An Introduction To The Big 4 Western Breeds

No series of western articles would be complete without a brief discussion on the major breeds which have had an impact on this style of riding. Of course, any horse can be trained to do just about anything, but some are more suited to specific roles than others. For example, you won't find many Hanoverians cutting cattle and you won't find many Quarter Horses show jumping. To this end, I have determined, through great study and using the S.W.A.G.G methodology of research, (Scientific Wild And Good Guess) that the Big 4 Breeds of Western Riding include:

The American Quarter Horse
The Mustang
The Appaloosa
The Paint

What will follow is a brief discussion of each group. The reader is invited to do their own research on these breeds by going to the various breed registry sites on the internet such as www.aqha.com for the American Quarter Horse, and glean even more useful information on these 4 great breeds of Western horses.

Tim Manson

Comments

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Laura 7th Jan 02

I have a 6 year old English Thoroughbred ( ex- recehorse) mare, she is a slight build as she was a flat racer. She is green yet, as she needs some schooling, but is physically fit and well. Would she be ok for Western Riding?

Tim 11th Jan 02

Hello Laura. Your English TB would be fine to school in western riding. You will probably find that western tack will keep you more secure while trying to retrain an ex race horse. Best of luck!

Linda 2nd Mar 02

I was just given a standard breed horse that had been harness racing but is now retired for two years. He is really good natured and listens good but spooks alot. Have any suggestions. He is used to blinders I was thinking of that.

Some say standards are hard to ride. His walk and trot is nice. I haven't felt brave enough to go very fast with him because he is just saddle trained (he is green). I am a fairly new rider as far as riding all the time, I haven't. Rented now and then and rode other peoples horses now and then, but far from really good as far as keeping balance when going fast.

Anja 17th Apr 02

I think this is such a great idea having a western bit on NR I would love to try western one day But im still trying to find a place that actully does western riding over here (nz) keep up the great work
Anja

Jenny 8th Oct 02

Hi,
I was advised to come here through the Yahoo mules only site (What!All those beautiful mules over there and no mention!!!)
I am working my way through the site but had to stop here.I ride a twenty plus part-bred arab hinny,in this country they are usually accidents although some are starting to be bred intentionally.Sarah-lee is a great school teacher and I'm sure she has been taught western but I'm a complete novice and learning to ride again after an abscense of thirty years or so.

Amy 31st Oct 02

Can anyone recommend a good brand of Western saddle for a high-withered throughbred?
I know I likely need a wide tree saddle, but have always ridden hunt seat and don't know where to begin.
Thanks!
Amy

Jeff 27th Jan 03

I'm a 5'11", 240 lbs rider and have started western riding with my Percheron. I was wondering if I should bother trying to show him in western pleasure classes at all or if I'd be laughed out of the arena for being on such a large horse? In english shows, he doesn't fit in but at least there are some warmbloods as big as him...but he sucks at english. He has a gorgeous western jog.

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