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You live in Missouri and do not know the state horse is the Missouri Fox Trotter??!!?!?!? (just kidding, a lot of people don't know that)



Anyway if you want a riding horse especially if you want to trail ride a fox trotter is hard to beat. I live in south central missouri and if you would like to come visit you can try out one of ours. e-mail me if you would like.



Other good possibilities are Tennessee Walkers, rocky mountains (more expensive and more hype but similar to fox trotters) and spotted saddle horses.



All four of these breeds are gaited (or I would not have suggested them for a 'riding' horse). Of the four breeds, I have found that the rockies are simply fox trotters with extra hype from the registry. Unfortunately with the hype comes a higher price tag. They are no smoother, no calmer, and have no more endurance. The spotted saddle is mainly a paint color of the Tennessee Walker (you can get walkers that are paints and many are registered in both registries). Therefore I will not discuss them much, not do I recommend them in leu of a Fox trotter.



So the only real difference here is the fox trotter and the Tennessee Walker. Of the two the Walker is a little faster and a little smoother on really level ground. However the fox trotter is more sure footed and has more endurance. Most fox trotters can fox trot and running walk. A few can also rack. Most Walkers only running walk but many rack as well.



I once rode a walker that would trip in the field. The only place you could ride him was on gravel roads. This is not typical but take one for a test ride before buying.

I would recommend a Quarter Horse. Also, you might consider getting a gelding (castrated male, in case you didn't know!). Mares (females) can be rather moody and I find have a tendency to be less foreword (lazier, basically) than geldings. I'd also recommend at least a few months of lessons before jumping into the sea of horse ownership. You'd be surprised how much there is to know! Anyway, have fun in the world of horses and good luck! Hope I helped!

With your height and weight, I would suggest a taller, sturdier horse. I think you would feel more comfortable on a taller horse. And as someone else said, more time in the saddle. I would suggest taking some lessons at a nearby stable. You can get private lessons so you are not with a bunch of kids. That way, you can ride different horses and see which fit you best, the taller or shorter ones.

QH are very well tempered horses, I think of them as the golden retriever of horse breeds.



That being said, it really doesn't matter what breed you get, it's about each individual horse. I've seen a lot of horses of different breeds that wouldn't hurt a fly, and some of the same breeds that are crazy.



QH tend to be really mellow though, plus they are nice western horses (which Im sure is what you'll be riding).



EDIT - Also, you might want to consider a gelding. Mare's can have attitudes (especially when in heat), geldings just kind of go with the flow.

I would say get a Tenessee walking horse gelding because mares can be tempermental and geldings are usually like sweet, gentle teddy bears! Tenessee walking horses (twh) are an amazing ride, i rode for 6 hours once! My twh gelding is amazing, he is sweet and gentle to everyone. They are really strong and can get REALLY tall. Whatever breed you get it should be at least 16hh, if you don't know how high that is ask another question about it. Good luck and happy horse hunting!

I agree with chevalrose. QHs are often very level headed and willing, so they are a good choice, although many other horses would probably work out just as nicely. And I love my mare to death, but I would definitely recommend a gelding if you want something gentle and kind, cuz mares know how to have an attitude!

I own the horse you need, but there is no amount of money that will buy her! Fortunately, she's not the only one around. A sturdy quarter horse with some age and experience is what you should look for...if you can find one that has been around cattle and out in the fields a lot, that would be best. Happy hunting.

Yeah, Quater Horses are a great horse for many things. Cattle is one of them. =]



Mares aren't always moody. Some can be, it just depends. I have 3 right now, and none of them get moody. But a gelding is a safe bet.



Make sure whatever horse you decide to get, they are really well broke and not afraid of cows.



A Paint horse is another option.

QH, yes. Mare, NO, because this is ur first horse, right?? stallion, BIG NO. QH gelding (my baby thank you very much) would be the best. they can really get going when you want them to, but can be gentle and easy to ride too. QH are bomb proof and are just all around amazing horses. if ur looking into buying one, just be warned they have a slight tendancy to go lame more than any other horse, but for ur first horse, DEF QH gelding XD

First, you need more riding and horse experience.



Second, the breed doesn't matter, you need to look for an older horse, 15 years +, that is laid back has already has lots of experience with cattle and trail riding.

A quarter horse is a good choice but at your height you need to get one that is at least 15 3 hands. Another good choice might be a Missouri Fox Trotter. I had one and she had a great gait for riding in fields

QH are good, I've always enjoyed geldings better than mares in less you plan on breeding. Geldings are just a lot more even tempered. You should get a bigger horse at least 15.3h.