How about the heat wave, eh?  Some say it beats the heck out of shoveling snow.  True enough, but I would so much appreciate a little less humidity. Please?

Anyhow, back to talking horse breeds for trail riding.  I think by now we have pretty much established the fact that there really is no one perfect breed for trail riding.  It really does come down to the individual horse and the individual rider and how well they work together.

But, because it’s so much fun researching other horse breeds – after all, I am a full-blown horse lover – I just had to find one more breed to talk about!

This time ‘round it’s the Norwegian Fjord Horse, one of the world’s oldest (and purest) breeds! This horse breed is considered to have migrated to Norway over 4000 years ago and was first domesticated around 2000 B.C., according to Viking burial site excavations by archaeologists.

So what does this breed look like?  What are its traits? 

Cave paintings from the Ice Age bear a striking resemblance to today’s Norwegian Fjord Horses! Most are brown dun in color, at least 90 percent.  The remaining are either gray, pale dun, yellow dun (very rare), gold dun, or red dun.  Their markings include zebra stripes on the legs and the dorsal stripe running from the forelock down to the tail.  Often there are also dark stripes over the withers.

The mane is very unique in Fjords. The center hairs are dark while the outer hair is lighter.  They have a very graceful curve to their neck, and usually the mane is cut short and in a crescent shape to play-up the naturally curved neck.  Often the light (or white) outer hair is cut a bit shorter than the center darker (often black) inner hair to better display the dramatic coloring.

Fjords have a very unique look to them.  They are unique, I think, in many ways. As you can see from the pictures, they have medium-sized heads, and large eyes.  Their ears are small or medium and are set far apart.  Their bodies are very compact with very powerful legs. Fjords have great feet – always a plus for trail riding. Their withers are lower as compared to many other breeds, are level and strongly muscled.

A Fjord can often run anywhere between 13.2 to 14.2 hands, but can be up to 15 hands tall. Apparently most are between 14 and 14.2 hands – a good size for folks who like to easily mount a horse without having a step-ladder!  Fjords typically weigh around 900 to 1200 pounds. Some people refer to “draft-type” Fjords and “riding-type” Fjords, but I couldn’t find where there was any real distinction between the two types.

What about their temperament? 

You couldn’t ask for a better temperament than that of a Fjord.  They are gentle and willing to work.  They have great stamina.  Fjords have been – and still are – used from everything from draft work, trail riding, jumping, and many other things.  The Vikings used Fjords as their war mounts. They have a reputation of being versatile, strong, and gentle.  Amazingly, even though they are tough and strong enough to work in the hilly fields, they movements are very light and smooth.  Now you can’t beat “light and smooth” when considering a trail horse, can you?

And then there is the fact that a Norwegian Fjord has a heavy coat and is an easy keeper.  One more of the many reasons one could find true happiness in a Fjord for trail riding – or anything that took your fancy!

-    Happy Trails!
Here are a few links for more info on this wonderful horse:
Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry
Horse Show Central

Once you have found the horse that fits you, it's time to get some riding under your belt. 

If you enjoy riding with other people - and don't have any riding buddies yet - it's time to find those with similar riding interests to your own, but that's not all you need to consider.

Riding your horse should be a pleasurable thing, right?  As with all things "horse" you want to be in an environment where you can not only have fun, but be able to learn more about you and your horse.  In doing so you will continue to develop and advance your riding skills.  Ideally you and your horse will become better partners.  The comfort zone for both of you will increase the more riding you both do, especially if you are surrounded by supportive riders.

SUPPORTIVE & POSITIVE RIDERS.

The last thing any of us need is to find ourselves out on a trail amidst a negative, aggressive, or cocky rider who is always fighting with the horse they are riding, or one who is constantly being negative about you and your horse. Having riders with you who are supportive and positive is important if you want to help ensure a good ride. 

Make sure you find out about potential riding buddies; will they mount up their own horses and take off without any regard for you and your horse if you are not tacked up as fast as they are?  If you run into trouble will they wait patiently for you and try to help you, or will they ignore you and continue on while you are left on your own? 

