Top 10 Best Horse Breeds

The Top Ten
1 Arabian

Arabians are the Ferrari of the horse breeds. They are fast and sporty. But the thing about them that's amazing is that if you can ride an Arab, you can ride anything. though you probably won't cause everything else feels "half dead". They are amazing at meddling personalities with their owners, and become an extension of your own being rather than a mount. They become part of you and who you are because they are so amazingly smart. Also they have huge hearts. And can learn anything. If you can handle the fire in your Arab with respect, they will respect you in return and you'll both be tempered into something better. I wouldn't ride anything else. On top of that they are gorgeous! And can do anything. They can show, jump, run barrels, do trails... They can do anything and everything. They're perfect in my opinion

I have had a few diffrent breeds growing up but the Arabian is tops in my book. Hard, wonderful feet- rarely a health issue and they are extremely smart! Arabian horses can learn any discipline in riding. They learn fast and will outsmart their rider if given the chance. But the BEST quality is that they are sweetest, most kind natured horse I've ever met. There is a reason in the dessert they would sleep in the tents of their masters! They are super protective and loyal to their owners, but you have got to earn it! Once you do -they are your best friend for for life.
Unfortunately they have a stereotype for being " hot" or " crazy". Any Arab who behaves that way is a direct result of the owner and I can guarantee you- any horse that person has will result with the same issues. I would Never go back to any other breed after earning the love of one of these beautiful and graceful animals.

2 Thoroughbred

One of the fastest breeds, definitely one for those with the need for speed. They are also great show jumpers, though they're known better for racing. They come in many different shapes and sizes, along with colors as any other breed does. Though with all horses, thoroughbreds need much patience and training to become the amazing creatures they are. Much like the andalusians, these horses can be the best of the best with the old English Kings when their knights rode them into battle. Altogether though, the thoroughbred horse is non the less an amazingly beautiful, strong and powerful horse. Any owner along with any horse should know this.

Thoroughbreds are amazing. My aunt works at a barn close to where I live, and the owner owns one. I saw some of the stable hands ride her and she is super fast! I'm only 12 so I don't know how fast she actually went, but like I said, very fast! Her name is American Dream and she is 2 Years old now, maybe older. I've ridden her before and she is very gentle and slow when you want her to be and she is fast when you want her to be fast. She takes directions very well! I wish I could post a picture but she is gray and white and my aunt usually puts flowers in her mane and also braids her tail!

3 American Quarter Horse

I have grown up around Quarter Horses. We have 6 right now. Our oldest Quarter Horse is our chestnut gelding, Sugar. He is the smartest, packing horse I have ever known. In fact, he's the only horse I know who can get a saddle off of himself, call in an Elk (Trust me, he has! ), and will untie himself and every other horse!
Not only are they smart, Quarter Horses are an extremely versatile breed. People mostly use them for western, but I believe they can do both western and English. They are my favorite breed in the whole world!

I like Quarter Horses because they are very easy to break and they are loyal. They do like to run and they are very respectful, I feel safest on a Quarter Horse because they are very calm. They are just so versatile. They are handy in jumping, barrel racing, and even trail rides. I went to Eureka Springs Arkansas last year (I was 11 then) and we went on a trail ride around the mountains and my horse was a Quarter horse and her name was Bella, but never once did she get off trail.

4 Morgan

I love that they are really friendly, they are also so nice to ride. When I ride my horse I don't feel that I'm gonna fall of like I do on maria, he is much smarter than the others in the barn. He looks so beautiful when he jumps canters trot's even walking, he's my prettiest horse. he's black and white and brown at the bottom of his legs. they come in so many colours. I have 12 horses morgan's: 4. Arabian: 1 (she's so grumpy). Thinker pony: 2. Islandic horse: 3. Shetlandpony: 2. I've bought a thoroughbred now. I love all my horses. (by the way Firegirl110 my favorite Morgan is actually named Morgan, he's my favorite horse)

Morgan horses are great horses. They are very strong and often graceful looking horses. They can live very long lives of up to 40 years of age. (Nearly 15 years longer than many horses average life spans) I rode a 33 year old morgan horse a few years ago. He was very friendly and pretty. He was roan and naturally had reddish streaks through his honey colored tail. He had a bumpy trot, bur I still loved so much.

