14 Best Horse Breeds That Are a Cowgirl’s Best Companion

Think of warmbloods as the best of both worlds: strong, steady, and just spirited enough. These medium-sized horses, with roots in Europe, blend the fiery energy of hot-blooded breeds like Arabians with the cool, calm nature of cold-blooded workhorses. That balance is what makes them so beloved in the equestrian world. Breeds like the Hanoverian and Dutch Warmblood may only make up a small slice of the U.S. horse population, but their versatility in sport and leisure riding makes them true standouts.

Group: Heavy

Height: 15 hands (60 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)

Weight: 1,200 to 1,300 pounds

Lifespan: 20 years

Well known for their stellar "cow sense," these tough workhorses are great for herding cows. Take its status as the ranch horse of choice on the Drummond Ranch as proof! These versatile horses, which are the oldest and most popular breed in the U.S., can also serve as racing and family horses as well.

Group: Light

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds

Lifespan: 25 years

Sure-footed and speedy, this hardy horse breed can be found across the western United States—including on the Drummond Ranch! Their ability to thrive in harsh environments means they can handle the demands of long days and tough work. They're also a symbol of freedom, fitting for the word that mustang derives from, mustengo, which means "stray horse."

Group: Light

Height: 12 hands (48 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

Weight: 700 to 1,000 pounds

Lifespan: 25 to 30 years

The recorded history of this ancient breed goes back to 3000 B.C., when the Bedouin tribes in the Arab peninsula often used them for transportation. Hot-blooded Arabians made their way to the U.S. in the 1700s and have been beloved for their power and grace ever since. They're particularly good choices for endurance riders.

Group: Light

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds

Lifespan: 25 to 30 years

Although "thoroughbred" is often used to indicate a purebred horse, it actually refers to a specific breed. This horse is known for its athleticism, so it's no wonder it was developed for racing and jumping in the United Kingdom! Just keep in mind the spirited breed is hot-blooded, and therefore not a beginner's best friend.

Group: Light

Height: 15 hands (60 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)

Weight: 1,000 to 1,300 pounds

Lifespan: 25 to 35 years

This Scottish breed was originally a draft horse, meaning it carried heavy loads. Brought to North America in the 1800s, it has a few trademark features, including feathering around the legs and an above-average size. Even though their stature might intimidate new riders, cold-blooded Clydesdales are actually quite gentle and a great choice for families.

Group: Heavy

Height: 16 hands (64 inches) to 18 hands (72 inches)

Weight: 1,600 to 2,400 pounds

Lifespan: 20 to 25 years

This breed comes from the Dutch province of Friesland—it was originally a medieval war horse! Today the horse is known for its dramatic black mane and tail. It's typically used for dressage and pulling carriages.

Group: Light

Height: 14.2 (59 inches) to 17 hands (68 inches)

Weight: 1,300 to 1,500 pounds

Lifespan: 16 years

This breed, which boasts cow-like splotches in black or brown, is typically gentle, making it well-suited to riders of many experience levels. Legend has it this the breed is a descendant of a sorrel-and-white stallion brought to the U.S. by Spanish explorer Hernando Cortes.

Group: Light

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds

Lifespan: 30 years

Consider this breed the Dalmatian of horses: It's known for its trademark black spots! Spanish explorers brought its predecessors to North America in the early 1600s, and it became a hit with the Nez Perce tribe in the Northwest. The breed was almost lost when the U.S. government tried to take over Native American land, but by the 1930s it came to prominence once again. A gentle horse, it's good for beginning equestrians and families.

Group: Light

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds

Lifespan: 25 to 30 years

These beautiful horses are often quite small, but what they lack in size they make up for in pluck—they can famously thrive in the harshest of conditions. Thanks to their stature and sure-footedness, Icelandic horses are a good choice for beginning equestrians.

Group: Light

Height: 13 hands (42 inches) to 14 hands (56 inches)

Weight: 730 to 840 pounds

Lifespan: 25 to 30 years

Also known as a Pure Spanish Horse, this breed is known for its long, elegant mane and fiery energy. A descendant of Spanish and Portuguese Iberian horses, this hot-blooded horse is extremely agile, making it right at home in the dressage ring. Because of its commanding presence, it's also a popular choice for parades. The cons of that beautiful mane: It's not too easy to groom!

Group: Light

Height: 14 hands (56 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds

Lifespan: 25 to 30 years

This breed hails from—no surprises here—Tennessee! Known for its effortless gait, it would easily conquer the rocky terrain of Drummond Ranch. Equestrians of all skill levels who are looking for a smooth ride will find just that in this breed.

Group: Light

Height: 15 hands (60 inches) to 16 hands (64 inches)

Weight: 1,100 to 1,300 pounds

Lifespan: 28 to 33 years