If you are a novice rider it's best to have at least one other rider with you who is experienced and HELPFUL.  Just because a rider is experienced does not necessarily mean they will help to build your confidence.  Some people have a burning desire to nit-pick over every little thing about a horse and/or a rider.  Unfortunately most inexperienced riders already have a lower self-esteem about their riding skills.  The last thing they need is a critic running them or their horse down.  So, leave the critic to ride with some other poor soul.

WELL-BEHAVED, WELL-BROKE HORSES

There are always those horses who will bite, have to be the leader on a trail ride, have to be next to another particular horse, will frequently go off a trail whenever the mood strikes - whether its rider wants it to or not - or those who will kick another horse during a ride. I've had the unfortunate experience of riding amongst all of the above. Avoid riding with such horses.  You want your ride to be enjoyable, not an exercise in trying to stay out of the way of a disrespectful, poorly trained horse. 

KNOW THE TYPE OF RIDE YOU EXPECT

If you only want to walk your horse, you won't want to go off on a ride with other people who will be trotting or cantering their horses.  If you are not comfortable yet in the faster gaits, the ride will not be a good one for you.  It will also be a boring ride for those who want to trot or lope along the trail from time to time.  Just make sure you discuss what you are comfortable doing, and find out what other perspective riding partners expect of a ride.  It's all about having fun, and a significant part of making it fun is riding with like-minded riders.

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS

Before you ride make sure the weather is comfortable for you and your horse.  Make sure you pack whatever it is you will need to have along the trail, such as snacks, water, etc.  Prepare yourself for emergencies as best you can.  Make sure you have some sort of first aid kit - one for you, one for your horse.  Carry a cell phone. 

Make sure your horse is paying attention to you before you ride.  You can never do too much ground-work.  If other riders balk at the idea of groundwork before riding, perhaps you should think about riding with someone else.

A good ride with good friends creates memories that cannot be measured.  So set yourself up for a great ride with great riding friends and great horses.

- As always, happy trails ;-)

Well, I’m finally back!  Welcome to another week and another horse breed ideal for the trail rider!  After a bit of a hiatus from blogging about horse breeds and trail riding, we are now into week 7 of our Best Trail Horse Breed blog series.  I've been reading up a bit on Mountain Horses; that is the Rocky Mountain and Kentucky Mountain Horses also known by some as the “golden retrievers of the equine world.”

The first time I ever heard of this absolutely beautiful breed of horse was on RFD-TV during a program featuring a Rocky Mountain Horse ranch.  These animals are just so gorgeous to look at and, when they move, they appear ever so graceful and smooth.

It is said that these horses developed their sure-footedness and agility by traversing the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains.  One look at one of these horses and you can’t help but appreciate their limber, agile and balanced way of moving.  Mountain Horses have a natural 4-beat gait right from birth!  This adds to their comfort when riding.

As always with any horse that will be trail-ridden, Mountain Horses are not only strong and able to endure long rides, they are also noted for their pleasant, calm and willing personalities.

So what’s in the make-up of a Mountain Horse? 

In order to be registered as a Mountain Horse, a horse must be anywhere from 14.2. to 16 hands.  That’s quite a range and enables those of us who like the smaller, as well as those liking the taller horse a good prospect.

According to the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, to be certified, a Rocky Mountain Horse must be at least twenty-three months old and pass inspection by three official RMHA Examiners for:

    1.    Correct gait under saddle, with a graceful way of going
    2.    Conformation and color that meets the breed standards
    3.    Possessing good temperament
    4.    Verification of parentage by an appropriate laboratory testing method
    5.    Stallions must have both testicles below the external (inguinal) ring
    6.    The only exception to the minimum height requirement of 14.2 hands      is for mares that are under three years old at the time of certification,  and are from two certified to breed parents. These mares can be certified at a minimum of 14 hands.

While it’s known that this breed originated in the United States in the latter 1800s in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky, unfortunately there exists much verbal information and almost no written information.  Because the verbal information has been handed down we are left with what was passed down, and theory about the specifics of the breed’s development.

