Horse Breeds
Top Horse Breeds for Trail Riding in Maryland
Some horses are born for the trail. Here are the breeds riders love.
Read articleThe Best Horse Breeds for Kids & Family Riding in Maryland
Kind Hearts the Whole Family Will Love
The best horse breeds for kids and family riding are chosen for the same reason a good family dog is: a gentle, patient, dependable nature.
For children, the horse's mind matters far more than its size or breed.
Ponies: the classic choice
Sturdy, well-trained ponies are a classic mount for children. Their smaller size feels less intimidating, and many ponies have generations of experience carrying young riders.
Welsh ponies and pony crosses are often favorites.
Calm small horses
As children grow, calm small horses such as Quarter Horses, Morgans and quiet grade horses make a natural next step. They offer a steady, sensible temperament with a bit more size.
What to look for in a family horse
- A calm, unflappable temperament
- Solid training and good manners
- Tolerance of noise, wiggling and small mistakes
- Experience carrying beginner and child riders
Riding before owning
Most families enjoy years of riding before ever owning a horse. Lessons on gentle, well-matched horses let children build skill and confidence with none of the responsibility of ownership.
What is the best horse or pony for a child?
The best horse or pony for a child is a calm, patient, well-trained individual that tolerates noise, wiggling and small mistakes. Sturdy ponies suit younger children, while quiet small horses such as Quarter Horses and Morgans work well as children grow. Temperament matters most.
Key takeaways
- Temperament matters far more than breed for a child's horse.
- Sturdy, experienced ponies are a classic choice for young children.
- Calm small horses suit children as they grow.
- Lessons let children ride for years before any thought of ownership.
Ride with Solitude Stables
We are a small family farm in Harwood, MD offering horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides for riders across Anne Arundel County. We would love to welcome you.
Book a ride Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
More on this topic, answered simply.
For young or small children, a sturdy, well-trained pony is often ideal because of its size. As children grow, a calm small horse may suit better. The individual animal's temperament is the most important factor.
Most families ride happily for years through lessons before considering ownership. Lessons let a child build skill and confidence without the significant cost and daily responsibility of owning a horse.
Many children are ready around age six or seven, once they can follow instructions and feel comfortable around a large animal. We are glad to discuss your child's readiness.
Keep reading
More from the Solitude Stables blog
Horse Breeds
Best Horse Breeds for Beginner Riders
A beginner's first horse should be a patient teacher. Here are the breeds that fit.
Read article Horse Breeds
Ponies vs. Horses: Choosing the Right Size
Bigger is not always better. Here is how riders find their right-size match.
Read articleBring this to life on the farm
A gentle, kid-friendly horse is the heart of a happy family farm, and your child can meet ours at a first riding lesson in Maryland.
Have a question first? Email us at [email protected].