American Quarter Horse

On the trail: Wood rides his favorite ranch-raised horse, WR Smooth Whiskey, through winding and steep trails, across creeks, and over fallen branches each week during their designated time together.

"We have many areas to trail ride that includes mountains, flat lands, river lands, and timber areas," Wood says. "This varied experience is beneficial in breaking and gentling young horses and is great to keep my favorite horses alert. As soon as we can, we take all of our 2-year-olds out of the round pen and onto the many trails around our ranch. It helps them learn to step anywhere and makes them great horses for future trail riders."

Carole Smith and her Quarter Horse, Button, hit the trails a little farther west at the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch in Thermopolis, Wyoming, where her family and friends organize a large annual Quarter Horse sale.

Smith says Quarter Horses' disposition and dependability make them wonderful trail mounts and make it easy to enjoy the ride. She and her husband, Bill, trail ride around Wyoming throughout the year and travel to the Beartooth Mountains in Montana each August. Born and raised on a working ranch, the Smiths' 105 horses confidently travel on any terrain.

"We take many horses to the mountains each year, not only for our enjoyment, but as a training for the geldings we sell each May and September," says Smith. "We know that many of our clients are trail riders, and we want our horses to experience all that they can before they're sold."

Selection savvy: Wood says to "ride the prospective horse and see how you get along. The horse needs to be gentle and willing to do what you ask and travel with a smooth walk, trot, and canter."

Smith recommends looking for a horse that has good foot and bone structure to help your future mount stay sound after many hours in the saddle.