Different Breeds of Trail Riding Horses

Posted by Rusty Spurr on Feb 13, 2020 under Breckenridge, Colorado, Rusty Spurr Ranch
There are many types of trail riding horses but we have decided to showcase the four most common and most reliable horse breeds. Despite the common belief that all horses can be used in horseback and trail riding, these types are proven to be exceptional trail companions time and time again. Although as a disclaimer, any horse can be ridden on the trails as long as proper training and the right mindset are prevalent. The first of the breeds is the Quarter Horse. These types of horses are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They have powerful hindquarters and well-muscled bodies, in addition to this their steady and calm temperaments are a large part in what makes them such highly praised trail horses. Next is this the Tennessee Walking Horse. One of the species’ distinct features is their unique gait, unlike the common beat pace, this breed has a four-beat running-walk. If you don’t like the bumpy ride that is usually a side effect of horseback riding, then this is the horse for you as their movements don’t bounce and are a dream to ride. They are refined and elegant yet have stocky build. When riding them, be prepared to be quicker than the rest of the group! The next most common is not really a breed but a mix: the heavier draft cross horse. This is a horse that is bigger boned to carry more weight on the trail. As a general rule, horses should not carry more than 20% of their own body weight in order to stay healthy. The draft crosses provide an opportunity for guests to ride that otherwise could not be accomodated on standard sized horses. They typically have a calm and gentle demeanor which contradicts their large size. The last but certainly not least breed of trail-riding horses is the Morgan. They are a compact and refined breed and definitely deserve their place on the list. They have gentle temperaments and gentle paces. You don’t need a specific horse for trail riding, the most important thing is the honest bond between your horse and you.