10 Horses That Are Surprisingly Lazy For High-Energy Riders

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Friesian Horse
Ria/Pixabay

When it comes to choosing a horse, energy levels and temperament play a crucial role in ensuring a harmonious partnership. While many riders seek high-energy horses to match their active riding style, some breeds are naturally more relaxed, prioritizing calmness and strength over agility and speed. If you’re a high-energy rider dreaming of fast-paced adventures, the following list highlights horses that, despite their beauty and charm, may not be the best match for your needs. Dive in and discover these gentle giants who are surprisingly laid-back for the spirited equestrian!

Norwegian Fjord

Norwegian Fjord Horse
Silvia/Pixabay

The Norwegian Fjord horse is often celebrated for its steady and calm temperament, which makes it an ideal companion for riders seeking a laid-back experience. While this breed is incredibly strong and hardy, it’s not built for high-energy activities. Their calm demeanor and deliberate movements mean they aren’t as quick to respond to quick commands or high-speed demands, making them better suited for leisurely trail rides or light work. High-energy riders who crave a quick pace may find their relaxed nature a little too slow, which could lead to frustration. Fjords thrive in environments that allow them to take their time, focusing on easy-going tasks rather than strenuous exercises or fast-paced riding.

Quarter Horse

quarter stock
vanessamaeriepike/pixabay

The American Quarter Horse is a versatile breed that excels in various disciplines, but not all of them are suited for high-energy riders. While this breed is known for its quick bursts of speed, some individual Quarter Horses are more relaxed and steady, preferring a slow, steady pace over fast-paced riding. They’re often more content with a leisurely trot or a steady walk rather than breaking into a gallop. For riders who crave constant high-speed chases or energetic performances, a slower Quarter Horse may not be the right match, as it can lack the enthusiasm for fast-paced riding that more energetic riders desire.

Appaloosa

Miniature Appaloosa
Sven Lachmann/Pixabay

Appaloosas are beloved for their distinctive coats and friendly personalities, but their relaxed nature can make them an odd fit for high-energy riders. Known for their calm demeanor, many Appaloosas prefer steady work and low-stress environments. Though they are versatile and can perform in various disciplines, they don’t have the relentless energy required for high-intensity tasks. This breed is better suited for leisurely rides, offering a smooth ride rather than a thrilling, fast-paced adventure. Their calmness and laid-back approach to tasks mean they might be a bit too slow and methodical for a rider who craves action and excitement.

Tennessee Walking Horse

Tennessee Walking Horse
By Just chaos, CC BY 2.0/ Wikimedia Commons

With its signature smooth gait, the Tennessee Walking Horse is the epitome of comfort and relaxation. Known for its gentle and calm nature, this breed is more suited to leisurely rides than high-energy, action-packed activities. Their comfortable gait, often described as the “running walk,” offers an incredibly smooth ride, but it can lack the speed and agility that more energetic riders might crave. The Tennessee Walking Horse’s nature is to go at a steady pace, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a comfortable mount for relaxed trail rides, but not for high-energy activities or intense training sessions.

Icelandic Horse

Icelandic Horse
Pixabay/Pexels

Icelandic Horses are famous for their unique tölt gait and are incredibly versatile, but they are not always the best fit for high-energy riders. While they possess plenty of endurance for long rides, they tend to be laid-back, with a calm demeanor that can make them slow in response to quick commands. Their ability to perform under various conditions doesn’t translate into an eagerness for high-speed action. These horses tend to move at their own pace, often requiring patience from riders looking for quick or high-energy activities. Their gentle, methodical approach makes them more suited to riders who prefer a relaxed experience rather than constant bursts of speed.

Gypsy Vanner

Gypsy Vanner
Anthony 🙂/Pexels

The Gypsy Vanner horse is often praised for its calm and gentle nature, making it a fantastic companion for those seeking a laid-back experience. While they are strong and capable, Gypsy Vanners are not known for their high-energy temperament. Their slow, methodical approach to work and their inherent gentleness make them better suited for relaxed trail riding rather than intense competition or fast-paced riding. For riders looking to enjoy a horse with a calm and patient nature, the Gypsy Vanner can be a great choice, but high-energy riders may find them frustratingly slow, particularly in fast-paced environments.

Shire Horse

shire horse
qjpioneer/pexels

As one of the largest draft breeds, the Shire horse is known for its immense strength and placid temperament, making it more of a working horse than a speed demon. These majestic animals are calm and deliberate in their movements, which may feel slow to riders who are looking for fast-paced action. Shires are better suited for steady, heavy work rather than high-intensity activities. Their easy-going nature means they might lack the energy and responsiveness high-energy riders expect. They’re fantastic for lighter tasks or slower-paced work but might not be the best fit for those seeking a quick, energetic mount.

Clydesdale

clydesdale
linzmeier1-7696444/pixabay

Famous for their role in commercials and their commanding presence, Clydesdales are gentle giants that enjoy a calm, steady pace. Despite their size and strength, Clydesdales tend to move deliberately and slowly, making them more suited for leisurely rides and light work rather than fast-paced activities. Their calm demeanor means they don’t tend to have the high-energy drive that more demanding riders might be looking for. While they excel in pulling tasks and light work, they are not built for speed or agility, making them a poor choice for riders seeking an energetic, fast-paced mount.

Percheron

horse percheron
nikles5/pixabay

The Percheron is another draft breed known for its strong work ethic and calm, easy-going personality. Like other draft breeds, they are more at home pulling carts or doing slow, steady work than engaging in high-energy riding. Percherons are known for their calm temperament, and while they are incredibly strong, they are not built for fast movement or agility. Riders looking for a horse that will perform quick, high-intensity maneuvers may find the Percheron too laid-back. Their gentle nature and slower pace make them more suited to steady work and leisurely riding.

Belgian Draft Horse

Belgian Draft Horse
freddy/pixabay

The Belgian Draft Horse, with its powerful build and placid nature, is perfect for working tasks that require strength, but it’s not ideal for high-energy riding. These horses are gentle giants, often slow to respond to high-intensity commands. While they have plenty of strength and endurance, their calm demeanor means they move at a slow and deliberate pace. High-energy riders may find the Belgian too lethargic for their needs, as the breed is best suited for steady work and relaxed activities rather than fast-paced or high-speed riding. Their laid-back nature makes them great for light work, but not for high-energy tasks.

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