25 Perfect Horse Breeds for Kids Starting Out

Choosing the right horse for a young rider is essential for a positive riding experience. Beyond making riding fun, research shows that horseback riding improves children’s ability to respond appropriately (Go reactions) and exercise self-control (No-Go reactions), helping them better manage their responses and impulses.1

Here are the best horse breeds that can support young riders in building confidence and skill while fostering a lifelong love of horses. 

1. American Quarter Horse

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Image Credit: DJakob/Deposit Photos
  • Physical Characteristics: The American Quarter Horse is known for its muscular build, strong hindquarters, and compact size. It has a broad chest and a short, straight back. The breed’s coat comes in various colors, including bay, chestnut, and black.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.3 and 16 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: This breed is renowned for its calm demeanor and gentle nature, making it an excellent choice for young riders. Its intelligence and trainability help kids learn quickly and feel safe.

2. Gypsy Vanner

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Image Credit: Sabine Hagedorn/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: Gypsy Vanners are known for their distinctive appearance, including a robust, feathered coat, long mane and tail, and a powerful build. They have a gentle, docile temperament and are often seen in a variety of colors, including piebald and skewbald.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.2 and 15.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: This breed’s calm and friendly nature makes it an excellent choice for children. They are patient and gentle, and their smaller size compared to some other draft breeds makes them easier for kids to handle.

3. American Paint Horse

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Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The American Paint Horse is characterized by its striking coat patterns, which include overo, tobiano, and tovero patterns. It has a sturdy build, with a strong, muscular body and a broad, powerful chest.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.2 and 16 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Paint Horses are known for their friendly and gentle temperament. They are often calm and easygoing, which makes them great for young riders who are just learning.

4. Morgan

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Image Credit: Shawn Hamilton/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: Morgans are known for their compact, muscular build and their elegant, flowing mane and tail. They have a well-proportioned body with a deep chest and a strong, rounded hindquarters. They come in a variety of colors, including bay, black, and chestnut.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.1 and 15.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Morgans are known for their versatility, intelligence, and calm disposition. They are very trainable and have a natural affinity for people, making them a great choice for kids.

5. Norwegian Fjord

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Image Credit: slowmotiongli/Deposit Photos
  • Physical Characteristics: The Norwegian Fjord is known for its distinctive, compact build and its unique mane, which is cut short and stands upright. It has a sturdy, muscular body with a broad chest and powerful legs. The breed typically comes in shades of dun, including light, medium, and dark.
  • Height: Typically stands between 13.1 and 14.3 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Fjords are known for their gentle and willing nature. They are small enough for children to handle and are known for their patience and reliability, making them an excellent choice for young riders.

6. Fell Pony

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Image Credit: Wonderbe/Deposit Photos
  • Physical Characteristics: The Fell Pony is a hardy, robust breed with a strong, compact build. It has a dense, flowing mane and tail, with a black, brown, or gray coat. It is known for its powerful legs and surefootedness.
  • Height: Typically stands between 13.2 and 14.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Fell Ponies are known for their gentle temperament and good nature. Their size makes them ideal for children, and their calm demeanor helps ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience for young riders.

7. Canadian Horse

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Image Credit: Shawn Hamilton/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Canadian Horse is known for its strong, sturdy build, with a muscular body, broad chest, and powerful hindquarters. It has a dense, glossy coat that can come in various colors, including black, bay, and chestnut. Its legs are strong and well-formed, designed for endurance.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.1 and 16 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Known for their calm and gentle temperament, Canadian Horses are well-suited for children. Their strength and reliability make them a good choice for young riders who are learning to handle and ride. 

8. Dales Pony

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Image Credit: nigel baker photography/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Dales Pony is a robust breed with a muscular and compact body. It has a thick, flowing mane and tail, with a black, bay, or gray coat. It is known for its powerful legs and surefootedness, making it reliable on various terrains.
  • Height: Typically stands between 13.2 and 14.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Dales Ponies are known for their gentle and docile nature, which makes them excellent for children. Their manageable size and steady temperament make them ideal for young riders and beginners.

9. Pony of the Americas (POA)

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Image Credit: Just chaos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Physical Characteristics: The Pony of the Americas is characterized by its distinctive coat patterns, often resembling those of Appaloosas, with spots and patterns in various colors. It has a sturdy, athletic build with a strong back and well-proportioned legs. Its height and overall build make it a versatile horse.
  • Height: Typically stands between 11.2 and 13.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: The POA’s friendly and eager-to-please personality makes it a great choice for children. They are well-suited for a variety of disciplines and are known for their patience and adaptability, which helps young riders build confidence.

