These 25 Horse Breeds Make a Great First Horse for Kids

Looking for that first horse? Check out one of these 25 horse breeds that are great for kids.

If you have been looking for that “kid-safe” first mount, then you know these horses are worth their weight in gold and can be hard to find. It’s definitely worth paying extra money for a proven kid-safe mount, especially if your child is new to riding.

While the horse breeds on this list are generally known to be great kids’ horses, remember that individual temperament, breeding and training contribute to whether or not a horse truly is a kid-safe unicorn (not to mention factoring in your own kid’s abilities!).

Here are 25 horse breeds that make a great first horse for new riders.

American Quarter Horse

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Physical characteristics: Medium boned. Body can be more compact “bulldog” type, a leaner racing type, or something in-between depending on breeding.

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) – 16.2 hands (66 inches)

Excels at: Show, gaming, cow work, trails, lessons

Bottom Line: American Quarter Horse

Little girl running barrels with quarter horse

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The American Quarter Horse is thought of as the Labrador Retriever of horses. They are usually calm, dependable and easy to train. An older, been-there-done-that Quarter Horse is a wonderful first mount for a child, or really anyone just learning to ride.

They can do any discipline your child is interested in, and because of their versatility, it’s OK if your child decides to go from English pleasure to barrel racing.

Gypsy

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Physical characteristics: Thick body with large bone and a refined head. Ample feather (hair on feet), mane and tail.

Height: 10 hands (40 inches) – 16 hands (64 inches)

Excels at: Show, trails, lessons, dressage, driving, therapy

Bottom Line: Gypsy

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The Gypsy Horse, also called a Gypsy Vanner or Gypsy Cob, was developed by the Romani people in Britain and Ireland to be their all-around horse. They pulled their vardos and carried them on their backs. It was the children’s job to care for the horse each morning and night, so they had to be docile enough for a child to handle them. They are known for their calm temperament, versatility and willingness to work, making them a great kid’s horse.

The wide size range in the Gypsy gives you plenty of options when deciding what is best for your child. Their stocky, thick bodies can carry more weight than a pony of the same height, meaning your child won’t grow out of their horse as quickly, if ever — many adults ride the shorter Gypsies.

American Paint Horse

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Physical characteristics: Medium-boned athletic body. Most have white markings on their coat, though solid (no white) horses occur as well.

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) – 16+ hands (64+ inches)

Excels at: Show, trail, gaming, cow work, lessons

Bottom Line: American Paint Horse

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The American Paint Horse shares a lot of blood with the American Quarter Horse, so it’s no surprise they are also a great choice for kids.

Like the Quarter Horse, the Paint is versatile and can carry your child as they grow and even if they change their minds on what discipline they want to do, making them a good investment.

Morgan

American Morgan Horse Association / Facebook

Physical characteristics: Compact with a short back and an expressive head.

Height: 14.1 hands (57 inches) – 15.2 hands (62 inches)

Excels at: Show, trails, lessons, endurance, therapy

Bottom Line: Morgan

American Morgan Horse Association / Facebook

The Morgan Horse was developed to be an all-around horse that could go from working in the fields to winning a race. They had to be steadfast at whatever job they were given. This makes them a great kid’s mount.

The breed association describes them as having a “cheerful disposition” with a temperament that makes them great for children as well as therapy and lesson programs.

Norwegian Fjord

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Physical characteristics: Compact but powerful body with thick bones, short thick neck and a large head. Known for their black and white striped mane.

Height: 13 (52 inches) – 15.2 (62 inches) hands

Excels at: Show, trails, lessons, driving, therapy

Bottom Line: Norwegian Fjord

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The Norwegian Fjord is another breed bred to do a bit of everything, and to do it well. They have a docile and unflappable nature that makes them great driving, therapy or lessons horses. Their thick compact bodies are still fairly athletic, and many Fjord owners even do gaming events, though they really shine in the show ring or out on the trail.

Like the Gypsy, their stout build allows the shorter horses to carry more weight than a pony or other small horse.

Fell Pony

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Physical characteristics: Short back, stout legs, short neck and a small head, with light feathering on the legs.

Height: 12.1 (49 inches) – 14 hands (54 inches)

Excels at: Show, jumping, dressage, trails, driving

Bottom Line: Fell Pony

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If you want a testament to this breed’s calm nature, her Royal Majesty the Queen of England, 97, rides one often. The Fell Pony has a fast walk and a ground covering trot that makes them a great trail mount, while their sure footedness will keep your child safe.

