10 Best Horse and Pony Breeds for Kids By Katherine Blocksdorf Katherine Blocksdorf Kathy Blocksdorf is an equine expert and writer with over three decades of experience in training and riding horses. She was raised caring for horses, rehabilitated rescue horses, shows her own horses, and rides long distance. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 09/30/25 Reviewed by Anna O'Brien Reviewed by Anna O'Brien Dr. Anna O'Brien, DVM, is an accomplished veterinarian and award-winning writer with more than a decade of experience treating livestock, domestic animals, and exotic animals. She has won the Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of America. Dr. O'Brien is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: akrp / Getty Images Key Takeaways Smaller horse and pony breeds are generally more suitable for children due to their size, which minimizes the risk of injury and is less intimidating.It's important to choose breeds with gentle and easy-going temperaments, and it's crucial to evaluate the individual horse's behavior regardless of the breed.Avoid high-energy breeds, such as Arabians and thoroughbreds, which may not be suitable for children due to their sensitivity and alertness. Children often dream of owning a horse or pony. If you plan to make this dream a reality, some breeds are a better fit for kids. Generally, smaller horses or ponies are ideal because their size is less intimidating. In case of a fall, they are closer to the ground, making it less traumatic for the child. Breed Characteristics Ponies, cobs, and miniature horses measure less than 14.2 hands (58 inches) at the shoulder. Smaller horses suit a child's shorter stature and are often more trainable. Choose gentle, responsive breeds and avoid those that spook easily or need experienced riders. Tip While some breeds exhibit more predictable temperaments, evaluating each individual horse's behavior is crucial. Select a horse that is docile, attentive, sure-footed, and accustomed to riders of various experience levels. Here are 10 horse and pony breeds considered to be well-suited for children. 01 of 10 Shetland Pony Credit: Westend61 / Getty Images Shetland ponies are popular for children because of their diminutive size, durability, and fun personalities. However, despite their pint-size stature, this breed is powerful. Some Shetlands are notoriously stubborn and might ignore commands from young riders. A Shetland will still need supervision and training from an adult. Breed Overview Height: 7 hands (28 inches) to 11.5 hands (46 inches)Weight: 400 to 450 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Compact body; broad head; short legs; lush mane and tail 02 of 10 Welsh Pony and Cob Credit: Kate Connell / Getty Images Welsh ponies of all sizes can make suitable mounts for children. A child could advance from childhood to adulthood riding a small Welsh pony to a slightly larger Welsh cob. They are generally hardy, athletic, intelligent, and versatile animals. You can also train them to ride with Western or English saddles. Breed Overview Height: 11 hands (44 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)Weight: 400 to 1,200 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Small head; short back; high-set tail 03 of 10 Pony of the Americas Credit: Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images The pony of the Americas has the distinction of being a North American breed developed specifically for young riders. It resulted from a cross between an Arabian-Appaloosa mare and a Shetland stallion, which produced a small colt with a flashy coat pattern. It has the durability and athleticism of all three breeds. Breed Overview Height: 11 hands (44 inches) to 14 hands (56 inches)Weight: 450 to 950 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Wide forehead; muscular build; Appaloosa-like coat pattern 04 of 10 Miniature Horse Credit: The Spruce Pets / Katherine Blocksdorf Miniature horses are fun to handle. Due to their small size, they aren't suitable for bigger children. Generally, children over age 8 or more than 70 pounds can injure these horses. Minis are great for younger children learning how to ride and take care of a horse. Minis also participate in competitions similar to dog agility courses. Breed Overview Height: Typically under 8.5 hands (34 inches) to 9.5 hands (38 inches)Weight: 150 to 350 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Small, muscular build; many have similar proportions to larger horses Continue to 5 of 10 below 05 of 10 American Quarter Horse Credit: Pixabay Although it's not a pony, the American quarter horse is an extremely popular family horse for its versatility and easygoing temperament. They aren't massive horses, averaging around 5 feet in height, which can work for an older child. And they are generally gentle and highly responsive, even for beginning equestrians. Breed Overview Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)Weight: 950 to 1,200 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Muscular body; deep chest; small head with flat profile 06 of 10 Appaloosa Credit: Monika Clarke Photography / Getty Images Appaloosas are another full-size breed that can make a great horse for children. This breed works as a child's mount for their gentle, level-headed temperament. They also are friendly and loyal horses, a good choice for a devoted family companion. They're relatively easy to maintain, even for beginning equestrians. Breed Overview Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)Weight: 950 to 1,200 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Colorful coat patterns with mottled skin; striped hooves 07 of 10 Paint Horse Credit: Mark Newman / Getty Images Paint horses are a full-size breed that has a potent mix of American quarter horse in their pedigree. Like the quarter horse, they typically have a calm, gentle temperament. They're also highly social, intelligent horses, making them easier to train. Overall, they tend to offer a reliable, well-balanced ride. Breed Overview Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)Weight: 950 to 1,200 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Muscular build; deep chest; distinctive coat patterns 08 of 10 Morgan Credit:  dcdebs / Getty Images Morgan horses are excellent family horses, especially for beginning riders. They are known for being highly cooperative and eager to please, and they generally love to socialize with their human family members. They also have a relatively small stature compared to other horse breeds, which is manageable for many children. Breed Overview Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches)Weight: 950 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Compact build; short head; thick mane and tail Continue to 9 of 10 below 09 of 10 New Forest Pony Credit: Nick Brundle Photography / Getty Images Originating in the U.K., the New Forest pony has mixed with several breeds over the centuries. This blending has resulted in a hardy, friendly, and docile animal. These ponies tend to be trainable and eager to please. Their bodies are narrow enough for a younger child to ride. Breed Overview Height: 12 hands (48 inches) to 14 hands (56 inches)Weight: 700 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Compact build; short neck and back; long head 10 of 10 Grade Ponies Credit: Sharon Vos-Arnold / Getty Images In horse circles, "grade" means the same as "mutt" in the dog world. A grade equine lacks a known pedigree. Since pedigree doesn't guarantee quality, a trustworthy grade pony with a fun personality can be a great option for kids. Breeds to Avoid High-energy horse breeds, such as Arabians, Saddlebreds, and Thoroughbreds, are often unsuitable for children due to their alertness and sensitivity to rider movements. While exceptions exist, choose a horse known for a calm temperament. Draft horses are gentle but unsuitable due to their large size and specialty as driving and carting horses. 10 Best Riding Horses for Beginners & First-Time Owners Explore more: Horses Horse Ownership Basics Horse Care