by Elizabeth Reeves

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

There is nothing better than hitting the trail on a nice, dependable horse, and coming face to face with nature. A good horse is the key factor to enjoying time out on the trail, and some breeds of horses are more dependable as trail horses than others.

1) The Quarter Horse

These medium-sized horses are level-headed, have comfortable gaits, and have the stamina and strength to go on even long trails. Quarter Horses are known for their strength, calm nature, and intelligence. The same traits that have made them the favorite stock horse are also beneficial in a trail horse.

Quarter horses are widely available, which makes them easy to find. They can be purchased almost anywhere, worldwide, due to their popularity as an all-around horse.
Quarter Horses were originally bred for working on a ranch, which requires nimbleness in movement, intelligence, stamina, and a calm, hard-working nature. All of these breed characteristics, in turn, make them excellent trail horses as well as excellent cattle horses. Retired ranch horses make great trail horses for new riders - they have confronted enough in their lives that they are reliably not spooky.

Quarter Horses are physically strong, and can carry a rider and pack on overnight trips without difficulty. They can also be used as packhorses, or lead-line horses, due to their practical and quiet natures.

2) Mustang

Mustangs, true wild horses , are probably the best horses for people who want to trail ride in rough country. Because of their background, mustangs are known for having an instinct about what ground is safe or not. They are excellent at picking out trails and finding their way through rough terrain. Very versatile, strong, and highly-intelligent, mustangs can be willful at times. Because they have been designed by nature, rather than man, they tend to have very strong legs, nimble feet, and incredible endurance. A well-trained mustang can make a great trail companion for any rider, though some mustangs may require extra attention, due to their high intelligence.

Mustangs are readily available, whether directly from the wild or through numerous adoption programs. They also are available for sale by breeders and trainers who specialize in mustang handling.

Because of their intelligence, some mustangs can be willful, but when properly trained and handled, a mustang can make the ideal companion on the trail. They are athletic and strong, with legs that can well handle rough terrain. They make great endurance horses and have

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>