If your child is interested in driving, they have been used to pull just about everything over the centuries, making them a great cart horse as well. They are skilled jumpers, too, and in Europe, Fells are frequently seen at Pony Club events.

Canadian Horse

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Physical characteristics: Thick and well-muscled, with an arched neck. They are round and sturdy.

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) – 16 hands (64 inches)

Excels at: Trail, driving

Bottom Line: Canadian Horse

Canadian Horse Link / Facebook

The Canadian Horse breed developed from a mixture of many well-known breeds, including the Belgian, Percheron and the Dales Pony. The breed standard claims a horse should be “of a docile temperament, but full of vigor and spirit without being nervous.”

They are easy to train with what many owners call a “bomb-proof” disposition, not being a breed that is easily spooked. All of these traits make them a great choice for a kid’s horse.

Dales Pony

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Physical characteristics: A small draft breed, they should be thick, with large bones and feathering on the legs.

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) – 14.2 hands (58 inches)

Excels at: Endurance, driving, jumping

Bottom Line: Dales Pony

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Closely related to the Fell Pony, it can be hard for those not familiar with the breeds to tell them apart. The Dales Pony is known for a calm temperament, intelligence and courage that make them suitable for children.

Their breed standards require that they should be “kind.” Timid children may prefer the size of a pony, and a Dales is a good choice.

Pony of Americas

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Physical characteristics: Athletic body with splashy coat markings and a refined pony head.

Height: 11 hands (44 inches) – 13 hands (52 inches)

Excels at: Show, lessons, endurance, ranch work, hunting

Bottom Line: Pony of Americas

Pony of Americas Club

The Pony of Americas (POA, as it is commonly called) is a splashy pony that is noted for its Appaloosa-like coat pattern. The breed originated from the crossing of an Arabian-Appaloosa mare to a Shetland stud.

More interesting is how the breed was developed. According to the breed website, “This was to be a breed for children to ride and show. Adults could only show the animals at halter or with a cart. So these equines must also be gentle and easy to train.”

This breed was literally created with children in mind, and it shows. They are versatile, intelligent and calm.

Miniature Horse

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Physical characteristics: Well-balanced miniature version of a full-sized horse, with petite legs, head and ears.

Height: Up to 34 inches

Excels at: In-hand showing, driving, therapy

Bottom Line: Miniature Horse

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Miniature Horses are a great way to introduce children to equines, especially if they are intimidated. They can learn all the husbandry skills with them as well as how to work in-hand with them. They are easy to train, intelligent and kind, and they excel at showmanship, agility and other in-hand sports, including jumping!

They are also great driving horses. Due to their skeletal structure, Miniature Horses should not be ridden, but they make great friends and companions regardless.

Welsh Pony

Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America / Facebook

Physical characteristics: A refined look, with a coat color that is usually black.

Height: 12.2 hands (50 inches) – 13.2+ hands (54+ inches)

Excels at: Show, hunting, dressage, driving, lessons

Bottom Link: Welsh Pony

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The Welsh is a perfect pony for kids! They excel at almost any discipline and some are large enough to carry small adults, so a well-chosen Welsh could be your kid’s life-long partner.

According to the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America, they are “well-known for their friendly personalities and even temperaments; they are extremely intelligent and easily trained.”

Icelandic Horse

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Physical characteristics: Compact body, rectangular in shape, with fine legs and head.

Height: 12 hands (48 inches) – 14.1 hands (57 inches)

Excels at: Showing, endurance, dressage, jumping

Bottom Line: Icelandic Horse

Girl on Icelandic horse through a canola field

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While in size they may be thought of as a pony, the Icelanders will quickly set you straight about their beloved equine, which they classify as a horse and not a pony. However, it’s small size makes it great for kids that want to tack and mount their own horse.

The United States Icelandic Horse Congress states that their temperament should be one of a horse that “tries to please the rider, is sensible, easy to ride and handle, and is happy, cheerful, confident and brave.” It sounds like the perfect child’s mount to us.

New Forest Pony

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Physical characteristics: An athletic build with strong shoulders and hindquarters.

