Best Horse Breeds For Trail Riding
What is the best breed for trail riding? Hitting the trails on horseback is an amazing way to get out and explore the world, but there are so many different breeds to choose from! I asked equestrians to share their favorite breeds and these are the results!!
Thanks to everyone that sent in their favorites!! Here are some of the suggestions that we received:
Morgan, Mule, Cheval Canadien, Friesian, Warmblood, Irish Horses, Stock Horses, Standardbred, Clydesdale, Grade Horses, Rescue Horses, Aussie Riding Pony, Hanoverian, Norwegian Fjord, Anglo Arab, New Forest, Shire, Belgian, Percheron, Irish Sport Horse, American Blazer Horse, Sorraia Mustang, Brumby, Shagya Arabian, Kallblodstravare/ Cold Blooded Trotter, Azteca, Australian Stock Horse, Andalusian , Polish Warmblood, Curly Horse, Welsh, Dutch Warmblood, Georgian Grande, Dolarhest,Smokey Valley Horse, Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, POA, Draft, Draft Cross & English Hunter!
Top 15 Horse Breeds For Trail Riding According to Equestrians:
American Paint Horse (APHA)
This colorful breed is well loved as a trail horse for all riding levels. They are known for their flashy coloring and have a stocky and muscular build.
American Quarter Horse
They are one of the most popular horse breeds in North America. The Quarter Horse got its name from its ability to sprint short distances at incredible speeds. As trail horses you can find them doing everything from mountain rides to a full day of driving cattle.
American Saddlebred
These proud and flashy horses are commonly found in the show ring. But they also have the energy and heart to make their riders proud out on the trail.
Appaloosa
Here is breed that is commonly spotted out on trail. They are another stock type horse that has stolen the hearts of many a trail rider.
Arabian
Of course the Arabian has to be on this list! Bred to perform under harsh desert conditions. These horses have incredible stamina and are one of the most common breeds used for endurance riding.
Icelandic Horse
Go for one ride in Iceland and these strong Viking Horses will show you why they make amazing trail horses. Plus their smooth gait called the tolt makes them super comfortable!
Irish Cob, Gypsy Vanner & Gypsy Cob
These strong and gentle horses were used to pulled wagons and caravans. Known for their calm and reliable temperament they are now commonly used as trail and family horses.
Missouri Fox Trotter
An all around gaited horse that will keep you comfortable out on the trail. They are known for their smooth gait called the Fox trot. They were bred in the Ozarks and are used to riding in all sorts of terrain.
Spanish Mustang, Kiger Mustang & BLM Wild Mustang
Tough, surefooted and hardy, the Spanish Mustang and the Wild Mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management are known for being excellent trail horses.
Old Kentucky Saddler
The Old Kentucky Saddler, also known as the Mountain Pleasure Horse is the oldest gaited breed of horse in the United States and they have been used as trail horses for hundreds of years.
(Photo, Info & Videos Coming Soon!)
Paso Fino
The Paso Fino is another smooth gaited breed and a favorite among trail riders.
Peruvian Horse
Commonly referred to as one of the smoothest horses in the world. Their smooth ground covering gait called the Paso Llano will make you want to stay out on the trails all day.
Rocky Mountain Horse
Another naturally gaited breed (Are you noticing a trend yet?) the Rocky Mountain Horse was bred in the mountains of Kentucky. Their classic coloring is Chocolate with Flaxen mane and tail.
Tennessee Walking Horse
Bred for utility and loved for their smooth gaits, including the running walk, the Tennessee Walker is another fantastic trail riding breed.
Thoroughbred
Famed for its speed and endurance you might think of this breed as being only a race horse. But for many off track and unraces Thoroughbreds a life on the trail is the perfect fit.