5 Standardbred

This Horse is very, very good for Beginners! I'm a Beginner myself, and I have a Standardbred Horse. He's black so I named him Night. He's absolutely AMAZING! I love riding and am completely obsessed with Night!

I have a 16.3 standardbred mare, Paris. She does it ALL! on the casual side, I can take her out bareback and she'll trot for me. And I mean trot! On her other side, she is an amazing dressage horse but even Paris doesn't stop here. She is a Grand Prix jumper, eventer and she's harness trained!

Will try there heart out with anything you ask! Never put a foot wrong. They are great for beginners but also serious riders looking to train that perfect horse.

6 American Paint Horse

Tobiano paint horses were brought to North America in 1535 and are the first real American breed. These horses descend originally from highly trained Spanish War horses and are more versatile than most other breeds. They excel at western and english pleasure, trail, roping, working cowhorse and are a mainstay in the reining horse industry with sires like Gunnatrashya, Spooks Gotta Whiz and the leading sire Colonels Smoking Gun "Gunner".

I have a paint horse who is the best all around horses. Yah quarter horses are good at barrel racing and stuff but paints can do barrel racing one day the jump the next! PAINT IS A BREED! Also they are NOT QUARTER horses colored because I have a solid bred paint so they can be one color also then the quarter horse would just be a pinto quarter horse not a paint. They are also really good at western pleasure and really any thing. I go to a paint horse barn where they only have paint horses (and 2 boarding arabians) so I am sure I know what I'm talking about :P

7 Dutch Warmblood

I currently lease a Dutch Warmblood, and he is the sweetest horse I have met! Not to mention his amazing movement and talent!

I have a dutch warmblood, well, 2! And they are perfect! The loves of my life. they are so powerful and great jumpers, but both are so sweet around the barn. they love what they do and really have fun jumping. great breed

They are bred for jumping, and that's what they do! They are huge, beautiful animals, hard to beat in any way...

8 Clydesdale

I am a novice. So to all you experienced horse lovers I envy you. I always wanted a horse since I was a little girl, but we had no place to put the horse. If I have a horse one day, I want to see it every day. I love so many breeds my head spins. If I could own one I'd like the Friesian, Glydesdale and the gypsy vanner. Being I don't know how to ride I would like an older horse. A horse that would let me ride him or her without going fast. If the horse was not rideable that would be fine too. I just want a horse that would love me as much as I love him. But at this time I don't live in a place where I could have a horse. But I still dream and I won't stop dreaming of my beautiful, loving horse. Do horses know how or what love is?

I wish I owned one. Very gentle and loving! Also, very pretty! Lovable, big sweet, and loyal, what more could you ask? Big babies, really. Smooth ride and they even look nice doing jumps up to 2 foot. Fine with dogs, kids, and anything else! Bombproof if trained correctly. MOST are never high strung, but bad lines could be hot heads. Easy to train, ride, and calm. Different horses are different, regardless of breed, but Clydes are usually fine with their hooves being picked up and being clipped of summer. All rounders, Gentle Giants!

9 Appaloosa

An all round nice horse. Appaloosas are the oldest breed by far and because of this they are so tuned into the human persona. The can and are used for any discipline because of there marvelous personalities and ability that they are famed for. They are long lived, never sick or sorry and always ready for whatever you throw at them. They are fast, jump for fun, very intelligent and adored by all... Ask anyone.

Appaloosas are the original all round horse. They have been around longer than any other breed this has enabled them to be so tuned into the human persona. They are easy to work with, super intelligent and adore human contact. They are long lived, never sick or sorry and always ready for action. They are fast, jump for fun and notoriously easy to handle. An all round nice horse... Ask anyone.

They are great, but too many end up with a riot of splotches and dots and spots that it makes them a little weird to look at. But the occasional one with simple colors is so beautiful. I absolutely adore leopard appaloosas! Not the best horse for girls because there is nothing to braid! Occasionally you get one with longer hair, so I take that back. Still, BEAUTIFUL HORSES!

