Choose a horse wisely when letting your kids hop in a saddle. There are lots of horse and pony breeds friendly to children. We outlined the 10 best breeds to consider. No matter what equine you choose, think about the kid’s safety. Put a kids helmet and comfy riding boots on your child.
1. Shetland Pony
The Shetland Pony is one of the popular pony breeds designed in Scotland. That will be a great option for your kids to take up equestrian sports. Looking cute is not the only feature, they are also very kind, intelligent, and quite sturdy.
Pony Breed Overview
- Conformation: It has a compact body, a wide head with kind eyes. The neck is short but muscular. The back is short and wide. The limbs are quite short and sturdy with feathering above the hooves. The mane and tail are thick.
- Height: 28-46 inches (7-11.5 hands).
- Weight: 400-450 pounds (180-200 kg).
- Life expectancy: 30 years.
- Speed: 25 mph.
- Colors: The colors can be different including chestnut, brown, bay, palomino, buckskin, and others.
- The breed is known for its gaits, the smooth walk, the quite speed trot, three-beat canter, and fast gallop.
- They are commonly used for pulling, showing, and harness driving.
- Average price: $1,000.
Pros
- Very kind and intelligent
- Kids-friendly
- A quite sturdy breed
Cons
- May be stubborn
- Laminitis is a common health issue
2. Welsh Pony and Cob
A Welsh Pony is one of the most popular pony breeds for kids. When young children grow up, they can try a Welsh Cob that is slightly larger. Such ponies are extremely intelligent, athletic, and versatile in use. A Welsh Pony and Cob are ideal for riding English and Western saddles.
Pony Breed Overview
- Conformation: The head is small with big eyes. The shoulders are sloped, the back is short, the hindquarters are strong. The forelegs are straight, the cannon bone is short.
- Height: 44-64 inches (11-16 hands).
- Weight: 400-1250 pounds (180-570 kg).
- Life expectancy: 35 years.
- Speed: 55 mph.
- Colors: There can be any solid color. The most common are bay, black, chestnut, and grey. No leopard or tobiano spots.
- A Welsh Pony is known for its free-moving gaits.
- Welsh Ponies and Cobs can be used in riding and driving. They commonly occur in dressage, hunting, jumping, and endurance riding.
- Average price: $5,000.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Versatile
- Athletic built
Cons
- Easy to spook
- Extra grooming needed
3. Miniature Horse
Miniature Horses or minis look like small horses on a smaller scale. Mini horses occurred as a result of selective breeding for the Shetland ponies and horse phenotype. Most miniature horses express friendliness to other animals and people. That’s why a miniature horse is usually kept as a family pet.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: A well-balanced horse has a head in proportion to a flexible neck. Their longer necks come with well-defined throat latches. The body is well-muscled, the back is short, and the barrel is trimmed. A miniature horse has straight legs with round hooves.
- Height: 34-36 inches (8.2-9 hands).
- Weight: 150-350 pounds (70-160 kg).
- Life expectancy: 25-35 years.
- Speed: 18 mph.
- Colors: There can be any color. The common ones are black, grey, white, and pinto.
- It’s not a gaited horse.
- Miniature Horses take part in various horse shows. These are great companions for trail riding. Some of the minis are used as therapy animals.
- Average price: $3,000.
Pros
- Great family pet
- Easy to keep
- Long liver
Cons
- Pricey
- Special health needs
4. American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse is one of the oldest horse breeds in the USA. The horse is a result of crossbreeding between Spanish horses and English breeds. In fact, the Quarter Horse has Thoroughbred blood. Hence, they have similar characteristics, but still, these are two different horse breeds.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: The horse features a small and short head. The profile is straight. The body is strong and well-muscled. The chest is broad, the hindquarters are rounded.
- Height: 56-64 inches (14-16 hands).
- Weight: 1100 pounds (500 kg).
- Life expectancy: 25-35 years.
- Speed: 55 mph.
- Colors: The most common Quarter Horse colors are chestnut, bay, black, brown, gray, palomino, and roan.
- It’s not a gaited breed.
- The Quarter Horse is good for rodeos, barrel racing, eventing, driving, dressage, hunting, etc.
- Average price: $5,000.
Pros
- Speedy
- Athletic horse
- Long liver
Cons
- Pricey
- Can be tenacious
5. Morgan Horse
The Morgan Horse is another popular breed derived from the USA. It’s valuable for the friendly temper that makes it easy to handle even for kids. Another feature is high longevity comparing with other common breeds. Morgan’s stamina and strength are perfect for equestrian sports, riding, jumping, and others.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: It has a compact body with a short head and small alert ears. The neck is slightly curved, the shoulders are long and sloping. The back is short and muscled. The limbs are strong and straight.
- Height: 56-60 inches (14-15 hands).
- Weight: 900-1000 pounds (400-450 kg).
- Life expectancy: 30 years.
- Speed: 45 mph.
- Colors: The common coat colors are chestnut, bay, and black.
- The Morgan is known as a non-gaited breed.
- The breed is an all-purpose, it’s good for pulling, harness, dressage, showing, and others.
- Average price: $3,000.
