How to Find a Good Long-Riding Horse

Choosing the right horse for long-distance riding isn't just about selecting a good companion—it's about finding a partner that can endure the journey and keep you safe. Not every horse is suited for the trail. Some don’t like uncertainty, others need routine. Some are more sensitive when it comes to food, skin, or hooves, and some are simply happier at home.

Throughout our journey, we’ve had the chance to work, ride, and bond with all kinds of beautiful horses. Not every horse was good for long riding, but each one taught us something valuable. On our big ride from Mongolia to Germany, we had to switch horses in every country. Unfortunately, we hadn’t done the necessary preparation to bring horses across borders. It was heartbreaking and definitely the hardest part of our journey, but by the time we reached Europe, we knew we wanted to find our lifelong partners.

While Pete found his perfect match, Marengo, in Turkey in 2021, I wasn’t as lucky. I ended up with a horse that carried old injuries. For our next tour—crossing the Alps—we were offered a loan horse, but it turned out that involving a third party was a bad idea. So there we were, stuck in France, heartbroken and desperate once again. That’s when we bought my last horse, a Thoroughbred cross, from a good friend of ours. We spent the next two years trying to make this horse, Banditi, a long-riding horse. And guess what? We failed. Banditi was bred for sport, not for the hardships of the road.

So why should you listen to me when it comes to finding a good long-riding horse? It’s simple—through Marengo, we’ve learned what traits a good long-riding horse needs, and through my experiences, we’ve seen where horses struggle and why.

Understanding What Makes a Good Long-Riding Horse Can Save You from Heartbreak and Frustration

Choosing the Right Breed, Age, and Sex

Hot-blooded, cold-blooded, sport horses, or wild steppe horses—all have their pros and cons, and understanding what best suits your needs takes a bit of research. Both Pete and I are drawn to Arabians; they are in a league of their own with their endurance pedigree and ability to move quickly over long distances in challenging conditions. That said, we also think very highly of working breeds such as stock horses, steppe horses, mustangs, and many others. We do not recommend sport horses, and we don’t know anyone who has successfully long-ridden with them.

Mares, stallions, and geldings—long riding can be done with any of them. However, having a stallion in Europe makes things more difficult, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you and your stallion have a long history together. I also wouldn’t recommend taking mares to places where horses still run free. A mare in heat could attract stallions and create problems you definitely want to avoid. Otherwise, I’ve heard that mares make amazing companions and are great for long riding. Both Pete and I prefer our geldings—they’re a safe bet.

As for age, a horse’s body matures physically over its first seven years, with some developing faster than others. By this age, a horse’s bones should be fully developed, and it should have strong muscles if properly trained.

How Conformation and Health Impact Your Horse’s Endurance

A horse’s conformation directly affects its ability to carry weight, so it’s worth knowing a bit about this. For instance, a horse with a shorter, strong back and a deep chest will carry weight much better than one with a longer back and a sagging spine.

We also look for strong, solid legs with thick cannon bones, which is a good indication of carrying capacity.

If possible, avoid a horse with allergies or special dietary requirements. While not a dealbreaker, this can make the minimalistic lifestyle on the road much more difficult.

Now let’s talk about hooves. Ever heard the saying “no hoof, no horse”? Without healthy feet, your ride is over before it begins. The more you know about hooves, the better. Personally, I want my horse to be able to walk barefoot on gravel. You will need some sort of protection while on the road, but you want a solid foundation.

Why Your Horse’s Background and Care Habits Matter

The more self-sufficient a horse is, the more time you’ll have to focus on other things. Some horses have higher energy requirements than others, and finding enough food on the road isn’t always easy. Your horse needs to know how to be a horse and survive in harsh environments. If it’s been raised in a stable and rugged every winter, you may face challenges.

A horse’s history can shape its future. Damage done in its early years will stay with the horse for a lifetime, so the more you know about its upbringing, the better.

Finding a Horse with the Right Character and Connection

A spooky horse is a dangerous horse for a long rider. While sensitive horses like Arabians can be a little spooky, their intelligence and ease of training make up for it. Smart horses will make your life easier, but even the calm, bomb-proof type has its merits. Consider what you want in a partner. If you have a more sensitive horse, you may want to spend extra time working with it before embarking on a long ride.

Finally, you need to feel a connection with your horse. A long ride leaves no room for a traumatized horse, as it would be a danger not only to itself but to everyone around it. We experienced this firsthand with our horse, Beersheba, in Uzbekistan. As Pete says, “I look into a horse’s eyes, into its soul, and listen to its fears and needs. I try to see if it’s going to be a mate, a total nightmare, or just a companion. I’m after a mate—one that will keep me safe and enjoy its time with me as much as I will with it.”

Conclusion

Be warned: there is no such thing as a “perfect” horse, but there is a “perfect” horse for you! And remember, this process is a journey in itself. With patience and knowledge, you will find the one that’s right for you, and we hope that by sharing our highs and lows, we can help you find your own perfect partner.

I believe we’ve finally found mine. We had a clear vision of what we were looking for, so we went to Bulgaria, where the horses still run free, and asked a friend to help us look around. We found a 6-year-old grey Shagya Arabian gelding that had run free in the mountains for its first five years. He hasn’t been ridden yet, but his teeth and feet have been well taken care of. He has the softest eyes and plenty of spirit. I’m in love!

If you’re as passionate about long riding as we are, we’d love for you to follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. We share every step—both the triumphs and the challenges—so you can learn from our experiences. Got questions about choosing a horse or preparing for a long ride? Leave us a comment, and let’s chat. We’re all in this adventure together!