10 Hanoverian

Definitely top ten, well-rounded horses in multiple disciplines, very capable, calm, collected. I have ridden multiple Hanoverians (5-10), and generally they're lovely, learn easily, incredibly attentive and sweet. Talented both in dressage and show jumping, perfect hobby and beginner or junior horse, I would even recommend as a house pet. Very diverse in size and shape, but largerly an elegant, proportionate horse with great moves and an all-around sweetness to them. I've ridden them from when I was a child to now, and as all horses, they all have their hangups, but are generally agreeable and soft in the mouth, responsive.

Definitely should be in the top 10 because they are so well behaved, beautiful and willing to please their riders. I just lost the best horse I ever rode due to a sale and I miss her so much. She was so graceful and wonderful at dressage. She was even hard on herself for things a person might be, such as stumbling or mis-stepping. Such a good girl.

The Contenders
11 Tennessee Walking Horse

I absolutely love this breed! I have riden quarters my whole life and when I first got on mine I was so amazed that another breed could be as good or even better than a quarter. They have such smooth gaits and have very different personalities. Mines kind of spunky but she is one in a million. Very pretty and powerful breed. It is quite remarkable to get them going in their gait for the first time, the most memerable ride of my life. They are very sweet, gentle, and trusting horses. They can become your best friends after two rides.

Love my Walker, he is tolerant, intelligent, and has a long fuse. He can hack out on the trail for hours or work at home in the arena over jumps and poles. he is calm and laid back when needed and can flip the switch to high energy when asked. For those of us who want a sane sensitive easy going equine partner they are perfect!

I love Tennessee Walkers and I think they are some of the best horses in the universe. I have met one that is part welsh and it is absolutely amazing. He is very sweet and he hugs me. On the other hand, there is one that is pretty mean, but I am getting to him. I say it depends on the individual horse.

12 Friesian

I've been a trainer for over 40 years and have experienced all breeds. But, when we came upon the Friesian, I was amazed at this beautiful horses honesty, presence and intelligence. They are not only beautiful, but gentle and are fabulous in all phases of equestrian sport from trail to competitive driving and dressage. They are he best animals I have ever encountered.

The Friesian is an ancient beautiful breed originally regarded as a powerful all-around utility animal. Throughout history it has been used as a war horse, having the strength, agility and sturdy bodies to carry armored knights into battle, and in every sort of farm work and riding purposes. In the last few hundred years Friesians have gained a reputation as a fine saddle horse and as an excellent harness horse because of its active trot. They are also intelligent horses. Their predominant colour is black. THIS IS AN AMAZING GORGEOUS HORSE! VOTE!

13 Gypsy Vanner

I was shocked at how versatile the Vanner breed is and, yes they can jump. I have watched them jump a four foot fence flat footed (big engines) and know of one who jumps in competitions. Pam Fowler Grace a 2008 Olympic Contender in Dressage once said to me,

"he is one of the most extraordinary horses of any breed I have ever ridden in my life " Pam was talking about The Gypsy King, one of the first two Vanner stallions to ever enter North America.

I ride gypsy cobs (That's what we call them) and they are the sweetest! They have never left my side and all of them love cuddles! They are just like big puppy dogs! They work hard to please you, and despite what some say, they can jump, very well! Both me and my pony are new to jumping and she is already quite good with it! I love them, all around amazing!

I think that Gypsy horses are awesome. I have never ridden one, but I am desperate to ride one someday. I have petted them before at Ohio state fair, and they were usually friendly, unless they were having a bad day for some reason. I love them and the fact that they are versatile and family friendly. They are just so sweet.

14 Andalusian

Best horse to ever come out of Europe bar none!

One of the most ancient breeds in the world possibly even older than the Arab.

Easy to work with and train, learns quickly, affectionate, charismatic, energetic, classy, elegant, proud, strong and many more adjectives come to mind when describing the PRE. One would need hours upon hours to properly type the perfect description for the PRE!

Most beautiful horse in the world!

