Almost any horse breed is suitiable for pleasure riding

When you decide to buy your first horse it is important to know that for the most part you are choosing a type of horse that will best match the type of riding you plan on doing. If for instance you plan on Western pleasure riding and maybe you will participate in some local riding shows, a Quarter horse may be the right choice.
The Quarter horse has long been a favorite amongst all avid western riding fans. The Quarter Horse comes in all shapes, sizes and colors including my personal favorite the Pinto.

A beautiful Pinto foal

Now you may be wondering why a Quarter Horse is also a Pinto. How can that be?  Horses are bred according to strict color and conformation characteristics. A Pinto horse can be registered as a Quarter Horse a Paint and as a Pinto.
So as you can see the important part in choosing a horse is not by type but by personality and by what appeals to you personally.

The first task is to find a breed that you absolutely love the look of. Secondly you need to find a stable that sells the type you want. Thirdly you must look at the stable. Is the stable clean and well organized? Do the horses look healthy and alert or are the horses dirty and skinny.  Pet one of the horses that you like. Does the horse shy away when you pet his head. If this is the case I suggest you go to another stable.




When you find a stable that is clean and organized with horses that are alert and friendly it is time to ask questions. Ask the owner if this horse is used for pleasure riding, show riding, jumping and if the horse has been trained for both Western and English riding. This is important because you may want to try different riding techniques without having to buy another horse.

What you want is a well rounded horse that is friendly and calm. You want a horse that is easy to saddle and bridle. You want a horse that has been trained in all the basics.

After you have gained a basic knowledge and understanding of horses, riding, and showmanship you may want to further your skills and get another horse or train your horse to do more.

The bottom line is to buy a horse you love and have fun learning to ride. Spend time with your new horse and get to know him personally. Buy a few good books about horses and enhance your knowledge. I can honestly say you will never regret owning your first horse.