If you are looking for horses for kids, you need to consider temperament before anything else. A horse for a child needs to be calm and patient. Some breeds can maintain their cool better than others can.
Horse breeds that can suit kids include the
Quarter Horses,
Appaloosa,
Tennessee Walking Horse, and
Arabian. Another option to consider is the pony, which is small in size, calm in temperament, and ideal for kids.
The Quarter Horse is known to be calm and quiet. It is not susceptible to sudden outbursts. This makes it great for kids. These horses may be speedy when it comes to quarter-mile races, but they can be quite lazy. They are patient for kids that are learning how to ride and take care of horses. Quarter Horses with ancestors in the racing circuit may not be ideal for children, so check the pedigree of this breed.
The Tennessee Walking Horse is a gaited saddle horse that has mild manners. Their gait is ideal for kids, as they do not bounce much. Thus, this is a great horse breed for kids who are learning saddle seat riding.
Appaloosas may have a wild reputation, but they are generally quiet and calm horses. They are not easy to excite. Thus, they make good horses for kids.
Arabians also have an unruly reputation, but most of them as actually mild mannered. They are small in size, making them ideal for kids. With comfortable gaits, the Arabian horse is best suited for kids when it is older in age.
When it comes to pony breeds the
Shetland Pony is the smallest, and thus, the most popular breed for kids, especially younger ones. The
Connemara Pony, which is larger, is often chosen as a pony for older children. Another good choice for teens is the
Welsh Pony, which is a little larger than the Connemara.