Powerful, fast, loving, curious, intelligent, stunning movements and ancestor of most of the other breeds in the world. The best animal you can have to deal with.
You give it patience and love, and it will repay you with all of its heart (that is enormous).
Worked with my 5 yo colt, came from an abused past in Spain, and gave me everything he's got. It's a unique feeling to have all the trust of an animal that should have left none…
In three words: Pura Raza Espanola

15 Brumby

Brumbies are fantastic but I've heard they are really hard to gentle. Still, I love them and maybe it's their wild, independent nature that makes then great!

I naturally pefer a horse with a wild instinct. They seems more wise (and more intelligent) than other horse breeds, knowing the basic area around me better. Also I just love them in general

I have a palomino one of these. He is my life. He is great to ride just like a Riding Pony but loves to show his wild side on bush trails just like a brumby. The perfect Pony for riders who want to improve their skills. Oops, that kinda sounded like I was giving him away. You can't have him! he's MINE! 🐎

16 Warmblood

Beautiful, great quality horses!

17 Shetland Pony

My neighbors have one I really want to ride it. Its name is Vegas. I agree with the last comment- shetlands are very smart. This pony- Vegas- if you call his name he will come out of his stable and look at you. Have you guys ever been to 7 11? Well if you look across the street you will see a pale wall. Look over the wall and you will see a yard with trees and a kids slide. Then look more and you will see a pointy black fence. Yell Vegas and he will either come out of his stable or come to you. Walk into the yard and pet him and give him carrots. He is the sweetest pony ever.

I rescued a Shetland and yes it was bad tempered when I was younger (4-10) it didn't trust children because its old owners children used to abuse it. this isn't the pony's fault it was 100 percent the old owners fault. over the last 10 years his attitude has improved dramatically and is now 34 years old and living a happy retirement in a field with my x show jumping Arab. its never the horses fault there is always a back story which always results in humans being big headed dicks.

18 Paso Fino

They come in such wonderful colors and are such smooth gaited horses. They are great for trail rides, endurance, and pleasure. (Of course a lot of other things. It depends on the individual horse, usually.) Paso Finos are also very gentle.

Has a temper but once you bond and get to know them, they will be the best horse you ever owned!

Best breed in the world. Smooth willing trusting horses you can ride with no saddle!

19 Connemara

Connemaras are amazing horses! I own one and he is the kindest horse ever. If he ever gets a fright he doesn't do anything wrong and he tries his best to keep me safe! If I leave him in the paddock he chooses me over his over horse friends and follows me around every step I take. He is an all rounder and loves water! He is also very quiet. Connemaras are especially good children's horses because you know they will keep the child safe and love them unconditionally.

How are Connemara ponies are not in the top tens! Seriously they are amazing they are calm, gentle and nice But they are still really good to ride and safe and great with children they will love anyone who treats them well! I have seen them at shows. They rock and are amazing to ride I suggest them now and I always will so GET ONE!

Connemara ponies are brilliant jumpers & crossed with a thoroughbred, they can jump even higher! They are very quiet, easy to ride & handle & are good doers, so much so that if they overfeed or are overfed, they can founder. I saw a great car sticker once that said "Jump on a Connemara pony".

20 Marwari

It is a purebreed of horses that is found in Rajasthan India. It was bred by the Rajputs of India who took care in ensuring the breed's quality. It was also used by the British during their rule of India and was regarded by them as a breed at par with any they had seen. The breed has suffered in the last few decades due to poor management which has resulted in a drastic fall in its numbers. Also a few genetic bottlenecks have been found in some of the Marwari horses when none existed, as late as 1989.

Marwaris are often crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce a larger horse with more versatility. Despite the fact that the breed is indigenous to the country, cavalry units of the Indian military make little use of the horses

One of the unique and elegant horse breeds notable due to its curled ears.

