What kind of horse????

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
  What kind of horse do you think would be good for beginner and intermediate riding? I currently have a Norwegian Fjord that is SO stubborn. I'm thinking that maybe a Quarter horse would be good but I'm not sure. Could you give me some advice?
  Thanks,
  Christine
ANSWER: Christine,
  It depends on what type of riding you want to do, and whether you want to show, trail ride competatively, or for pleasure.  Whther you want something you can "grow into" so to speak.  A horse that will teach you to be a better rider, or a horse that will be very forgiving of beginner trial and error.  Do you want something that is perfect for you now, that you may be bored with after a year or so when you are getting better, and wanting more of a challenge?  If you could answer those questions, and give me an idea of how long you have been riding, and whether you are working with an instructor or coach, that would help me in making an assessment of what type of horse is best for you.

Samantha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Samantha,
  I'm going to be doing western pleasure and trail riding. Maybe shows once I have had the horse for awhile. But I just don't know yet. I won't be riding with an instructor or a coach. I'll just be riding by my self and possibly with family or friends. I want a horse that will listen to what I tell it to do and also, how can I keep it from getting barn sour?
  Thanks,
  Christine

Answer
Christine,
  Thank you for answering my questions.  First I would like to recommend that you fins a local western pleasure or trail riding experienced horse person that you can become friendly with or go to for advice and assistance if needed.  I also reccomend that you take several lessons or work with a riding instructor on learning to ride properly.  This is because our form in the saddle, and our body language are crucial to our horses control, movement, and attitude.  The slightest error or reaction could cause any horse to overreact, or long term poor riding skills can cause even the best horse to become sour towards being ridden, handled, or could cause dangerous situations such as bucking problems, rearing problems, kicking, biting, etc.  Probably the best horses for you would be either quater horses, rocky mountain horses, tennessee walking horses, appaloosas, or paints.  THese are all generally more calm, quiet horses.  You should look for something between the ages of 9 and 13 (this way they have plenty of sense in there head, but aren't too old for major medical problems.)  I would also reccomend a gelding over a mare, because alot of mares getting very cranky around "that time of the month", and geldings stayfairly even tempered.  However, like I said before, poor riding abilities and lack of general knowledge will cause even the best horse to become a problem horse.  

Samantha