Which breed do you recommend for adult & kids?

I have to agree with all these people about the quarter horse. I have been in the horse business for over 40 years, teaching and boarding horses and putting on horse shows. The quarter horse is a very versatile horse which has been already stated but very true. I have another suggestion and that is that you try to find someone that has had some experience with horses so they can help you find a good quiet horse that the children can ride too. There is so much that goes into buying a horse. It probably needs to be seen by a veterinarian so as to be sure that there isn't anything wrong with the horse. And also if you can find someone who knows about horses, they can ride it for you and try it out. There are so many people in the horse business that are a little on the crooked side. And I have had connemaras too and they are wonderful. But not all of them are quiet and not all quarter horses are quiet. You just need to be sure to try them before buying them. Hope this helps and good luck. Where do you live and maybe I know some one that can help you??

I loved my quarters and paints (which come from quarter horse stock anyway). If you have any physical problems that would make riding uncomfortable, I'd go with a TWH (Tennessee Walker), Saddlebred or one of the other gaited breeds. They can be more spendy, though. If you want just a good all around horse, stay with the quarter horse (or paint). As a general rule, they are pretty sturdy and easy keepers. You don't need any fancy breeding or one that is registered. There are tons of great all around horses out there almost for the asking, to include rescues. And no matter what you get, don't get young ones, get them at least 5 yrs old; even better, get a gelding 8 or older that's been around a lot. Have you owned horses before?

First of all.....Happy Easter, Chey & family....have wonderful day with your family. Chey...I grew up on horses in the REAL country. Saw my first car when I was 12! It is absolutely NOT necessary for you to buy a breed horse in order to get a wonderful horse...some of the very best horses for a family situation are Heinz 57 (mixed breeds). Each bree of horse was developed for different siutations of work & pleasure. Many are high-energy! A good approach for you I think, would be to find a vet that you (or comes with recommendations) can trust! Find an animal rescue centre, and you will be surprised at the good prices, good horses that you can find there for your needs. Because of the age of your grand children, look for quiet disposition, a horse that can be handled all over, does not kick or bite, and have the vet look for health issues. Confirmation issues. Look for shoeing problems...does the horse allow for it's feet to be handled and worked on (could save you lots of money when the farrier comes around.) Teeth check...the vet will tell you the age & health! This is vital..cuz if you have to have the teeth floated, have deep pockets. I could go on & on, my dear, wish I was there to help you, but take your time, this is a costly, but wonderful investment. It will come back to you tenfold in the joys of the family. Cheers,& good luck.

I'm right up there with Lightning on choosing a Quarter Horse (or maybe even a quarter horse cross). From my experience they are the most easy-to-handle horses I've ever owned. They really do, for the most part, have even temperments and are very gentle, a good choice for horse-beginners and/or those who have little horse experience. Most of my personal experiece lies with Thorougbreds, which I would advise against for your situation, though not all Thoroughbreds are as spirited as mine. They are my personal favorite, but I wouldn't let my kids near my horse until they were quite a bit older with more experience. The most gentle and bomb-proof horse I ever owned was a Connemara mare, which is an Irish pony, and not so much a pony in its size (as a 5'8" adult I could still ride mine) but in its temperament. My mare was a little rude when it came to food (it was her main passion in life), but she was sooo good with kids, absolutely beautiful, and very sweet and mild-mannered. She was my horse from age 4, and I showed her until the age of 12. To us she was more of a pet than a show horse, but we were often offered a lot of money for her, though we bought her originally for pennies. Today, horses that are good with children can be quite pricey, not to get you down, but there are a lot of parents out there with a lot of money looking for high quality show horses for their kids, especially when it comes to ponies. That is not to say you'll never find anything ( I don't even know how much you're willing to spend, I'm just looking at it from my personal point of view), because I'm sure you will. With grandkids as young as yours I would recommend the QH or Connemara, though there are lots of other breeds out there than can be gentle. A lot of it just depends on how the horse was treated as a foal and how it was raised and trained. You will just have to use your best judgement when you go "horse-shopping." You'll be able to tell if a horse will be what you're looking for. Things will just feel right...kind of like falling in love (silly as it sounds). Good horses have kind faces and soft eyes. You'll just know the horse when you find it. Best of luck to you and your husband in your horse quest!

I used to own a thourout breed mixed with Quarter, a Quarter and a Tennesee Walker...out of those the Quarter horse was far better for kids. The Walker was mean for sure. My main riding horse was the mix. I guess it all depends on what you will be using the, for when the kids arent around? If it is just for riding a Quarter would be great trail horse. Research the breed you were thinking about I mean there are literally thousands of them Morgan's, Pinto's, appaloosa, the list is forever long. However I would steer clear of ponies because once the older kids get a little older they wont be able to ride them at all. Also many people who are selling horses will let you test ride them. Take one of the kids along to see how the horse responds to them. Some horses only listen to adult riders which could cause issues for you. Also if the sellers wont allow you to ride them dont buy from them...some horses without being broken in properly buck riders even if they are very friendly without a rider. Make sure too they can provide proper vet papers. Before I bought my first horse we didnt know very much about them and when we brought her home and had the vet come out she was 300 pounds underweight. It turned out to be fine and we took care of her but just to try and prevent problems before you have to face them you should make sure the horse you buy is well taken care of. I mean that really is the key to a good riding horse for children is the way they have been trained and handled. So go look around and make calls go see them. Take you time deciding, a horse is literaly a big decision. Good luck and keep us updated on what you decide.

yo me is feelin it but you dont want a horse what can they do they cant drive they cant go to macky D's and ak for a mac chicken nugget meal from da kiddie menu, i personal wud by your kids a ps3 respek

Honestly, I think just like dogs and cats, a mix breed horse might well be the way you should go. Granted a quarter horse mix might be your best bet, but I think for just a casuel pleasure horse you don't need to buy a pedigree horse.

I have never owned a horse myself - but as with most girls it was a childhood dream. now as an adult I am afraid of the care they might require and the expense to keep them properly... so I have hesitated making the commitment myself. My friend has miniatures and they are such a delight! the children can ride them - and learn equine husbandry... one is trained to pull a cart, which will prove useful. I have been thinking on a mini donkey myself.

I have fallen in love with the Andalusian breed. I'm sure that they are quite expensive though?! I grew to love them after working on a web site http://www.warofwits.net. Here you will see the owner's horses.. and also read about her love for writing. She's a lovely lady and I'm sure that she will point you in the right direction.

Actually, Quarter horses can be used in many different disciplines, and pleasure is a big one for them. If you are looking for a horse that you are willing to take good care of and ride once in a while, I would suggest either a Quarter Horse, a Welsh, or maybe even an Arabian pony. Remember that owning a horse is a huge responsibility and can get costly quickly. Good luck!