Horse breeds - Horse keeping styles
Most horse people feel very strongly about their favorite breed of horse (and style of riding!). That's the best breed, the best way to ride - we take the best care of our horses, etc. Breeds of horses generally were developed for a certain riding style, and do best when ridden in that style.
In horses overall, there are three types - Heavy Draft Horses (for the heaviest farm work), Saddle/Riding horses, and Driving/Carriage Horses.
There are two big major styles of riding horses in the US - English and Western. Each have their own styles-within-a-style.
Within English, there's hunt seat, saddle seat and dressage styles. Those are the major ones. The hunt seat saddle is designed for fox hunting - a lot of galloping and jumping. "Saddle Seat' saddles are flatter and longer, and designed to accentuate high stepping front legs as the landowner rode around his plantation or into town. Dressage saddles are designed for riding dressage(horsey gymnastics), though they can be comfortable for trail riding and even a little jumping.
Each riding style has its own ideas about training, what sort of bits and bridle to use, what constitutes a 'good performance'.
Pick the riding style you like best and stick with someone who's good at teaching that style. Buy a horse, and equipment - saddles, bridles and gear - that suit that riding style.
English riding styles tend to favor certain breeds or types - Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and half - Thoroughbreds (to name a few). These horses tend to be taller and slim.
Western riding tends to favor certain breeds too - Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Paints(to name a few). Western horses tend to be lower to the ground and more heavily built, but it depends on which type of competition they're aimed for. Within Western, there's a saddle type for cutting, reining, pleasure riding, and there are just pleasure riding saddles too.
But for a novice, the breed isn't really that important. A peaceful older half draft horse, a very quiet Quarter Horse, all nice sorts to start with. Good novice horses are found in all breeds and they are individuals. But honestly, yes, those 'stereotypes' about breeds really are good to know and horses DO tend to 'follow their breed'.
Some breeds are bred to be very active and sensitive, and have high exercise requirements. They MAY be daunting for a novice to take on as a first horse. Older individuals and exceptional individuals of those breeds, may still be suitable for beginners - but there IS a difference in breed. Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Warmbloods - were bred to be very energetic and active. Again, you MAY find an exceptional individual, but this is generally true. Quarter horses, on the other hand (while there ARE exceptions!!), generally are more 'laid back' and less excitable and sensitive.
Training and habit is also a big part of that quiet, reliable horse. Just being a certain breed doesn't guarantee a quiet, relaxed, laid back horse.
What's important is having a reliable, gentle horse that they're safe with - and riding in a way that they enjoy. If it's wearing a Western saddle or a dressage saddle, he'll do equally well. SOME riding styles do feature a pretty slim shaved down saddle that is a little harder to learn in. Some 'close contact' hunt seat saddles tend to be flat and take skill to learn in, but there are hunt seat saddles that are more supportive and better for beginner riding.
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Horse Keeping Styles -
Horses don't tend to worry too much about mahogany paneling and brass trim in their stables! They don't worry about not going to a horse show. They don't complain to the other horses that your truck and trailer aren't the latest model. It's possible to have a plain, sensible stable that works very well. A little bit of mud never hurt any horse. Healthy horses can be outdoors in all but the worst weather. Those basics - sensible feeding, consistent routine - exercise, the company of other horses, plenty of room, safe solid fences, those are really what keeps horses healthy and happy.
However, standing in water or mud 24/7...that can cause disease and problems with the feet. Constantly standing in a mucky pen full of manure, urine and mud - yeah that is going to be a problem. Being outdoors is good, but not when lightning is striking down. Eating poor quality feed, yeah, that's going to cause a problem. A saddle that doesn't fit-girths and saddle pads that are matted with dirt and burrs - yup, that's going to be a problem. Untended wounds - no farrier, no vaccinations or worming...yeah, that's going to be a problem.
You CAN have a plain, practical place for your horses. Horses don't need to be stalled up and showed to be happy and healthy. You can ride in that used saddle, sure - if it fits on the horse's back properly! You don't need fancy britches - but a helmet wouldn't be a bad idea! You don't need to fuss over every little hair or spend hours grooming every day - but checking horses regularly and some basic grooming can help you detect a health problem before it gets to be a big, expensive problem. You CAN save money - but on the right things.
In short, it's possible to have a very plain unfancy setup, and take very, very good care of your horses, and enjoy them to the fullest.
There is a wealth of information out there to be discovered!!
