How to Choose the Right Horse for Your Riding Style — A Beginner’s UAE Guide

Understanding the UAE's Equestrian Culture

The United Arab Emirates has cultivated a deep and abiding passion for horses, a tradition rooted in its Bedouin heritage and bolstered by modern interest in equestrian sports. From the grandeur of royal stables to the increasing number of riding schools across the Emirates, the horse remains a symbol of pride, culture, and discipline. For newcomers to horseback riding in the UAE, selecting the right horse is more than a simple purchase or lease; it’s a life decision that influences safety, enjoyment, and long-term success in the equestrian world.

Choosing a horse isn’t only about beauty or breed. Each rider has a unique personality, physical ability, and riding goal—factors that must align with the horse’s temperament, age, and training. Many beginners often feel overwhelmed by choices or fall in love with a horse that isn’t a good match for their needs. That’s why it’s essential to understand how to choose a horse that suits your riding style—especially in a country where equestrian standards are high and expectations for performance and care are rigorous.

This guide is tailored for beginners in the UAE who are taking their first steps into the world of horseback riding. Whether you're drawn to show jumping, dressage, endurance, or casual desert trail riding, the key is matching your ambitions with a horse that complements and supports your journey.

Defining Your Riding Goals Before Selecting a Horse

Before even meeting a horse, every beginner must take time to define what kind of rider they want to become. Are you dreaming of leisurely trail rides through the dunes of Al Marmoom, or do you see yourself training for international competitions like those held in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi? These preferences matter because different riding disciplines require different horse traits—some demand agility and stamina, others call for grace and obedience.

In the second phase of your journey, as you begin to search and interact with potential horses, platforms like Horse Planet can help you explore reputable stables and trainers who specialize in matching riders with the right horses. While the website should not replace expert guidance, it offers useful directories and resources to connect beginners with the UAE's trusted equestrian community.

Once your riding goals are clear, everything else begins to fall into place. You can start evaluating horses not just by how they look, but by how well they meet your needs in temperament, training, and health.

Temperament and Personality: Why the Horse’s Attitude Matters

Temperament is one of the most critical factors for beginner riders. Even the most elegant or athletic horse will pose a danger if it has an unpredictable or overly spirited disposition. Generally, a horse with a calm, forgiving, and consistent personality is ideal for newcomers, especially young riders or those without daily riding experience.

In the UAE, Arabian horses are widely revered for their endurance and loyalty, but they can sometimes be too spirited for absolute beginners. Breeds such as the Quarter Horse, Irish Sport Horse, or even older Warmbloods may be better suited for those who want reliability and calm energy. Speak with stable owners and trainers to understand the individual temperament of a horse; don’t judge solely by breed.

It’s also wise to spend time observing the horse before committing. Watch how it behaves in the stable, how it reacts to different riders, and how it responds to voice commands. Horses are expressive creatures. Their body language—ears, eyes, tail movement—offers insight into their mood and openness to bonding.

Matching Physical Ability: Horse Size and Rider Compatibility

Your physical stature plays an important role in choosing the right horse. Riders who are too large or too small for their horse may struggle with balance, communication, and safety. As a general guideline, the horse should be strong enough to carry your weight without strain and tall enough for your legs to sit comfortably without hanging too low or riding too high on the flank.

Taller riders might gravitate toward horses above 16 hands (a unit of height measurement for horses), while shorter or younger riders may do better with ponies or smaller breeds. It's essential that the rider and horse create a visual and functional harmony—this affects not only appearance but also effectiveness in communication and stability.

Trainers in UAE stables are generally well-versed in these calculations and can guide you during test rides. Many will offer feedback about your posture and compatibility, which you should take seriously. Riding is not just about mounting a horse; it’s about forming a working relationship based on mutual comfort.

Training Level and Experience: Knowing What You’re Ready For

Beginners must prioritize a horse's training history. It is far better to ride a well-trained older horse than to struggle with a beautiful but green and unpredictable young horse. Schoolmasters—older, experienced horses used in riding schools—are often recommended for first-time riders. They know their routines, are more forgiving of rider mistakes, and offer invaluable learning experiences.

The UAE has several stables offering leases or partial ownership of such schoolmasters. This arrangement lets you ride regularly without the long-term commitment of full ownership, which can be financially and emotionally demanding. Through platforms like Horse Planet, you can explore opportunities to lease trained horses that meet your goals and budget, and you can build confidence before moving on to more advanced or personal choices.

Also, inquire about the horse’s specific discipline training. A horse trained for dressage may not adapt well to endurance riding, and vice versa. Make sure their past experience matches what you plan to pursue.

