I have recently relocated to Montana, live on 7 acres, and have decided that it’s time to start looking for a horse. I’ve done a fair amount of riding in the past, and would consider myself a strong intermediate rider. Since I would use this horse mainly for trail riding I have been thinking about getting either a Quarter Horse, Morgan or Walker. My closest friend up here has 7 TWHs so he is obviously biased.
I am looking for a gelding and have no intention of showing it. I plan to spend between $1,000-$3,000. The last thing I want to do is buy a horse that is constantly fighting me or wants to buck me off. If you own a Morgan or Quarter Horse that you use for trail riding could you let me know what you think of the breed compared to others?
I have never OWNED either breed but been around plenty at the boarding stabless when I still had my own horses. Well, actually both of my horses were half Quarter Horse… if that counts.
The Morgans I have been around were all a little more ‘hyped’, and while they were OK trail horses, the QHs were much more laid back and dependable on the trails.
I would recommend a good, sturdy QH gelding. Unlesss, of course you can find a mix like my second horse was- he was half QH, half Tennessee Walker. Had the calm, willing demeanor of a QH and the comfortable, go-all-day gaits of the Walker.
Don’t count out unregistered grade horses either. A horse doesn’t need to be papered to be an excellent riding horse.
I hope you know I’m jealous as hell.
I owned a Quarter Horse for a while, and used him for trail riding. While with any animal, there are differences among breeds, Quarter Horses seem perfectly suited for trails. Mine had never done the trail thing when I first got him, and was a bit skittish the first time out, but was fine after that.
Just try to take one out on the trail for a while before you buy - that should tell you all you need to know about it.
I would recommend taking lessons for a couple of months to brush up on your skills, then lease for a half year at least while committing to improving your knowledge of horse care, before you buy a horse and assume sole responsibility for its care.
In this way, by the time you are ready to buy
a. you will have a professional you know and trust to assist you in your selection.
b. You will have a little more familiarity with the local community so you know who is not a trustworthy seller
c. You will have tested the waters of horse ownership to decide if the costs and care are worth it for you.
BTW, never buy any Quarter Horse with the Stallion Impressive in its bloodline. The line carries a genetic disorder, called HYPP, that causes agonizing pain and if you are lucky, spontaneous death. If the seller will not provide a genetic test that the horse is HYPP neg DO NOT BUY IT. A very sad cautionary tale.
Morgans come in two types, the foundation-type and the park-type. The foundation type is stocky like a QH, the park-type is light like a TWH. The foundation type (the only type I have experience of) are usually extraordinarily sensible animals, unfortunately for most owners, they are also extremely smart. If you are not ready to be smarter than your horse, don’t buy a foundation type Morgan
I have a great fondness for Appaloosas, another highly intelligent breed.
Don’t buy without a prepurchase exam
Don’t buy without trying out the horse in the presence of a person whose opinion you trust.
Don’t buy any horse you don’t enjoy riding right now.
Don’t buy any horse younger than 7, and over 10 would usually be preferable.
Don’t be obsessed about any particular breed or color. Two sayings come to mind: “a good horse is never a bad color” and “you can’t ride the face.”
Don’t plan to keep a horse at home alone without companionship. Horses NEED a herd of some kind, even if it is just some goats.
Definitely yes to the “don’t have any preconcieved notions” thing. I knew for years what my first horse would look like. Smallish (because I’m only 5’1"), black or dark bay and a gelding. Dainty, even. I ended up with a 16.2hh white warmblood mare. She was the perfect horse. And now I’m the proud owner of another big white Trakehner mare.
I’d second the riding lessons, just to brush up on your skills. Make friends with your local horse folks and get to know an equine vet. Do a pre-sale vet check.And don’t be set on one breed.
Chiming in late to say don’t buy the breed, buy the temperament. I have a QH/TB cross (a registered Appendix Quarter Horse) and he is absolutely the worst trail horse. Everything spooks him. He’s lived at the same barn for 20 years and if one thing is out of place, his head is straight up in the air and he’s not going anywhere near it. On trail, he’s been known to shy at a clump of violets. He’s an awesome dressage horse though.