10. Miniature Horse

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Image Credit: Abramova Kseniya/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: Miniature Horses are known for their small stature but have a strong, well-proportioned build. They have a refined, elegant appearance with a variety of coat colors and patterns. Their legs are sturdy and their overall build is compact.
  • Height: Typically stands no taller than 34 to 38 inches at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Miniature Horses are particularly suited for very young children due to their small size. They are gentle and friendly, making them excellent companions for kids. However, it’s important to supervise interactions to ensure both the horse and child are safe.

11. Welsh Pony

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Image Credit: Gail Johnson/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Welsh Pony is known for its elegant and athletic build, with a refined head, strong neck, and compact body. It has a dense, silky coat that can come in various colors, including bay, chestnut, and gray. It is known for its endurance and agility.
  • Height: Typically stands between 12.2 and 13.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Welsh Ponies are known for their friendly and adaptable nature. They are generally very willing and intelligent, making them a good choice for children. Their manageable size and versatile nature allow them to excel in various riding disciplines.

12. Icelandic Horse

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Image Credit: Ron van der Stappen/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Icelandic Horse is a small, sturdy breed known for its unique gaits, including the tölt and pace. It has a robust build, with a thick, double-layered coat that protects it in harsh climates. Its coat colors vary widely, including bay, black, and gray.
  • Height: Typically stands between 13.2 and 14.4 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Icelandic Horses are known for their gentle and patient nature, which makes them great for young riders. Their smooth gaits and sturdy build contribute to a comfortable riding experience. 

13. New Forest Pony

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Image Credit: Nick Brundle Photography/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The New Forest Pony is known for its sturdy and compact build, with a well-proportioned body and strong legs. It has a thick mane and tail, and its coat comes in various colors, including bay, chestnut, gray, and black. It is typically hardy and well-adapted to various weather conditions.
  • Height: Typically stands between 12.2 and 14.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: New Forest Ponies are known for their gentle and calm temperament, making them an excellent choice for children. They are versatile and trainable, which helps young riders build confidence and skills.

14. Haflinger

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Image Credit: Zuzule/Deposit Photos
  • Physical Characteristics: The Haflinger is a distinctive breed known for its golden chestnut coat and white mane and tail. It has a strong, compact build with a broad chest, short back, powerful hindquarters, and sturdy, well-muscled legs.
  • Height: Typically stands between 13.2 and 15 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Haflingers are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them great for children. Their steady temperament and strong build make them reliable mounts for kids.

15. Quarter Pony

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Image Credit: Just chaos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Physical Characteristics: The Quarter Pony is similar in appearance to the American Quarter Horse but smaller in size. It has a sturdy build with a strong, muscular body and well-defined features. Its coat colors can include various shades like bay, chestnut, and black.
  • Height: Typically stands between 12.2 and 14.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Quarter Ponies are known for their calm and reliable nature, which makes them well-suited for children. Their small size and strong build allow them to handle a variety of activities.

16. Connemara Pony

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Image Credit: Algirdas Gelazius/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Connemara Pony is known for its athletic and refined build. It has a well-proportioned body, long legs, and a strong, powerful hindquarters and distinctive, elegant movement. Its coat can be a variety of colors, including gray, bay, and chestnut.
  • Height: Typically stands between 12.2 and 14.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Connemara Ponies are renowned for their intelligence and versatility. They are generally friendly and eager to work, making them an excellent choice for children. Their athleticism and smooth gaits contribute to a pleasant riding experience, and they are adaptable to various riding disciplines.

17. Dartmoor Pony

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Image Credit: Ginny Sturdy/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Dartmoor Pony is a sturdy, compact breed with a strong, muscular build. It has a dense coat that can come in various colors, including bay, brown, gray, and black. Its legs are well-formed and suited for a variety of terrains.
  • Height: Typically stands between 11.2 and 12.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Dartmoor Ponies are known for their calm and docile nature, making them ideal for young riders. Their smaller size and gentle temperament make them easy for children to handle and ride. They are also known for their patience and reliability, which helps ensure a positive riding experience for kids.