One version, as featured on the Rocky Mountain Horse Association’s site, states that a gaited colt arrived from the Rocky Mountains of the American West to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in eastern Kentucky around 1890.  The colt was called "the Rocky Mountain Horse.” This stallion was used to breed local Appalachian saddle mares and is the horse credited for the beginning of the Rocky Mountain Horse breed.

At the time this amazing horse breed was developing it was not out of a desire to create the wonderful, all-around breed we have, but with a reliable, working horse in mind.  In fact the Mountain Horse was one of the best kept secrets of the mountains of Kentucky for many years.  These horses were used daily from anything from plowing fields, to driving buggies or wagons, to carrying folk on business from town to town.

As harsh as it may or may not appear, the people who owned and bred these horses were not typically wealthy and so their horses were provided meager shelter from the elements and were fed fodder (a type of silage) as opposed to rich hays and grain.  Because of this and the harsh weather of the mountains it was only the toughest horses who survived.  It was this tough, resilient horse that passed it genes on to the Mountain Horse of today.

Sam Tuttle is someone deserving of great thanks for his role in preserving the Mountain Horse breed.  He was apparently the biggest breeder of Mountain Horses during the first 3 quarters of the 20th century.  Mountain Horses have been known to continue breeding into their late 20s and even into their 30s. It was Sam who owned “Tobe” a mountain stallion whose name is said to have been as well known in that part of the country as “Man-O-War” was in Lexington.

I gotta tell yah, folks, after researching this breed, I’m thinking about getting a big jar and labeling it, “Rocky Mountain Horse Fund.”

See you next week.

 Here are some links for more information about the Mountain Horse:
     Rocky Mountain Horse Association
    “Rocky Mountain Horses” – author Bonnie Hodge

Welcome to another week and another horse breed ideal for the trail rider!  Wow, that's right; we are now into week 6 of our Best Trail Horse Breed blog series.  I've been reading up a bit on the Icelandic Horse Breed. 

While this breed may not be a common one amongst those of us in the United States who ride the trails, it is definitely a horse proven for managing rugged terrain and harsh conditions.  This horse has great stamina, and is a gaited breed.  That means it will carry you just about anywhere - and carry you comfortably.  That spells comfort for both you and the horse.

The history of this breed is very interesting.  Icelandic Horses are Iceland's only native breed, and are direct descendants of horses taken to Iceland by the Vikings back in the Dark Ages!  These horses are thought to have likely been Celtic Ponies - ancestors of Shetland Ponies and British Exmoors - and Norwegian Dole Horses. 

A law was even passed in 982 A.D. to prevent any outside influence to the Icelandic breed!  This helped, among other things, to contribute to this breed remaining unique and unaltered.  In fact, any Icelandic horse that leaves Iceland is not allowed to return.  You are also not allowed to bring any used horse tack or equipment into the country in order to prevent disease being carried into the country and infecting this breed.

So, just what makes the selection of an Icelandic horse for trail riding a good choice?  Well, we mentioned its ability to master rough and rugged terrain which are both assets for qualifying as one of the best trail horses around.  On top of that they are athletic and can carry adults long distances.  The temperament of the Icelandic Horse is said to be spirited and independent but yet very willing to work with.

Perhaps the terrain in which Icelandics dwell has influenced their temperament.  Iceland is a land lacking predators, but with many environmental dangers.  The country has rivers with swift and changing currents.  It has rock slides and even quicksand.  Over the many years, this breed has developed the ability to assess a situation as opposed to the flight instinct of many other horse breeds.  This ability has ensured their survival and gained the respect of those who have depended on them for work, travel, as well as for sport.  An Icelandic horse lacks the "spookiness" of most other horses.  On top of that, it is a horse that enjoys human companionship.  They are even said to be nurturing and affectionate.

I mentioned earlier how comfortable they are to ride.  That's due to their five natural gaits; walk, trot, canter, tolt (or toelt), and pace (skold).  The toelt is a type of “running walk” similar to the gait found in the American Saddlebred, Paso Fino and Tennessee Walker breeds.  Some Icelandics are bred for a special "flying pace" or skold.  The skold is a very fast, lateral gait used for racing short distances. Some horses can reach almost 30 miles an hour using this pace.