Height: No taller than 14.2 hands (58 inches)

Excels at: Show, trails, driving, dressage, endurance, hunting, eventing

Bottom Line: New Forest Pony

New Forest Pony Enthusiasts Club / Facebook

The New Forest Pony is a rare breed that may be harder to find, but it’s worth looking for if you want “an amenable temperament that generally makes it very suitable for multiple disciplines,” according to the New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society.

They are known for being easy to train and having a sense of humor, which endears them to kids and adults alike.

Haflinger

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Physical characteristics: Stocky build, with short but strong legs and neck.

Height: 13 (52 inches) – 15.2 (62 inches) hands

Excels at: Show, trail, dressage, driving, jumping, lessons, therapy

Bottom Line: Haflinger

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Haflingers are a beautiful breed of pony from Austria that is intelligent, calm, willing and athletic. They are often used in therapy programs as well as for trick and vaulting programs due to their steadfast nature.

A Haflinger will definitely take care of your child, whether in the ring or on the trail. There is pretty much nothing this breed can’t do, and due to their stocky build, a taller Haflinger can continue to be your child’s mount into adulthood.

Quarter Pony

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Physical characteristics: Well-muscled with a nicely rounded hindquarter and refined head. They should look like an American Quarter Horse but miniature.

Height: 11.5 hands (46 inches) – 14.2 hands (58 inches)

Excels at: Show, gaming, cow work, trails, lessons

Bottom Line: Quarter Pony

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If you like the sound of the American Quarter Horse but pictured something a bit smaller for your child, then try the Quarter Pony. Bred down from small Quarter Horses, the Quarter Pony retained the same intelligent and willing temperament of its larger cousins.

Like Quarter Horses, they are versatile and can do almost any discipline. Their smaller size makes them quick at gaming and other timed events. Many children start with Quarter Ponies and then move to American Quarter Horses as they grow.

Connemara Pony

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Physical characteristics: Sturdy with a compact body, deep chest and round rib cage.

Height: 13 hands (52 inches) – 15 hands (60 inches)

Excels at: Show, dressage, hunting, driving, endurance

Bottom Line: Connemara Pony

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Named after Connemara, Ireland, where the breed was developed, the Connemara Pony is one of the largest pony breeds. Since they can be as tall as an average horse, many adults ride them. The breed was developed to work the rocky and sometimes unforgiving landscape of Ireland, which produced an all-around pony that is hardy and tough. They are intelligent and willing to work.

According to the American Connemara Pony Society they possess a temperament that is “mannerly and manageable, kind, responsive, possessing good sense and basic intelligence.” This makes them a great mount for all ages.

Dartmoor Pony

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Physical characteristics: Strong, with a deep girth and rounded ribs. Head is small, with a refined look.

Height: Up to 12.2 hands (50 inches)

Excels at: Show, jumping, dressage, driving, trail, lessons

Bottom Line: Dartmoor Pony

The Dartmoor Pony Society / Facebook

The Dartmoor Pony hails from Devon County in southwest England. Although not a common breed, it may be one you wish to look at if your child is wanting a horse that connects with them. The Dartmoor Pony Society describes them as ponies that “have an exceptional temperament, and breeders have long realized their potential as children’s ponies with the ability to make wonderful companions, give endless fun and, if required, compete and succeed in all spheres of competition.”

Though they are short in stature, they can carry small adults, and they do well in many disciplines, from jumping to dressage.

Appaloosa

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Physical characteristics: Loud coat patterning is the hallmark characteristic of this breed. They come in a wide range of body types.

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) – 16 hands (64 inches)

Excels at: Showing, cow work, dressage, lessons, trail

Bottom Line: Appaloosa

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The Appaloosa is a breed of horse that was developed in the United States by breeding for the loud coat patterns created by the leopard complex (Lp) gene. While other breeds carry this gene, it’s most prevalent in the Appaloosa. According to the Appaloosa Horse Club, “Appaloosas are prized for their easy-going dispositions and their reliability as family horses.”

Like Quarter Horses and Paints, Appaloosas are generally known for being even-tempered and calm, making for a good kid’s mount.

Tennessee Walking Horse

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Physical characteristics: Long hip and shoulder, with a short back and croup. Head is refined with small ears.

Height: 14.3 hands (59 inches) – 17 hands (68 inches)

Excels at: Show, trails, lessons

Bottom Line: Tennessee Walking Horse

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If you’re looking for something a bit different for your kid, the gaited Tennessee Walking Horse is worth a look. The breed is known for its distinct gaits — the flat foot walk, running walk and canter. Some Walking horses can perform other specialized gaits as well.

