By: Chad Carubia

Click here to view this article in its original format  (695.00 KB) 

Colorado State University

Choosing the right horse to fit your needs is an important decision.  When researching a horse to buy you should pay particular attention to characteristics of the breed.  The cost of buying a horse not suited for your needs can be very unforgiving. Therefore, before selecting an individual horse you should first ask yourself a few basic questions.

What questions should I be asking myself?
   
As an owner, potential owner, or someone just interested in horses you should be asking yourself the following questions:

•    Why do I want or need a horse?
•    What do I want to use this horse for?
•    What qualities am I looking for?
•    How much do I know about this breed?
•    Do I need more information:

Answering these questions up front will save you a lot of time and frustration.

Origin of the Horse breed

    Judy Duston, author of Storey’s Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America, explains why man intentionally bred different horses together forming distinct breeds.  Each breed is distinct in its characteristics, conformation, and ability.  Some breeds are superior to others at certain tasks.  For example, some horses are work horses, some show horses, and some recreational mounts.  Therefore, with careful consideration you can narrow down a breed right for you.

American Quarter Horse
   The Quarter Horse is truly an American creation.  Originating in North America the quarter horse typically stands between 14.2-17 hands.  The quarter horse displays tremendous quickness and athleticism, as well as explosive speed for short distances up to a ¼ mile.  Most horse experts, including Judy Duston, a life-long advocate for horses, agree that the quarter horse has the most highly developed “cow sense” of any breed. They were bred for their natural sense to command cows. The American Quarter horse is best suited for ranch work, barrel and short distance racing, cutting, reining, and overall pleasure riding.                                        

*For more information visit the American Quarter Horse Association at:
http://www.aqha.com/

Arabian
    Among the most beautiful and purest breeds in the world is the Arabian.  Originating in the Middle East (Iran, Iraq, Turkey) the Arabian stands between 14-15.3 hands.  In the book, Ultimate Horse, Elwyn Edwards claims, “they are the breed of choice for extreme endurance competition (4 plus miles). Special qualities of the Arabian include great beauty, high tail carriage, an untamed spirit, and tremendous endurance.  Most horse experts believe that Arabians do not peak until their early to mid-twenties. They are also believed to carry a man faster and further than any other horse in the world. The Arabian is best suited for endurance events, moderate jumping, showing, and pleasure riding. 

*For more information visit the Arabian Horse Association at:
http://www.arabianhorses.org

Thoroughbred
    In the 19th century short-distance racing soon gave way to distance racing with the emergence the Thoroughbred. Originating in England the Thoroughbred stands between 15-17 hands.  Thoroughbreds are racing specialists at distances between ¼ -4 miles. Thoroughbred racing continues to grow and has really exploded in the United States.  According to Bo Rothford and the American Thoroughbred Association, no other breed has ever had the combination of speed, endurance, and heart.  Today the Thoroughbred is used exclusively in competitive racing, polo, competitive jumping, field and show hunting, foxhunting, eventing and showing.

*For more information visit the Texas Thoroughbred Association at:
www.texasthoroughbred.com

Tennessee Walking Horse
    Known for its smooth and comfortable gaits is the Tennessee Walking Horse.  Originating in Tennessee, the Tennessee Walking Horse stands between 14.3-17 hands.  Traditionally the Tennessee Walker makes an excellent family and trail horse.  And because of their gentle, comfortable gaits, they are a great choice for riders with back or knee problems.  They are perfect for young beginners, as well as for those who are physically limited.  Therefore, the Tennessee Walker is best suited for young timid riders, riders with back or knee problems, trail riding, showing and pleasure riding.

*For more information visit the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association at:
www.twhbea.com

American Saddlebred
   With its roots originating in the Eastern United States, the Saddlebred stands between 15-17 hands.  Saddlebreds are known as being graceful, elegant, and spirited workers.  They are particularly used as show horses in both riding and driving divisions. Outside of showing they make wonderful pleasure and trail horses.  When ridden they possess either three gaits (walk, trot, canter) or five gaits (walk, trot, canter, slow gait, and rack).  Saddlebreds carry themselves elegantly and gracefully in everything they do.

*For more information visit the American Saddlebred Horse Association at:
http://www.asha.net/

American Paint Horse
   One of the most attractive, distinctive colored breeds in the world is the American Paint Horse. Some Indian tribes considered colored horses to be magical and only proven warriors were allowed to ride them into battle.  Originating in the American West the Paint stands between 14.2-16.2 hands.  The attractive nature of this breed has made it very popular all over the world.  According to Jack Labeau and the American Paint Horse Association, Paints are founds in virtually all working and pleasure disciplines.  They excel in western pleasure and roping, reining, cutting, ranch work, field hunting, trails, and in Paint races.  Paints are also noted for their gentle temperament.

*For more information visit the American Paint Horse Association at:
http://www.apha.com/

Draft Horse
  
    The modern draft horse displays enormous strength and desire.  Originating all over the world the modern draft stands between 16-19 hands and weighs between 1,000 to 2,200 pounds.  Draft horses are traditionally used in farm work, logging, and pulling carriages or wagons.  Having shoulders inclined to be upright gives them more power rather than action. Although draft horses can be ridden for pleasure their main purpose includes pulling and/or working with very heavy loads. 

*For more information visit the Draft Horse webpage: 
www.draftresource.com

American Standardbred
    Without a doubt the supreme harness racer is the American Standardbred.  Originating in the United States, the Standardbred stands between 14.2-15.2 hands. The Standardbred is almost exclusively used as a harness racer.  Each year harness racing brings more money per year than does Thoroughbred racing.  Although these horses look like they are running, they are truly pacing or trotting.

*For more information on the American Standardbred visit:
www.americanstandardbred.com

Doing your homework
    Owning a horse requires both time and commitment.  And remember a lot more goes into owning and caring for a horse than you might think.  Save yourself a lot of time and frustration by doing some basic research.  Knowing the type of horse you want before going to look will eliminate a great deal of stress.