There are plenty of reasons to choose one horse breed over the others. Arabians are known for their endurance and stamina, while Thoroughbreds are the horse of choice for flat-out speed. Pretty much any breed of draft horse is a good choice if you want strength and pulling capability. But what if you’re new to riding? Which breeds are calm and easy-going enough for a beginner?
It is important to remember that there are no guarantees. The American Quarter Horse might be widely regarded as the calmest breed, but you might meet one with attitude. And while Andalusians are generally considered too high-spirited and athletic for a beginner, you could find a relaxed and angelic horse.
Below, we have listed eight of the calmest horse breeds so that you can find the perfect four-legged companion.
The 8 Calmest Horse Breeds
1. American Quarter Horse
Generally regarded as one of the calmest and quietest breeds, the American Quarter Horse is so-named for its ability to run a quarter-mile in the shortest time. As well as being lightning fast, they are one of the most popular breeds in the world.
Their popularity has been cemented in the American West, where they were used by cowboys to round up and perform various tasks. The Quarter is known for being calm and an excellent choice for first-time and novice riders.
As well as looking after their rider, the American Quarter is an exceptional all-rounder that can compete in races and win shows before spending the day working the fields. There is very little this horse can’t do.
2. Morgan Horse
All Morgan horses can trace their heritage to a single stallion born in 1789 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The breed later took the owner’s name, Justin Morgan, and was known for being versatile. The Morgan was used for racing, working the fields, and being ridden.
The Morgan was one of the breeds used to create the Quarter Horse. Not only are they capable of performing many tasks, but they naturally form a very strong bond with their owner, and they love nothing more than to please you.
3. Appaloosa Horse
The Appaloosa was originally known as the Palouse and named after the Palouse River in northern Idaho. They were bred by the Nez Perce Indian tribe and were revered for their agility and speed. Although only a tiny fraction of the original breed was spotted, the modern Appaloosa must have at least one spot to meet the breed standard. Most have the more colorful blanket of spots synonymous with the beautiful breed.
The Appaloosa is popular for teaching children to ride, and like the first two horses on our list, they can do everything from racing to English and Western riding. They are also known for having fun and amiable personalities.
4. Norwegian Fjord
The Norwegian Fjord is a smaller breed with a somewhat distinctive look. They have a dorsal stripe and roached black mane. They also have a great personality that makes them popular with experienced and novice riders.
The breed is considered calm and willing but has a good store of energy to call upon when required. They were bred to pull carriages.
5. Connemara Pony
Don’t overlook ponies, especially if you are looking for a sweet-natured, capable, but humble steed. The Connemara Pony is gentle and adorable and only stands around 13 hands high but can reach 14. They are suitable for children and adults, and they have the athleticism and can-do attitude to be working pets.
6. Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse stands up to 17hh and is popular for their natural beauty, as well as their strength and great attitude. They are a gaited horse, which makes them easier to ride, and when this is combined with their calm nature, they are perfect for first-time and novice riders.
Although they are tall, they are easy to manage, and you will feel the Tennessee trying to cooperate at every turn.
7. Irish Vanner
The Irish Vanner was bred to pull the wagons of Irish travelers. As such, the breed’s calmer and more sensible horses flourished, while the less predictable ones did not. The modern Vanner is a culmination of this selective and purposeful breeding. The Irish Vanner was very good at pulling heavy weights, and smaller examples of the breed, which can measure between 13 and 16 hands, were more popular because they had lower feed costs.
8. Cob
The Cob is a strong horse with big joints, appearing larger than reality, with most Cobs only measuring slightly taller than a Pony.
They are calm, having been bred to pull carts and live with their owners, while their 15 hands mean that they are inviting to the younger and smaller riders. They have a calm temperament and forgive a few mistakes from a novice rider because they usually have an innate sense of what is required of them.
Final Thoughts
There is no guarantee that a particular breed will be calm or easily excitable. Even if you have a horse that is known for being calm, a loud noise or surprise can make them excitable and jumpy. However, the eight breeds listed above are known to produce calm horses, and they can make an excellent choice for those who are looking for a horse for novice riders and first-time owners.
Featured Image Credit: khamkhor, Pixabay
