Wanting to pass on your love for horses to your child? Or do you have a little one who fell in love with riding on their own and wants to have a horse of their own? There are a handful of things to consider when choosing a horse for a young rider:

Breed

Just like with dogs, there are some breeds of horses that are better with children than others. Here are some breeds known to be great for kids:

• Shetland Pony
• Welsh Pony
• Pony of the Americas
• Miniature Horse
• American Quarter Horse
• Appaloosa
• Paint Horse
• Morgan

Age

While of course there are always exceptions to this rule, it’s generally believed that an older horse is best for new riders and kids. Typically, “older” means 10-15 years old.

Temperament

You want a lower-energy, calm, steady horse who trusts people and doesn’t spook easily. You also want one that is already well trained and won’t try to push boundaries with a young rider.