Chels If you just have to have a horse, take a long look at the "Paso Fino", not real big about 14 hands average with a few around 15 hands. The smoothest ride in the world and they can go all day long. There are lots of websites just Google the name it means Fine Step. It is a natural 4 beat gait bred into them, no weighted shoes, matter of fact unless you are riding in the rocks a lot no shoes required. They have 3 classes the "Clasico Fino" is with full collection and the horses only take a step about a foot or so long, but quite fast. Then there is the "Corto" which is the speed of a good trot this is the usual for trail riding, last is the "Largo" which is about as fast as a canter, still a four beat gait.
They are Great and Beautiful horses my last horse was one. If you wanted a bigger horse look up "Single Footer" There is a video of "Reverend Homer" that will take your breath away I GAarrooontee!
He gaits at nearly 30 MPH and NO bounce The camera shows him coming straight on and it looks like an old steam locomotive coming at you! OK here is the link to the video Enjoy I sure did and still do. Go full screen and turn up your sound especially for the last stage where they don't have music playing you can really hear and feel his power! The ending is pretty cool too. LOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM0VtEB8MK4&feature=related If you are into speed the Finos are raced at what is known as "Andadura" you can search that too they race them bareback mostly and on a hard surface but it doesn't seem to hurt their feet and they do shoe them for that. Pretty wild!
Old Horse Lover,
Gabby
Yeah I know way off topic, ran away with myself again.
Sorry!