

Not a specific breed, but instead a small horse, ponies are generally under 14.2 hands (58 inches) high, according to Miller. "For their size, they are extremely sturdy and strong," she says. "Their manageable size makes convenient riding for young children, although some ponies exhibit stubborn traits. With proper training, ponies are wonderful friends and teachers for beginning riders."

The most famous pony breed may be the Shetland, which comes from Scotland's Shetland Islands and is believed to date to at least the Bronze Age. Just 10 hands high, Shetlands are very docile. The Pony of the Americas, which originated in the U.S. and is a cross between the Shetland and an Appaloosa, is a bit bigger but also makes a good mount for kids.

7) Light Breeds

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

Horses are categorized into three groups: ponies, light breeds, and heavy breeds. Light horses, which fall between ponies and heavy horses in size, generally weigh from 800 to 1,500 pounds. They have long, lean legs that are designed for speed, and lengthy, flexible necks to help them with balance when running.

"The light breeds that include the Morgan and the Saddlebred, among others, are horses that are bred for fast speeds, agility, and endurance rather than great pulling power," Miller explains. "These horses are often used in both English and western riding and carry themselves with elegance and great spirit. Their capacities and exquisite appearance make them favorites in both showing and trail riding."

8) Draft Horse

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

When you want to go big or go home, draft horses, also called heavy horses, are your best bet. They can be as tall as 20 hands (80 inches) and include such breeds as the ancient, long-lived Belgian; Scotland's Clydesdale (famed for their use in Budweiser commercials); and the Shire. Descended from the English "great horse" used in battle in the Middle Ages, the Shire is the world's largest horse.

"Draft horses are the gentle giants of the horse world," Miller says. "They have large, muscular bodies built for pulling heavy loads, but they typically have a very calm and patient nature. This friendly demeanor makes them ideal for farm chores, parades, and even therapeutic riding programs."

9) Warmbloods

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

In addition to the categories previously mentioned, horsey folks also classify horses by the terms "hot-blooded," "warm-blooded," and "cold-blooded," which indicate the animal's temperament and physiology. Hotbloods are the more high-strung, light racing breeds like Thoroughbreds, while coldbloods are the even-tempered, heavy draft horse breeds. And then there is the popular option that meets in the middle.

"Warmbloods refer to the family of European sport horses like Hanoverian and Dutch Warmblood dedicated to show-jumping and dressage performances," Miller says. "They incorporated the agility of light breeds, added the strength of the draft horses, and produced a horse that could be attractive, somewhat athletic, and intelligent, with a good degree of common sense. Many a competition rider prefers them."

10) Gaited Horses

1) Arabian, 2) Appaloosa, 3) American Quarter Horse, 4) Tennessee Walking Horse, 5) Thoroughbred, 7) Light Breeds, 8) Draft Horse, 9) Warmbloods, 10) Gaited Horses

Gaited horses, which include the Tennessee Walking Horse and the legendary Icelandic Horse, a pony-sized breed native to the country for which it's named, offer the rider something special. "Gaited horses are known for incredibly smooth, natural gaits that make them nice beginner horses," Miller says. "A variety of horses are in this group, like the very popular Missouri Fox Trotter or Paso Fino types."

The unique, ambling gaits of these equines reduce rider fatigue and stress on the back and joints, making them a great choice for the elderly and folks with back problems and balance issues. But they're not only more comfortable to ride. Gaited horses are also gifted with calm, gentle personalities, so they're typically well-suited to children, too.

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