Although not an elegant horse - they resemble a pony perhaps more than what we think of as a horse - they are a good prospect for many disciplines of riding besides trail riding.  If you prefer shorter horses, their size is also a plus since they average 13 to 14 hands.  They are heavy boned, yet light in movement.

The Icelandic horse breed comes in many colors, including chestnut (most common), cremello, bay, pinto, roan, black, white, buckskin, grey, dun, perlino, and more. 

There is so much more to learn about these horses.  I suggest you tap into some other sites to find out more. Go to Icelandics.org which is located in the United States, and the Icelandic Horse Society of Great Britain.  There are other organizations as well you should visit for more information and history on this unique and talented breed.

 Truly incredible and interesting, the Icelandic horse could be your best choice for the trails!

Well hello everyone out there!  I hope warm weather has finally arrived wherever you are.  I'm sad to say that it has not yet reached my neck of the woods, and I'm getting pretty ugly about it.

But to get me out of my funk, let's talk about a great horse breed that I personally love.  I own one of these beautiful horses; the American Paint Horse! 

Like all the research I've been doing I just seem to fall in love with whatever breed I happen to be reading about.  I just love horses of all shapes and sizes.  But I have to admit, there is just something mysterious, magical and very Native American about a painted horse.

As far as I can tell with my humble researching skills, the history of the paint horse in America begins in 1519 when the Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez and his conquistadors sailed to North America.  Eager to conquer, Cortez and his men brought war horses with them.  It is said one of those was a sorrel and white horse with spots. 

The spotted horse bred with mustangs and gave us the foundation of what is now the American Paint Horse Breed.  By the time the 1800s rolled around the western plains Indians favored these horses.  They were sure-footed, very intelligent, liked the company of people, and could travel long distances easily.

So just what makes a Paint?  What is its register?

The American Paint Horse breed combines both the conformational characteristics of a western stock horse - that awesome foundation quarter horse we've talked about - with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark coat colors.  So the paint has been developed from a base of spotted horses with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines. 

In order for a horse to be registered as an American Paint Horse, it must have registered American Quarter Horse, American Paint Horse, or Thoroughbred parents. So all Paint horses (except the solid-colored horses allowed into the Paint registry, called "breeding stock") could be registered as pintos, but not all pintos qualify to be registered as Paints.

Paint horses have the same "stock horse" body type folks like to see in their close relative; the Quarter Horse.  This means they have a muscular, heavy build.  They average around 15 hands so they have that nice, low center of gravity and those powerful hindquarters.  This allows them to have a lot of maneuverability, agility, stamina and skill.  All perfect not only for the ranches, plains and rodeos they are used for, but for riding the trails!

The APHA (American Paint Horse Association) states that the breed registry is one of the fastest-growing in North America.  Be sure to check out their website for lots of pretty pictures and great information.

So why do I propose a paint horse for trail riding?  Simple, they can do the job with ease, with flare, and enjoy it all the while they're doing it.  Not to mention, they just look dam good doing it.

Hello everyone out there! Hope you all had a great week!  Here is blog number 4 with more on considering the right trail horse for you.

Just a reminder - if you haven't done so yet, be sure to vote in our "Name Your Best Trail Horse Breed” poll on the Polling Page!

This week’s blog is all about the amazing and versatile Morgan breed.  This incredible breed stands out not only for its amazing beauty - arched neck, clean-cut head, alert yet soft eyes, compact muscular yet refined body, and its lightness of foot – but for its proven use as a trusted and hardy trail horse.  There is really nothing this breed cannot manage with flare.  Perhaps that’s why it is the official horse for two states; Vermont and Massachusetts!
No matter your color preference, you can likely find a Morgan in your favorite hue.  Registered Morgans are gray, palomino, buckskin, silver dapple, roan, cremello, perlino, pinto, black and chestnut.  To see an array of beautiful pictures and for more information I suggest you check out the official Morgan breed site at http://www.morganhorse.com/.

The Morgan has influenced many other breeds, including the Quarter Horse, Racking Horse, American Saddlebred, and Tennessee Walker. Morgans are one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States.  Like the Arabian, it’s early ancestor, it has 1 less vertebra than do most other horse breeds. 

