Horse Serious

Are you thinking about buying a new horse but aren’t sure what breed is best suited for your riding style? It doesn’t matter if you’re new to horseback riding or very experienced, the right horse will help you elevate your riding.

Not every horse breed does the same thing. Most horse breeds are used in specific disciplines for a reason. The horse’s size and temperament contribute to how well it can work for your preferred riding style.

If you are still curious about what type of horse you need, continue reading. We go through a variety of breeds and what discipline they are most popular in.

Western Horseback Riding Styles and Horse Breeds

Western riding began as day-to-day riding on ranches and farms. Now, it has evolved into a wide range of competitive riding. Western horseback riding shows agility, stamina, athleticism, and most importantly the connection between horse and rider. Western riding is usually easiest with a horse that is often used for farm work and requires much wider saddles and reining cues.

1 – Western Pleasure

This style requires a horse to be precise and alert. The proper horse breed for Western Pleasure is tall, with a stable form as well as with lean shoulders and hips. Quarter horses are often chosen for this riding style because they have stronger limbs, a smooth gait, and a calm demeanor.

2 – Reining

Somewhat similar to dressage, reining is composed of swift and guided moments. A connection between rider and horse is strongly required. Horses that are used in cattle work are often up to the tasks of reining. Appaloosas and paints make for great reining horses as they are very coordinated, with broad chests and a strong center of gravity.

3 – Trail Riding

Trail riding usually comes with a variety of obstacles and barriers that a horse needs to move through strategically. Trail riding often involves closing and opening gates, terrain changes, and water obstacles. Horses used in trail riding need stamina and athletic abilities to endure that distance and stops. The best horse breeds for trail riding must be able to tolerate long riding periods. Arabians make great trail riding horses as they are muscular and have a natural endurance. Arabians are also sure-footed allowing them to conquer difficult terrain and obstacles with elegance and stability.

4 – Barrel Racing

Barrel racing requires a horse to be fast, agile, and well-balanced. Because barrel racing is a timed event, the horses competing must whip around obstacles at high speeds. A horse that has quick reflexes and strong haunches to build speed is a necessity. Quarter horses make excellent barrel racers because they are strong and compact. They can distribute their power over short distances making them a good choice.

English Horseback Riding Styles and Horse Breeds

English riding styles are much more organized and require different techniques than most Western disciplines. The horses used in English riding must be agile, calm, and have good stamina.

1 – Dressage

Dressage can be compared to ballet. It requires a lot of discipline and teamwork between the horse and the rider. The rider guides their horse through a routine which is then scored based on their composure, ability, harmony, and impulsion. Dressage horses must obey their rider and demonstrate expertise. It is a very visual and artistic discipline.

Hanovarians and Andalusians make for excellent dressage horses. They are both very noble with light gaits and cadence that ensures the right amount of lift for dressage actions.

2 – Show Jumping

In show jumping, the rider and horse leap over a variety of fences that are in a specific layout. Jumping events are timed and require the horse to be not only fast but very accurate. Warmbloods are well-suited for show jumping. They are often tall with great strength, which ensures that they have the capability to jump over large fences.

3 – Eventing

Eventing is a competition that involves 3 events; dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Cross-country involves both small and big permanent jumps. Unlike show jumping, cross-country obstacles do not fall if you hit them. Eventing requires multi-talented horses with high stamina. Hanovarians make for great eventing horses as they often have an array of skills.

4 – Polo

Polo is a team sport that is played on horseback. The teams hit a ball with a wooden mallet in an effort to score goals. Horses used in polo are often referred to as “polo ponies”. Thoroughbreds are often used in polo because they are quick and agile.

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