All of these gaits make for a smooth ride, especially if you have a kid with any kind of back issues that make riding normal equine gaits uncomfortable. They have a lot of patience and are willing to do what is asked of them, making them a great lesson horse for youth. Since they are larger, your child can grow up riding the same horse into adulthood.

Arabian

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Physical characteristics: Refined build, with small bones, a short back, arching neck, and a well-sculpted face.

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) – 15.2 hands (62 inches)

Excels at: Show, trails, endurance

Bottom Line: Arabian

Young girl stroking her Arabian brown mare

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Some may balk at seeing the Arabian on a list for kid’s horses. However, my “step-up” horse (from the old Quarter Horse I learned on) was an Arabian, and I knew an all-Arabian 4-H club that did quite well at the shows!

Properly trained and selected for good-even temperaments, Arabians can be a fine choice for kids. They are intelligent and versatile.

Morab

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Physical characteristics: Medium-sized with a deep chest and an athletic build.

Height: 14.1 hands (57 inches) – 15.2 hands (62 inches)

Excels at: Show, trail, endurance, dressage, gaming, lessons

Bottom Line: Morab

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The Morab was created by crossing Morgans with Arabians. The cross creates an athletic, intelligent horse that is also even tempered. According to the Purebred Morab Horse Association, “The parallels between Arabians and Morgans — their classic yet functional beauty; their loving dispositions; their inherent soundness, stamina and endurance; and their ability to pass these traits so consistently to offspring — have truly influenced the equine species.”

If you are looking for an all-around horse with a flashy look, they might fit the bill. They are a breed the entire family, including the kids, will enjoy.

Quarab

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Physical characteristics: Varies, depending on the ratio of Arabian to stock horse blood.

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) – 16.2 hands (66 inches)

Excels at: cow work, reining, cutting, jumping, dressage, trail, endurance

Bottom Line: Quarab

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Like the Morab, the Quarab was created by crossing the Arabian with another American breed, the Quarter Horse. Again, the resulting cross created a breed that was very versatile, intelligent and has a great temperament.

If your kid wants to get into endurance and maybe cow work or reining, this is a good horse to look at it. The Italian Quarab Horse Association refers to the breed as having grace, intelligence and strength, along with agility and versatility, with the “reliable solidity of a Quarter Horse.”

Shetland

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Physical characteristics: There are three different body types of the breed, from the older stouter body type (Foundation,) to the more refined Classic, to the ultra-refined Modern type.

Height: 7 hands (28 inches) – 11.2 hands (46 inches)

Excels at: Show, driving, in-hand disciplines, dressage, jumping

Bottom Line: Shetland

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The Shetland pony gets a bit of a bad rap because it can definitely have “pony-tude.” While there are some color monikers for this breed, due to their sometimes-willful personality, a well-bred and trained Shetland can make a cute and fun riding partner for a child.

Trained correctly, they have a fun personality that endears them to their owners and are flashy in the show ring, coming in a range of colors, including pinto.

Drum

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Physical characteristics: Large draft build with a deep chest, thick legs, short back, and rounded rib cage. Feather on legs.

Height: 16+ hands (66+ inches)

Excels at: Show, driving, dressage, trail, jumping

Bottom Line: Drum

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The Drum horse was created by mixing the Gypsy Horse with Shire or Clydesdales to get a horse that was larger than the gypsy, smaller than a draft, but possessing their wonderful temperaments. They are a “calm, level headed riding horse,” according to the International Drum Horse Association.

Their breed standard requires that they “display good character and be a willing and sensible partner.” So, while tall, they are quiet, kind and can be a great horse for your child, who can grow into adulthood with their Drum.

Highland Pony

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Physical characteristics: Draft-type body with a deep chest, thick legs and neck, and a larger but still refined, head.

Height: Under 14.2 hands (58 inches)

Excels at: Show, jumping, dressage, driving

Bottom Line: Highland Pony

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The Highland Pony is rare and will be hard to find, but it’s definitely worth the search if you are looking for a sturdy, draft-type pony. The Highland Pony Society describes them as having “essential hardiness, combined with a kindly nature and an even temperament.”

They excel at English disciplines, particularly jumping, dressage and driving, so if your child is looking to join the hunt club with a pony they won’t quickly outgrow, it might be worth tracking one down.