When looking for a trail horse, age is always a factor and younger is not necessarily better. I personally prefer to buy a horse that I can get on and ride from day one. But other people like to train their mounts rather than correct someone else’s training. If I find the right young horse (one with the qualities I first mentioned), I am willing to put in a little time on him. I don’t fancy myself a trainer, but in these situations, I think there is nothing better for young horses than to be out on the trail behind a steady, experienced horse. I have a favorite trail for training young horses that is fourteen miles round trip and offers a variety of experiences including creek crossings, a short bridge and mud.

But as I said, my personal preference is to buy a trail horse that I can get on from day one. So I certainly never hesitate to buy one with a little age on it. A healthy 10- or 12-year old horse still has many good years left in him and the fun can start right away. I might have to work out some kinks, but a couple of good long rides and we are usually on the same page. Remember, though, age doesn’t necessarily equal experience. Real trail experience can be worth the extra money on the purchase price, especially if you are just starting out or if you are like me and want a better than average chance that you won’t have problems on the trail. I am just no longer interested in having a rodeo 15 miles from the trailer.

Breed

I am not partial to any one breed, including a grade horse, if he has the traits I need. In our area of the Rocky Mountains, we see a lot of Quarter Horses, Paints, Morgans, Arabians and all manner of crosses. We also see a lot of gaited breeds like Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters. Additionally saddle mules are becoming quite popular. All of these will make fine trail horses/mules if, once again, they have the right traits.

One note, if you like to ride with groups or you will always have the same partner, it would be wise to ensure the horse you are looking at doesn’t travel too much slower or faster than the group. One of our customers with a Tennessee Walker tried riding with her friends who ride Quarter Horses. By the end of the ride, both horse and rider were miserable from having to adjust his natural gait to stay with the group.