Cross Breeds

Best small horse for children?

Well, Grandpa has started a ranch (with all the requisite animals and then some). Currently he has two thoroughbreds (former race horses), an old mare that used to do kid-duty at a now-defunct stable and a small, non-rideable donkey. As grandchildren are starting to enter the picture, he will want to add another horse to the stable (Misty being almost 20yo there's likely not a bunch of kiddie-rides in her future). So: if you were to buy a horse for children to learn to ride, what breed and sex would you choose and why?

Public Comments

1. I would get a shetland pony, pony of americas, appaloosa, a smaller quarter horse, or a well-trained haflinger. don't get a stallion!! they have a tendency to be very unpredictible.
2. A quarter horse. Make sure it is a gelding. Coach
3. For learning how to ride I would recommend a quarter horse or a half-linger. Quarter horses are gentle and kind and are a lot of fun. Half-lingers are also a lot of fun and are really cute they have a nice trot and canter and a calm temperament. Gender doesn't really matter just make sure it's a gelding...meaning it has no parts. You don't want to put an inexperienced rider on a mare or stallion. Try not to get a young horse I have one and they're a real handful. You will probably want a horse in its teens. Best of luck.
4. I would get a Beginer's Pony. Definetly go for a gelding. This pony is the easiest to learn to ride on and is usually very calm and loving. Have fun shooping. Allow the kids to help chose the color. They'd have fun.
5. Specific breeds won't be your answer, as well as specific sexes. It all depends on the horse! I own a Quarter Horse that is FAR from easy going and he is a gelding, so he's going against everything that other people have said are true about this breed. I've also known many stallions that I would trust undoubtedly with children. Mares can be great kids horses, too. As far as shetlands go, I wouldn't go to that specific breed just because of their size. Sometimes they are more rambunctious than larger horses, so you can't decide solely on size. You need to find someone close to you that knows horses that can help you pick up a horse from an old riding stable, or family that has outgrown it, or an auction... They could be anywhere. You need to find another person that is very knowledgeable about horses to help you find your perfect kids' horse. Once you get to put in the time with the right horse, you'll know what you're looking for in the next one. Find a professional!
6. I wouldn't get a pony or a small horse get a regular size horse thats well broke hopefully a gelding .Mares can be tempermental.
7. Any gelding or mare that is well trained over at least 5, shetland pony, pony of americas...I have a mare that is just turned 13 my 7 year old sis has been riding her for almost 2 year also, my mare is a paint but she only lets her family ride her. It depends on the horse also, I would not get a stud or stallion.
8. Geldings are the most dependable when it comes to genders. I love mares but they can be a handful while in heat. Even though temperment should come before breed in selecting a pony, I'll give you a breakdown of all the more readily availible pony/horse breeds that I know of. Shetland ponies are cute and I learned to ride on them, but they can be quite evil, lol, and a bit of a handful for young kids. Welsh ponies are great, they can still be ridden by older children and adults. Small quarter horses are always nice, but harder to find. Morgan horses can come in small enough sizes for children, but are kinda spririted. I'd warn you away from arabs. They are great horses, just to hot for kids. Quarter ponies are great little guys. They are just like quarter horse but smaller. The one I own is very unflappable and stable. Grade (mixed/unknow breeds) ponies are just as great as all the other breeds I've listed, just without the papers. Try looking at www.dreamhorse.com to find ponies for sale. Best of luck finding a pony!!