Best Horse Breeds for Beginners in South Africa

Looking for your first horse? These are the calmest, safest, and most forgiving breeds available in SA — with realistic prices and where to find them.

Breeds · 2026-03-25 · 7 min read

Choosing the right breed for your first horse can make the difference between a lifelong love affair with riding and a frustrating, expensive disappointment. In South Africa we are lucky to have a wide selection of breeds, but only a handful are genuinely suitable for nervous, returning, or first-time owners. This guide focuses on horses you can actually find on the local market — not imported unicorns.

What Makes a Breed 'Beginner Friendly'?

A beginner-friendly horse is not just calm. It is also forgiving when you make mistakes, easy to handle on the ground, sound enough to keep working without constant vet bills, and cheap enough to keep without financial stress.

Look for:

• Calm baseline temperament — slow to spook, quick to settle
• Sound, hardy build — fewer leg and foot problems
• Low maintenance — does well on grass and basic feed
• Willing nature — wants to please rather than test you
• Reasonable size — 14.2hh to 15.3hh suits most adult beginners

1. SA Boerperd

The Boerperd is a popular choice for first-time South African owners. Bred for calm temperament, sure feet, and a smooth ambling gait, the Boerperd was literally developed to carry farmers, families, and goods over rough terrain.

• Best for: Trail riding, hacking, family horse, novice adults
• Indicative advertised range: R20,000–R70,000
• Often described as: hardy, willing and comfortable to ride. Veterinary costs depend on the individual horse and its management, not the breed
• Cons: Not built for serious show jumping or dressage above novice level

2. Nooitgedachter

A proudly South African breed developed from Basuto pony stock, the Nooitgedachter is small, tough, and incredibly sensible. They have a reputation for being level-headed on the trail, though temperament always varies by individual and training.

• Best for: Lighter adult riders, teens, mountain trails
• Indicative advertised range: R20,000–R55,000
• Often described as: sensible, sure-footed and easy to keep
• Cons: Small (often under 14.2hh), limited availability outside Free State and Northern Cape

3. Welsh Cob (Section D)

Welsh Cobs are stronger and more substantial than typical ponies, making them a great choice for adult beginners who want a bit of presence without losing the steady pony temperament.

• Best for: Adult beginners, family horse, low-level competition
• Indicative advertised range: R30,000–R90,000
• Pros: Sensible, strong, good doer, beautiful movement
• Cons: Can be opinionated; needs consistent handling

4. Sensible Thoroughbred Cross

A Thoroughbred crossed with a Boerperd, Welsh, or Warmblood often combines athleticism with a steadier head. Avoid pure off-track Thoroughbreds as a first horse — they require experience to retrain.

• Best for: Returning riders with some experience, ambitious beginners
• Indicative advertised range: R20,000–R80,000
• Pros: Athletic, often free, good movement
• Cons: Variable temperament — must try before you buy

5. Older Schoolmaster (Any Breed)

Do not underestimate a 14- to 18-year-old schoolmaster. An older horse that has 'been there, done that' is often the safest, kindest first horse you will ever own. Many compete happily into their early twenties.

• Best for: Absolute beginners, nervous riders, learning a new discipline
• Indicative advertised range: R15,000–R60,000
• Pros: Patient, knows the job, forgiving of rider errors
• Cons: Limited resale window — buy as a long-term partner

Breeds to Avoid as a First Horse

These breeds can be wonderful in the right hands, but they are generally not suitable for absolute beginners:

• Off-track Thoroughbreds — fit, sharp, and need careful retraining
• Young Warmbloods (under 6) — powerful and still developing mentally
• Arabian stallions — beautiful but require experienced handling
• Friesians under 5 — large, slow to mature, and pricey to keep
• Anything labelled 'green' or 'project' — these need professional input

How to Use SAHorseSales to Find Yours

Filter listings by:

1. Discipline: Hack, Trail, or Riding Club
2. Age: 8–18 years
3. Temperament: Calm or Bombproof
4. Province: Start near home — transport is expensive
5. Price: Set a realistic upper limit

Browse Boerperd, Nooitgedachter, and Welsh Cob listings on SAHorseSales — and always arrange a vet check before buying. Your first horse should build your confidence, not test it.

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