Budget and Upkeep: Knowing What You Can Afford

Owning a horse in the UAE is not a small investment. Beyond the initial purchase price, there are ongoing costs for stable boarding, feeding, training, grooming, veterinary care, and transportation. These can vary significantly depending on location, breed, and level of activity.

For example, stabling a horse in a high-end Dubai equestrian facility will be more expensive than in a quieter area like Sharjah or Ajman. However, cost shouldn’t be the only factor—some facilities offer better care, safety standards, and medical oversight, which are critical for horse and rider wellbeing.

If you’re unsure about the long-term financial commitment, consider a lease agreement or shared ownership. This gives you the chance to experience horse care firsthand without overwhelming responsibility. It also allows you to test whether your riding passion will sustain itself over time.

Having a budget doesn't mean you must compromise on quality. It just means being honest with yourself and finding options that suit your financial limits while still delivering safety, comfort, and joy.

The Role of Trainers and Stable Managers

Choosing a horse is not something beginners should do alone. Trusted trainers and stable managers have the experience to recognize potential problems and advantages that a novice may overlook. Whether it's a subtle gait irregularity or a behavioral red flag, these experts act as your first line of defense.

Most reputable stables in the UAE will offer trial sessions, allowing you to ride under the guidance of a coach. Use this time to ask questions, express your fears, and receive honest feedback. The way a trainer reacts to your concerns is often as important as their technical knowledge. Look for someone who respects your learning curve and is committed to helping you grow, not just pushing for a quick sale or lease.

Additionally, these professionals will often continue to support you after the purchase, helping with the transition period, adjusting training methods, and advising on horse health and care.

In the heart of this process, services like Horse Planet serve as valuable hubs to connect riders with seasoned professionals who can make the journey smoother, more informed, and ultimately more fulfilling.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in the UAE

The UAE takes animal welfare seriously, and equestrian ownership is no exception. Make sure any horse you consider comes with proper veterinary records, transfer of ownership documents, and up-to-date vaccinations. You should also check that the stable adheres to UAE animal welfare laws and provides adequate shelter, water, and veterinary support.

Before finalizing any transaction, draft or review a formal agreement that outlines expectations, responsibilities, and terms of return or resale. This protects both the rider and the seller and ensures the horse’s continued care and protection.

Furthermore, never engage in purchases from individuals or sellers who avoid paperwork, rush the process, or dismiss your concerns. Ethical treatment and transparency should be non-negotiable.

Trial Periods and Listening to Your Instinct

One of the best decisions you can make as a beginner is to request a trial period with the horse. This is common in many UAE stables and allows you to ride and interact with the horse over several sessions. During this time, pay attention to how the horse reacts to you, how easily you bond, and whether you feel confident and safe.

If you find yourself constantly nervous or the horse becomes unresponsive or aggressive, don’t ignore your instincts. There’s nothing wrong with deciding that a particular horse isn’t the right fit. Compatibility is often emotional as well as technical. Just like any relationship, it must feel right.

Horses are sensitive animals, and they often mirror the rider’s confidence and energy. If the partnership starts with hesitation or anxiety, it may be wise to explore other options. Choosing the right horse is not about settling—it’s about connecting.

Your First Six Months with a New Horse

The early stages of owning or leasing a horse are filled with learning. Expect both joy and frustration as you navigate grooming, tacking, stable duties, and advanced riding skills. Stay consistent, ask for help, and don’t rush your progress. Build a routine, stay patient, and continue lessons even if you feel you've mastered the basics.

This is where platforms like Horse Planet can once again be a resource—not just for finding horses, but for discovering events, clinics, and trainers that will help deepen your knowledge and confidence. Growth in the equestrian world is lifelong, and community plays a big role in keeping the journey sustainable.

Conclusion: A Journey That Begins with the Right Partner

Choosing the right horse is one of the most transformative decisions you’ll make in your equestrian journey. For beginners in the UAE, the process involves more than admiration or affordability—it demands self-awareness, planning, expert guidance, and a commitment to long-term learning. By matching your riding goals with a horse’s temperament, training, and physical compatibility, you set the stage for a relationship built on trust and joy.

In the end, your success and satisfaction as a rider will not come from how fast your horse runs or how well it performs in a show. It will come from the bond you build, the lessons you learn together, and the memories created in desert trails, arenas, and quiet moments in the stable. Let this guide serve as a compass to make choices that honor both your dreams and your horse’s well-being.

With platforms like Horse Planet, UAE riders have access to tools and resources that can enrich every stage of this journey—from first ride to lifelong companionship.