Morgans trace back to a stallion called, “Figure” who was later named after the person best known for owning him, Justin Morgan.  Figure was born in 1789 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The stud book was closed in 1948 in order to help preserve the Morgan breed.

Besides being compact and well muscled with good, hard feet, the Morgan has a good mind for trail riding.  They are noted for being alert while also being calm.  They also have what I think is a nice height for trail riding; 14.1-15.2 hands on average.  Of course there are those who will be over or under this average.

The history of use of the Morgan breed is quite extensive.  They excel in harness racing, they were used during the Civil War as cavalry mounts, and were used in the Pony Express. Today they are used in English and Western disciplines alike.

Well then, I would say a Morgan horse for tail riding is an excellent choice for a good riding partner, and not only for their physical and mental stamina, but because – on top of everything else – they are noted for being easy keepers.  They have tough feet, strong legs; they don’t typically require any special feeding and maintain their health and weight.  This means the average horse owner has an easier time caring for them than for a more “needy” or higher-maintenance breed.

So there you go, another great trail horse breed!  I guess if you were trying to narrow-down your potential list of trail horses you may be discovering that the list just keeps getting longer!  But, not to worry, in the end your list will have fewer and fewer horses as you test ride different horses.  No matter the breed you choose in the end, it will come down to that one individual horse that you just naturally partner-up with.

Happy trails, and see you for Blog 5!

OK everyone, I'm back!  Here is blog number 3 with more on considering the right trail horse for you.

By the way - if you haven't done so yet, be sure to vote in our "Name Your Best Trail Horse Breed” poll on the Polling Page!

Okay, back to the subject.  Today's blog will look at the American Foundation Quarter Horse - my personal favorite!  Of all the lists of horse breeds out there few omit listing this incredible breed, no matter what the "best for" list may be.  Trail riding is of course no exception.

Well, just what is a quarter horse? Most of us are familiar with the name "quarter horse" but perhaps most of us don't know much about how it came by that name.  Well, the "quarter" refers to the sprinting speed at which these horses ran in short races held in early America.  They were noted for being able to reach speeds of up to 55mph in a quarter of a mile or less! Wow!  So, the "quarter" refers to the distance.  There’s a great deal more to the breed than that.  But we’ll start with that for now.

Okay, okay, I know - I am supposed to be telling you about why this horse breed is so great for trail riding.  I just can't help it.  I did fore-warn you and say it was my favorite breed.  It's not only the abilities of a quarter horse; it's the beauty of their physique I love as well.  Check it out for yourself!  Go get a hold of a book containing all the breeds of horses with pictures in it.  You'll find lots of beautiful breeds.  But there is just something about quarter horses.  It's not just the aesthetic.  It's the size and temperament as well.  I find riding a 14 to 15 hand horse on a trail, going under low branches and navigating steep slopes and rough ground, more comfortable than being on a taller horse.  Most quarter horses are around 15 hands high.

Quarter horses seem to be naturals at just about anything you try them on.  On the trails they have great stamina; they are sure footed, patient and calm.  Generally speaking they are "easy keepers" as well to feed and care for.  Consider their history of use.  Quarter horses are used in rodeos, cutting, reining, trail riding, competition, and the list goes on.  There just isn't a whole lot a quarter horse can't do.  They are great with children and handicapped riders as well as meeting the demands of more experienced riders.  Many a ranch-hand and/or cowboy have depended on the quarter horse for riding and working cattle all day long.  That takes a horse with a strong make-up.

In fact, in the US, odds are you will find more listings for a quarter horse for sale than any other breed.  That's because they are the most popular breed in the United States.  It's also one more reason why this breed is a great choice to look into when looking for a great trail horse.  They are out there and available to you.

So, while I have succumbed to infecting this blog with my emotions about the Foundation Quarter Horse, I hope I have also provided you with some information to chew on in your search for the perfect trail horse.

Happy trails, and see you for Blog 4!

OK everyone, I'm back!  Here is the follow-up blog I mentioned to you last week. 

