by Mary Knetter

Created on: July 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 17, 2010

Across the U.S. there are hundreds, if not thousands of recreational trails and riders willing to take on the thrill of a challenging trail ride and enjoy camaraderie with their friends and horses. Here are five common breeds for trail riding, identified by their temperament, gait, beauty, stamina and suitability for all riders.

1. Quarter Horse

With nearly five million animals registered by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), there's likely to be one to fit the size, shape and temperament needed. And with the AQHA as the largest registry in the world, there's a Quarter Horse near you.

Originally bred from Morgan and Mustang stock, the Quarter Horse was bred to sprint a quarter mile, hence its name. It has since developed into the most versatile and popular of all horse breeds.

Quarter Horses are smooth-gaited and athletic with an excellent temperament for beginners yet versatile enough to ride either English or Western, on the trail or in the arena. They are easy to train and can be a comfort to sit on long trail rides.

Quarter Horses vary widely in color, weight and height. The most common color is chestnut and they typically stand around 15 or more hands at the withers. They are always solid in color with small to medium sized white markings on the face and legs.

2. Arabian

Considered the oldest of all breeds, many modern breeds draw their ancestry from the Arabian. With its trademark dished face and big, warm brown eyes, the Arabian is also a pleasure to look at.

Bred in the Middle East, the Arabian was developed to be friendly, fast and beautiful. Originally bred for long endurance races in the desert, Arabians are useful for long, hot trail rides. Today, they can be found competing in the arena as well as carrying trail riders with varying expertise.

Arabians are gentle, smooth riding, fast and versatile animals with a warm, kind temperament, making them great for beginners. They are thin-skinned, sensitive horses that can easily tolerate hot weather. Many endurance and trail riders use Arabians because of their speed, stamina and friendly nature.

The Arabian is typically chestnut in color and stands about 15 hands at the withers. Arabians are solid and usually gray or chestnut in color. All Arabians have black skin to protect from the harsh desert sun. Many have a dished profile, considered to be the sign of an intelligent horse.

3. Paint

The Paint is a color breed similar to the Quarter Horse in conformation and temperament. Paints provide

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