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Choosing the correct breed for your desired area of horsemanship is vital. No matter how well a 17hh Warmblood is trained, it's never going to be a gymkhana pony. Likewise, a Shetland will never be able to tackle those five-foot jumps you desperately want to clear.

When I was in riding club I used to see a lot of horses that were in the wrong discipline. There is nothing sadder than seeing a poor child crying because they have fallen off the Thoroughbred they could not control (but which looked so so beautiful in the saleyards!)

Size, gender and age are all other very important factors when it comes to choosing a horse, but so is breed. There is some margin for error; an Arabian, for example, can be a decent horse in almost all disciplines at a medium level. But you know you have made the wrong choice when you realise the horse hates what you are doing or, worse still, YOU begin to hate what you are doing.

Consider the following carefully before choosing your horse: Are you hoping to climb high in the discipline of your choice, or are you just looking for something to do a little trailriding on? Are you hoping to show in specific breed classes? Don't change your goals for a horse; find a different horse to fit your goals. If you are considering attempting high-level dressage or eventing, a pony probably isn't going to do it. If you're just wanting to go for relaxing trail rides, a hot-blooded show horse is going to cause a lot of problems.

The best way to decide the right breed for you is to think carefully about your goals, and visit your local library or bookstore to find a book about horse breeds. Do your research, write down the pros and cons of each breed, then go looking for your new equine friend. Don't wander the world aimlessly looking at dozens of horses; sooner or later you'll end up buying one because a) it looks nice, b) your friend said it looked nice or c) you're just tired of looking! There is a perfect horse out there for you, so don't compromise and buy one that "will do".

Remember, if you're not very experienced, you should take along a riding instructor or knowledgeable friend who can help you decide if a horse is right for you. Never buy a horse that is hard for you to handle. Never over-estimate your own ability, or you could get hurt.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Iralcea.
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