21 Icelandic Horse

The oldest and purest breed of horse. The Icelandic is a pony in height but actually a horse because of the weight it can carry or pull. The Vikings brought these mighty compact horses over in small ships. The breed is protected and mixing with other breeds is frowned upon. There is only one breed of horse in Iceland and that is the Icelandic horse. These horses have five gaits and are fantastic all around horses. They are one of the best breeds of horse and are solid in temperament and not afraid of anything. The fight or flight instinct was not bred into them as there are no predators in Iceland for these horses. The horses are age 4 when you start riding them because their bones are dense and need time to mature so they don't have problems later in life. They have a long life span and can live 30-40 years.

They are also strong swimmers and can swim long distances in cold water. They used to be called "the bridges of Iceland" because the horses used to swim long distances with riders on them before bridges were built. These horses have double coats so they don't get wet or cold to the skin in harsh weather. I love the Icelandic horse and hope to have another again one day.

22 Lusitano

Strong, brave, super smart, gentle, and quick learners, Lusitanos are also very versatile. They have been competing in every Olympic discipline for ages! If you are a dedicated and kind rider, your horse will commit itself 120% to your work!

The only sad thing is that most breeding houses here in Portugal are changing this breed, which has a really incredible amount of history behind it! The Lusitano might as well be as old as, or even older than, the Arabian!

Nowadays, the Lusitanos we see are these medium, strong, archaic horses because of the mixes they have been put through with the PRE. The original Lusitano was a big, still strong, sporty horse. These Portuguese horses used to be known for being the biggest and most agile horses on the battlefields!

My mare is a pure Lusitano, standing at a height of 170cm, and we compete in the 120cm classes of show jumping. However, I rarely see other riders with Lusitanos, and I often receive ugly looks from other contestants who ride fancy French or German horses. The truth is that Lusitanos are much more than bullfighters and working equitation or dressage champions (which is already great). The old lines of Lusitanos make excellent show jumpers and eventers, and I really wish we could introduce them more to those disciplines and make other sport riders stop thinking they are just little show horses!

23 Haflinger

The Haflinger, also known as the Avelignese, is a breed of horse developed in Austria and northern Italy during the late 19th century. Haflinger horses are relatively small, are always chestnut in color, have distinctive gaits described as energetic but smooth, and are well-muscled yet elegant. The breed traces its ancestry to the Middle Ages, and there are several theories for the breed's origin. Haflingers were developed for use in mountainous terrain, and are known for their hardiness. Their current conformation and appearance are the result of infusions of bloodlines from Arabian and various European breeds into the original native Tyrolean ponies. The foundation sire, 249 Folie, was born in 1874, and by 1904 the first breeders' cooperative was formed. All Haflingers can trace their lineage back to Folie through one of seven bloodlines.

I have a Haflinger named Sugar and she tries every thing she can to get out of work if you even look off to the side she will stop and turn back around to go find something to eat. All in all though she is the best and calmest horse I ever ridden.

24 Akhal-Teke

Who doesn't love Akhal-Tekes? Their coat has a beautiful metallic sheen that makes you want to build a statue of every one you see. This horse needs to at least second in the rankings!

A very versatile and beautiful breed, descended from the extinct Turkoman horses. They are hardy, versatile and very beautiful and have a range of coat colours and beautiful shiny coats due to their special hair structure.

Truly amazing horse breed. Not only do they have a beautiful distinctive look often complete with metallic gold coat, but they excel in any discipline, be it racing, eventing, showing or just riding.
In my eyes, the best horse breed by far.

25 Anglo-Arabian

The Anglo-Arabian or Anglo-Arab is a crossbred horse that now also has its own status as a horse breed. It is a Thoroughbred crossed with an Arabian so two of the oldest and favourite horse breeds ever. The best examples of this breed inherit the refinement, good bone, and endurance of the Arabian, as well as the speed and scope of the Thoroughbred. They are powerful horses and are good at most things, The breed ideal is for a horse to have conformation that more strongly resembles the Arabian. They have a long neck, prominent withers, a compact and strong body (sturdier than the Thoroughbred), a deep chest, and solid bone. Anglo-Arabians should have small, fine heads, similar to an Arabian, but they should not be overly "dished" in profile. These are Amazing animals and have both speed and stamina from the Thoroughbred and have the elegant, graceful and intelligence from the Arabian.

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