Pros
- Kids friendly
- Very cooperative, easy to train
- A versatile breed
Cons
- Nutrition should be strict
- Late maturity
6. Haflinger Horse
The Haflinger Horse is also called the Avelignese. They are considered excellent companions for farmers and children. Therapeutic riding sessions involve Haflinger horses as they get on with people well.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: The head is lean and expressive. The eyes are large and the neck is well-formed. The horse has pronounced withers, sloping shoulders with a deep chest. The croup is well-divided and the limbs are defined. The knees are flat and broad. The back is muscular and medium-long.
- Height: 53-60 inches (13.2-15 hands).
- Weight: 800-1300 pounds (360-590 kg).
- Life expectancy: 25-30 years.
- Speed: 40 mph.
- Colors: Haflinger Horses come in a chestnut color only. You may expect different shades of the color.
- The Haflinger Horse features ground-covering and rhythmic gaits.
- You may face the breed in different horse disciplines including dressage, vaulting, endurance riding, and therapeutic riding.
- Average price: $5,000.
Pros
- Easy keeper
- Great for beginners
- Communicative
Cons
- Special diet needed
- Extra grooming needed
7. Appaloosa Horse
The Appaloosa is a popular horse breed that originated from the United States. It’s famous for its spotted coat pattern. It’s referred to as the leopard complex mutation. Appaloosa Horses have various spotted patterns over the solid base color of the coat. They are known for their gentle and friendly temperament.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: The horse has a leopard-spotted pattern on a solid-base color coat. Another essential feature is striped hooves. An Appaloosa horse may not have the dotted coat pattern but the mottled skin is a must.
- Height: 56-64 inches (14-16 hands).
- Weight: 950-1250 pounds (430-570 kg).
- Life expectancy: 30 years.
- Speed: 40 mph.
- Colors: A leopard-spotted pattern on a solid-base color coat.
- The gaited Appaloosa performs a lateral gait.
- You can spot the horse in barrel racing, roping, reining, eventing, and horse racing.
- Average price: $5,000.
Pros
- Unique color
- Friendly temperament
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Genetic defects
- Get bored easily
8. American Paint Horse
The American Paint Horse originated from the United States. That’s a horse breed that features its white spottings on dark coat color. The American Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred took part in developing the Paint Horse. People love American Paint Horses for their friendly temperament.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: The Paint breed has a strong muscular body, alert ears, and a long neck. The hindquarters are massive. The coat has huge patches all over the body. The low gravity centers make them good at balancing.
- Height: 56-64 inches (14-16 hands).
- Weight: 950-1250 pounds (430-570 kg).
- Life expectancy: 30 years.
- Speed: 55 mph.
- Colors: The coat color is a combination of pinto spotting and dark patches. The common markings include tobiano, overo, and tovero.
- It’s a four-gaited horse breed. Some Painted Horses have five gaits.
- American Paint Horses are commonly used in reining, pleasure riding, and show jumping.
- Average price: $5,000.
Pros
- Unique color
- Calm temperament
- Athletic built
Cons
- Genetic defects
- Needs lots of expenses
9. Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse is also called the Tennessee Walker. It’s a popular horse breed famous for its four-beat sharp movement. Tennessee Walkers are great for riders of all levels. These horses are calm and docile.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: The Tennessee Walker has a well-defined head with small eyes and a long neck. The ears are small and well-placed. The shoulders and hips are long and sloping. The horse’s back is short but strong. The hindquarters are well-muscled of a moderate thickness.
- Height: 57-68 inches (14.3-17 hands).
- Weight: 900-1200 pounds (400-550 kg).
- Life expectancy: 30 years.
- Speed: 20 mph.
- Colors: Tennessee Walkers can be found in all solid colors. The common colors include bay, chestnut, and black.
- The Tennessee Walker features a unique running walk, flat foot walk, and canter.
- The Tennessee Walking Horse is used in horse shows, trail riding, and farming. The breed has partaken in commercials and movies.
- Average price: $3,000.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Unique gait
Cons
- Prone to hoof issues
- Big for small kids
10. Gypsy Vanner
Gypsy Vanner is also known as Gypsy cob or Irish cob. This breed significantly differs from others because of its stunning feathering and beautiful coat. The Gypsy could be a great partner as it’s kid-friendly too. They are suitable for many purposes such as showing, riding, driving, and many others.
Horse Breed Overview
- Conformation: It has a small but strong body with a straight head and wide forehead. The neck is medium muscular. The chest is broad and muscular. The limbs are short but thick and solid. There’s feather covering the hooves.
- Height: 52-64 inches (13-16 hands).
- Weight: 1000-1700 pounds (450-770 kg).
- Life expectancy: 25 years.
- Speed: 30 mph.
- Colors: The coat colors may be different but the most popular are tobiano, skewbald, and blagdon.
- The gaits are powerful and proper.
- The Gypsy is a versatile breed suitable for dressage, driving, pulling, and many others.
- Average price: $10,000.
Pros
- Has laid-back temperament
- Could be used in therapy sessions
- Great for beginners and experts
Cons
- Grooming might be challenging
- Scratches is a common health issue
Kids-Friendly Pony and Horse Breeds Revealed
Check this list to find your ideal child’s pony or horse. This article outlines a wide range of equines to any taste and budget. All of the breeds are friendly and sociable. Thus, they’ll get on well with children.
Most breeds are versatile so you can use them in an array of disciplines. These ponies and horses are excellent family pets and therapy companions. Check our list of the most popular horse breeds to get even more options.