There are many different breeds of horse that are suitable for eventing. Whether you’re looking for a beginner horse or something challenging for more experienced riders, chances are there’s a breed that’s right for you. In general, eventing breeds have been selected for their temperament, athleticism, conformation, and ability to jump. Each of these factors will depend on the horse’s specific bloodlines and history. It’s important to keep in mind that no single horse is best for every rider. You might prefer a certain type of horse, but don’t be afraid to try something new if it’s a better fit for you. For example, don’t rule out a cross-bred because you don’t like one of its parents. Instead, find a horse that has the best of both parents (even if it’s not bred specifically for eventing).
Mare And Gelding Breeds
Mares and geldings are both excellent eventing horse types. They’re typically more suited than stallions to the controlled environment of eventing and require less attention from the rider.Mares are more common as eventing horses due to their ability to remain calm and collected under pressure, which is essential for success at events. They’re also generally less expensive than geldings, making them a great option for beginners.While geldings are less common as eventing horses, they’re still a good choice for an intermediate rider. They’re calmer and easier to handle than mares, which makes them a good fit for the more advanced rider.Geldings can be bred specifically for eventing, but they’re also often bred as companion or draft horse types. This can make it difficult to find a suitable eventing horse because not all geldings are bred for this purpose.Mares can be bred for eventing or for breeding mares to produce show quality. This makes it easier to find an eventing horse if you prefer to ride mares.
Saddlebreds
Saddlebreds are a cross between the Saddle horse and the Arabian horse. They’re a great choice for eventers who want a horse that can jump but prefers a more relaxed ride.Since Saddlebreds are a mix of two breeds, it’s not uncommon for them to have both good and bad traits from each breed. For example, they’re generally athletic, but not as high energy as some other eventing horse breeds.This makes them a good choice for first-time eventers who want a horse with excellent jumping abilities but who can also trail ride.If you’re looking for a horse with more natural jumping ability, Saddlebreds can be bred to improve your horse’s jumping ability, but many Saddlebred owners prefer to keep their horses as they are.
Tennessee Walking Horses
Tennessee Walking Horses are a popular choice for both beginner and intermediate eventers. They’re bred to have a calm, steady temperament and can jump over 3 feet tall.If you’re looking for a horse that can tackle difficult fences, TN walkers are a good choice. They’re bred for jumping, but they can also be trained to walk over obstacles.A downside to this horse is that they can be difficult to handle at the start of a trail ride, as they’re generally more comfortable on long trails than other eventing horse breeds.If you’re looking for a casual trail horse that can still jump over 3 feet tall, the TN walker is a good choice.
Quarter Horses
Quarter Horses are one of the most popular eventing horse breeds. They’re also one of the most athletic, which makes them perfect for intermediate and advanced riders.Their calm temperament is ideal for first-time eventers, but they’re also great for more advanced riders who want a challenge.If you’re looking for a horse that can jump over 3 feet tall, a Quarter Horse is a good choice. They’re bred for jumping, but they can also be trained to walk over obstacles.A downside to this horse is that they’re generally not as calm as other eventing horse breeds. If you prefer a more relaxed ride, a Quarter Horse might not be the best choice.
Arabian Horses
Arabians are excellent eventing horses. They’re one of the most athletic eventing horse breeds, and can jump over 6 feet tall.As an added bonus, many Arabian horse owners also offer trail rides, so you can ride your horse both in the arena and off-road.If you’re looking for a horse that can jump over 6 feet tall, an Arabian is a good choice. They’re bred for jumping, but they can also be trained to walk over obstacles.A downside to this horse is that they’re generally more expensive than other eventing horse breeds. If you’re on a budget, an Arabian might not be the best choice.
Mixed Breeds
Mixed Breeds are a great choice for eventing. They’re often a cross between several different horse breeds, which gives them the best characteristics of each breed.This means you can find a horse that’s bred for jumping, but is also calm enough to be ridden on the beach or trail.If you’re looking for a horse that’s bred for jumping, a mixed breed is a good choice. They’re bred for jumping, but can also be trained to walk over obstacles.A downside to this horse is that they’re not bred specifically for eventing, so they might not have the jumping ability of other eventing horse breeds.If you’re looking for a horse that can jump over 6 feet tall, a mixed breed is a good choice. They’re bred for jumping, but can also be trained to walk over obstacles.
What’s the best way to get started?
When you’re ready to start looking for an eventing horse, it’s best to be prepared. You should research the different breeds of horse and their level of difficulty. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s also a good idea to look at pictures of the different breeds to get a better idea of which one is right for you.You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. Chances are, someone you know has a horse they’re not using, so you can get a great deal on a horse without spending a lot of money.If you’re willing to travel a bit, you can also look at horse auctions or even online horse classifieds. You can find a wide variety of horses at these websites, but you should always be prepared for the possibility that the horse might not be in good shape.