All horse riders know that there is nothing more relaxing than exploring the world and enjoying amazing sceneries on horseback riding. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional trail rider or you simply are passionate about it, everyone needs to have a good trail horse on their side. There are some must-have qualities such as being audible and having the capacity to get on with other horses, that are, there are some breeds that are perfect for trail riding.
There’s a debate going on whether gaited horses or not-gaited horses are better for trail riding. It’s usually said that gaited horses are better for it because of their speed and the fact that they cover a bigger distance whilst people who ride non-gaited horses, say that gaited riders are faster than needed to appreciate the scenery. They both have their own unique characteristics that make them adapted for trails which is why we have compiled a list with the best horse breeds for trail riding. Keep reading!
THE QUARTER HORSE
The Quarter Horse was initially developed for their speed but as the breed progressed it developed into an excellent cattle horse due to its original cow sense. This horse has an extensive mass of strength, in part because it maintains its strength for when it’s required.
APPALOOSA
First developed by the Nez Percé Indians in the north-west of the lands, the breed has always been appreciated for its activity, sure-footedness and for its strength. The first Appaloosa was developed with other breeds, such as the Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Arabian to help expand its numbers. It’s the embodiment of Quarter Horse blood that has helped join the Appaloosa’s position on the trail ride. Appaloosas have all of the features of the Quarter Horse with the extra gratuity of color. They’re very strong horses that are comfortable being out in all weathers
PAINT HORSE
All Paint Horses are pureblood Paints or have one of their parents who is listed with either the American Quarter Horse Association or the Thoroughbred’s register which is one of the motives why it’s such an excellent trail horse. As you would assume it has all of the features of the Quarter Horse as well as the velocity of the Thoroughbred which is why, to a lot of people, its the ideal trail horse.
TENNESSEE WALKER
Gaited horses are very successful on the trail and when you think how easy they are to ride its easy to see why. When it comes to the trail the Tennessee Walker is the most famous of all gaited breeds. It was first developed for the engagement purpose of examining the farms during the day and pulling the family walk by night. While they’re not used in fittings as much these days they are still appreciated for their pleasant gaits as well as they’re energy. They have a gentle nature, aren’t predisposed to spooking and they’re loving horses that can quickly be managed by both adults and children
SPOTTED SADDLE HORSE
The only two requirements for horses to be registered are that they have the pinto coloring and have an ambling gait which is why a lot of Spotted Saddle Horses are duel registered as Missouri Foxtrotters, Tennessee Walkers or American Saddlebreds.
ANDALUSIAN
Due to its past and extensive use in the classic dressage arena, the Andalusian isn’t the first breed you think of when watching for a good trail horse, but it’s really a very common trail horse. It was first developed as a stock horse to work with the region’s dynamic. It’s this, onward with their eagerness to turn their hoof to anything, that makes them a flawless, even if somewhat a surprising choice for the trail. They’re very patient, won’t panic if you’re confronted with a predator and have long paces which make them a very convenient ride on the trail
ICELANDIC HORSE
Even nowadays they are still handled to round up livestock a lot in Iceland so have to spend long days being ridden over the rocky, jagged and sometimes hardened ground. They do this gracefully without bothering and often with lots of engird left to pity. They have no predators in Iceland so will estimate something rather than spook at it and despite they’re small size they’re remarkably powerful horses that can carry most riders
ARABIAN
Some people say that Arabian is too energetic to be used as a trail horse but this is mainly due to the individual horse rather than the breed as a whole. As a rule, Arabians have the power, strength, ability, and enthusiasm to make great trail horses. Due to their desert experience, they can endure with less water than most other horses and were first developed for their speed and strength as well as their intelligence.