by Mary Vance

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: January 19, 2012

Every horse owner will have their own opinion as to the best breed of horse for trail riding. With the first time buyer in mind I have chosen these five horse breeds based on the gait, stamina, and temperament of the breed. These horse breeds are readily available for sale in most parts of the United States, and many other countries as well.

The Tennessee Walking Horse, was bred by Tennessee farmers looking for a smooth gaited work horse. They bred Thoroughbreds Saddlebreds, American Standards, Pacers, and Morgans. The crosses over time produced the smooth gaited horse that they aptly named, "The Tennessee Walking Horse". The horse gives a smooth, easy ride for a long days work on the farm. They are equally at home in the rodeo arena and varied equestrian events where they show their athletic abilities and intelligence. The Walkers more common color

is black, but there is a broad range of colors such as chestnut, sorrel, bay, champagne, and even pinto.

Trail riders love the Tennessee Walking Horses for their calm temperament, stamina, sureness of foot, and for the many days of smooth riding on the open trail.

The Missouri Fox Trotter, has an elegantly smooth four beat gait. These strong, well conformed horses are a cross of the Standardbreds, Tennessee Walking, Morgan, Arabian, and Thoroughbreds. Their unusual gait has been dubbed " Fox Trot", as the horse seems to walk with its front legs, and trot with its hind legs. The horses head moves in beat with its gait. The Trotters have a broad range of coat colors. The average horse is 14.2-16.2 hands high.

The horses are used in western style performances and many other equestrian activities. Missouri Fox Trotters are gentle, and easily trained. Their distinctively smooth gait make them a good choice when choosing a trail riding horse for any riding conditions.

The Paso Fino became popular in the United States in the 1950's. They are by no means a new breed. For centuries they have worked the cattle ranches of Columbia, and the plantations of Puerto Rico. Some of the first Paso Fino horses were brought to the U.S. to work  cattle ranches also. Strains from Cuba and other tropical countries are raised as show horses. This sturdily built horse has its origin in Spain. The cross of Barb, Spanish Jennet, and Andalusian have given us the strong, beautiful horses we enjoy today.

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