18. Appaloosa

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Image Credit: Makarova Viktoria/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Appaloosa is known for its distinctive coat patterns, including spots and dappled designs. It has a strong, muscular build with a broad chest, short back, and powerful legs. Its coat can come in a variety of colors, including leopard, blanket, and snowflake patterns.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14 and 16 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Appaloosas are generally known for their calm and friendly temperament, which makes them a good choice for children. Their intelligence and trainability help young riders learn quickly, and their unique appearance adds to their appeal. They are versatile and can handle various riding disciplines.

19. Tennessee Walking Horse

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Image Credit: aleigha blakley/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Tennessee Walking Horse is known for its smooth, natural gaits, including the distinctive “running walk” which provides a comfortable ride. It has a well-proportioned build with a long neck, strong shoulders, and powerful hindquarters. Its coat color can vary widely, including shades of chestnut, bay, and black.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.3 and 17 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Tennessee Walking Horses are known for their gentle and easygoing nature. Their smooth gaits make them a comfortable ride for children, and their calm demeanor helps build confidence in young riders. 

20. Arabian

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Image Credit: Shchipkova Elena/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Arabian horse is recognized for its distinctive head shape, with a large eye, short muzzle, and high-set tail. It has a refined, elegant build with a strong, athletic body. Its coat can be a variety of colors, including bay, gray, chestnut, and black.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.1 and 15.1 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: While they can be energetic and spirited, their loyalty and trainability make them suitable for older children and more experienced young riders. Arabians require confident handling and a clear leadership style, which can be a good learning experience for kids with some riding experience.

21. Morab

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Image Credit: Shawn Hamilton/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Morab is a hybrid breed, combining the traits of the Morgan and Arabian horses. It generally has a compact, muscular build with the refined features of the Arabian and the sturdy, versatile nature of the Morgan. Its coat color can include various shades, such as bay, chestnut, and black.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.1 and 15.3 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Morabs inherit the best qualities from both parent breeds, making them gentle, intelligent, and versatile. They are generally good-natured and trainable, which is great for kids. 

22. Quarab

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Image Credit: CJO Photography/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Quarab is a cross between an Arabian and a Quarter Horse. This breed often exhibits a blend of the Arabian’s refinement and the Quarter Horse’s muscular build. It typically has a strong, athletic body with a variety of coat colors and patterns.
  • Height: Typically stands between 14.1 and 15.3 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Quarabs combine the best traits of their parent breeds, offering a mix of Arabian intelligence and Quarter Horse steadiness. They are generally friendly, adaptable, and eager to please, which makes them suitable for children. 

23. Shetland Pony

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Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Shetland Pony is known for its small size and robust build. It has a sturdy, compact body with strong legs and a dense, weather-resistant coat. Its thick, full mane and tail often needing regular grooming. Shetlands come in a variety of colors, including black, bay, chestnut, and gray.
  • Height: Typically stands between 7.5 and 10.2 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Shetland Ponies are ideal for very young children due to their small size and sturdy nature. They are generally patient and gentle, making them good companions for kids. Their manageable size and strong build help ensure safety, though it’s important to supervise interactions to prevent any accidental rough handling.

24. Drum Horse

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Image Credit: horsemen/Shutterstock
  • Physical Characteristics: The Drum Horse is a large, powerful breed known for its impressive size and strength. It has a draft horse build with a broad chest, strong legs, and a dense, feathered coat. The breed often has a striking appearance, with colors including black, bay, and chestnut. Its feathering is a notable feature, with long hair on the lower legs.
  • Height: Typically stands between 16 and 17 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: While Drum Horses are large and strong, they are also known for their gentle and patient temperament. They can be good for older children or those with some riding experience. 

25. Highland Pony

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Image Credit: Heather Moreton, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Physical Characteristics: The Highland Pony is known for its hardy, rugged build and distinctive appearance. It has a strong, muscular body with a thick, double-layered coat that helps it withstand harsh weather. The coat colors typically include gray, dun, bay, and chestnut, and a characteristic long, flowing mane and tail.
  • Height: Typically stands between 13 and 14 hands at the shoulder.
  • Suitability for Kids: Highland Ponies are known for their gentle and calm demeanor, making them excellent for children. They are adaptable and can be used for various activities, making them a versatile choice for kids.

By choosing one of these breeds, you not only ensure a supportive environment for skill development and confidence building for kids but also provide a foundation for a lifelong love of horses.

Source:

  1. Frontiers in Public Health
davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.

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