13 Horses Used for Riding

Horses are pretty cool and were once used for transportation before mechanical inventions like cars and trains became a thing. They are still quite useful with several horse breeds performing a variety of important tasks like hauling, and of course, racing. Horses used for riding are known as Steeds and there are quite a number of horse breeds that can be used for this purpose




If you are looking to buy such a horse; whether you want to use it in a farm or compete in a horse race, there are numerous options for you to choose from. Here are 13 awesome horses used for riding that should be perfect for you.

1. Quarter Horse

If you reside in the US, the best horse for you to consider is definitely the quarter horse. Not only is it the most popular breed in America, it also has a regulating body, the American Quarter Horse Association, which is definitely the biggest breed registry in the world.




The quarter horse is renowned as one of the fastest horse breeds across short distances, making it an ideal choice if you want to venture into horse racing. It is also used for other riding activities and sports like roping and cutting as well as barrel racing.

2. Arabian Horse

This is definitely the most popular exotic horse breed. The Arabian horse has been around for quite a while and has earned the title of the oldest horse breed. It has a distinct appearance that is easily recognizable with a unique head-shape and majestic tail carriage.

This should definitely be on your list if you’re checking out horses used for riding. It is quite comfortable to sit on and also looks amazing in a variety of horse gears. It is also known to have a lot of endurance, hence, it’s the perfect horse for long distant travel.

3. Tennessee Walker

If you’re looking for a horse that will help carry out laborious farming tasks, then this is one horse you should consider. It is a gaited horse breed that was developed for the specific purpose of working on plantations and farms.




It has a smooth gait that allows it to walk pretty fast for a long duration. This is a very valuable trait to have for a farm animal. It can also be easily ridden and is perhaps the best horse to use for training beginners.

4. Thoroughbred

This is nicknamed the sports horse because of its common use in a wide variety of sporting activities like racing, jumping, polo etc. It is athletic and also renowned for its very high spirit. Despite its strong build and active disposition, it is quite a comfortable ride and also a friendly horse.

5. Morgan

Another commonly bred horse, the Morgan is renowned for its versatility. It is able to perform a wide range of functions exceptionally well, which makes it useful in various industries. The beautiful-looking horse can be used in farms for hauling and riding. It can also be used for a variety of sporting activities like racing and jumping.




Due to its versatility, it is one of the few horses that can adequately blend into an urban setting.

6. Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse

This is another horse that belongs to the group of gaited horse breeds. Like the Tennessee Walker, it is mostly employed for farming activities. It is a mid-sized horse that is very comfortable to ride. It also has a very compact build.

Its ambling gait allows it to cover a long distance in a surprisingly short time without needing to run or gallop. This approach ensures that it conserves lots of energy, which is crucial for long travel or farming work.

7. Clydesdale Horse

There are not many horses used for riding and hauling simultaneously. But if there is one horse breed that is strong enough to carry out both activities without breaking a sweat, then it is the Clydesdale Horse.

It is quite a physical specimen with a distinct bay-colored coat and white markings. Its leg muscles are among the strongest you’ll find and it’s facial features are quite alluring. If you want a farming horse that works pretty hard and can be easily ridden then this is the best option for you.

8. Percheron

The Percheron is one of the most intelligent horse breeds, which is why it was commonly used as a warhorse. Since wars have evolved from swords and horses to guns and tanks, the use of the Percheron in combat has since been stopped. It is, however, still a hardworking horse that can be used to haul stagecoaches and agricultural equipment.

9. American Paint Horse

The American Paint Horse is a breed that perfectly combines distinct features in the western stock horse as well as the attractive color of the pinto. This horse is perhaps the best choice for you if what you’re looking for is a pleasure mount i.e., riding for fun.

It is calm and quite friendly and also a very easy horse to mount.

10. Appaloosa

Renowned for being ridden by one of the popular Native American Tribes, the Nez Perce, the Appaloosa is quite a popular breed with a very distinct coat pattern that is easily recognizable. It remains one of the best horses used for riding and is also an excellent trail horse for riding through long forest paths.

11. Andalusian

The Andalusian is a Spanish breed that is highly revered as a brave warhorse. Its elegant look and majestic stride make it a beautiful animal to look at and also ride. It is now used for a variety of tasks including hauling and sporting activities.

12. Friesian Horse

Another great warhorse during the ancient times is the Friesian Horse. Named after a place in the Netherlands, this black beast was a common combat stallion in the medieval era. With its impressive strength, it is able to carry a soldier as well as his armor.

Now, though, the Friesian horse is mostly used in farms for laborious farming activities and chasing after escaped cattle or sheep.

13. Hackney Horse

This is a horse developed in Great Britain that is mostly used for carriage riding. It has impeccable stamina and its speed is also quite impressive, which is probably why some use it for horse racing. Its smooth back allows the addition of a saddle, making riding much more comfortable.