Let's see, oh yes, we were considering the right trail horse for you.  Well, like I said before, there really isn’t just one specific breed I consider to be the one-and-only number one trail horse breed.  But, just for the fun of it I did put a "Name Your Best Trail Horse Breed"  poll on the Polling Page for you - so be sure to go vote when you're done reading this!Today's blog will look at the Arabian horse for sale and why it may be one of the best horses out there for riding the outdoors.  Now, I've heard folks say they are too high-strung, while others insist they are gentle and great for kids.  I'll say it over and over - it always comes down to the individual horse. What we're looking at here are general traits of a breed.

When I researched the Arabian I was fascinated by many things, particularly how old a breed Arabian horses are.  This remarkable horse is said to have been selectively bred for longer than any other breed.  In ancient times they were used in harsh desert terrain.  They were prized by desert Bedouins, and used in battle over long distances. Arabians are considered the purest of all breeds.  Wow!

Okay, so what does all this mean for the trail rider? Well, it means that you could very well find your dream trail horse in an Arabian.  Such riding requires great stamina and endurance.  Arabians have a deep chest, a short back - 23 vertebrae rather than 24 found in most other breeds - and they have wide cheek bones at their throat which enable them to breathe easily while running.  They are graceful and light in their movement.

On top of being built for a long trail ride and more, Arabians are said to have a gentle disposition and to be highly intelligent.  So be sure to consider them as a possibility when your horse shopping. 

So, see you for Part 3 when I continue to discuss trail ride horses.  Mmmmm, which breed will be next?

This blog series is intended to provide you with an overall idea of what to look for in a horse you are considering for trail riding.

Before we get too far along in this discussion, let me just say first that the "best" trail horse breed will, in large part, simply be a matter of rider preference.  That means that these suggestions are just that - suggestions - and, while they are important criteria, they are by no means the final word on your choice of a great trail horse.  Horses are amazing creatures and there is always that one special horse that will be tried-and-true for you, irregardless of the breed.

First of all, let's look at what trail riding involves.  In that way we can come up with a general list of some good traits in a horse for riding the trails. In order to determine what the best horses for riding the trails are, we need to determine what will be expected of them first.

 Many times trail riding involves rough and rocky terrain.  It involves crossing water and taking your horse over bridges, under and over tree limbs.  Sometimes you'll be surprised by wildlife, such as deer, leaping across your path.  There will be days when you get caught in a thunder storm, the footing will be wet, muddy and slippery.  You may have to ride in the dark.   You will want a horse that can meet these challenges.


I've had horses with good feet, and others with not-so-good feet.  Some horses require shoes and others have tough hooves that can withstand hard, pointed stones and rocks.  So, for example, if you want your horse barefoot, you want a trail horse with good, tough feet.  Otherwise, you just make sure your horse is well-shod for the trails.

Some experts suggest particular horse breeds not only for their tough hooves, but for their strong, compact body. Some suggest a horse possess front legs that turn in slightly, giving them a better foothold for gaining traction on steep hills.  A breed which is powerfully built, with dense hind quarters, will enable the horse to climb steep inclines with ease. 

Some folks even prefer breeds with shorter tails, such as the appaloosa, to lessen the likelihood of burrs and sticks being caught in the horse's tail.  I always prefer shorter horses, around 14 to 15 hands.  I am fairly tall and I don't enjoy having to bend down every time the trail takes me and my horse under a low-hanging branch.  The shorter horses prevent me from having to do this as often.  Many riders want the "glide-ride" of a gaited horse, such as a Tennessee Walker.

So, you see, you can get pretty particular in what you want.  Just as long as you have the main points covered, however, you will be fine. One thing is for certain, trail riding requires a calm, non-spooky, easy-going temperament in a horse.  It requires a well-broke, well-trained horse, and don't forget to find yourself a horse that LIKES trail riding.  Some just plain do not, and it will not matter a bit whether or not they are the ideal breed for trail riding or not.

Now that we pretty much have the basics covered, how about any of your suggestions and/or experiences?

In the meantime, see you at the next "Best Trail Horse Breed" blog, part 2!