Last updated: September 10, 2026
A smooth ride can mean the difference between enjoying a full day on the trail and feeling every jarring step in the saddle. That is why so many riders search for the smoothest gaited horse breed.
Paso Finos and Peruvian Pasos are often considered among the smoothest gaited horses because of their naturally even four-beat gaits. However, Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Icelandic Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses, and other gaited breeds can also provide exceptionally comfortable rides depending on the rider, terrain, and type of riding.
The best gaited horse is not simply the one with the smoothest movement—it is the one that matches your experience, goals, and lifestyle. In this guide, I’ll compare the top gaited horse breeds, explain how their gaits differ, and help you choose the one that best fits your riding goals. If trail riding is your main priority, you may also want to read my guide to the best horse breeds for trail riding.
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My Top Gaited Horse Breeds for Different Riders
There is no single best gaited horse for every rider. Comfort matters, but it is only one part of the decision. You also need to consider the horse’s size, mind, training, soundness, energy level, and the kind of riding you actually plan to do. Still, if someone asked me where I would start looking, this is how I would narrow the list.
| Breed | Signature gait | Why riders choose them | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paso Fino | Paso fino, paso corto, paso largo | Known for an exceptionally smooth, refined four-beat gait and a unique feel in the saddle. | Riders who want a polished, responsive horse with a naturally smooth ride. |
| Tennessee Walking Horse | Running walk | Famous for a ground-covering, comfortable gait that has made the breed popular with trail riders. | Trail riding, pleasure riding, and riders who want an easy long-distance ride. |
| Missouri Fox Trotter | Fox trot | Offers a smooth broken-diagonal gait while maintaining the feel of a traditional riding horse. | Trail riders who cover varied terrain and want comfort with forward movement. |
| Icelandic Horse | Tölt (and sometimes flying pace) | A compact, hardy breed known for sure-footedness and a smooth four-beat tölt. | Riders who want a smaller, strong horse with a distinctive gait. |
| Rocky Mountain Horse | Natural four-beat gait | Popular for a calm temperament, comfortable ride, and versatility on trails. | Recreational riders looking for a smooth, practical all-around horse. |
| Peruvian Paso | Paso llano and sobreandando | Known for an elegant, naturally smooth gait and distinctive movement called termino. | Riders who appreciate a refined gait and traditional breed style. |
My take: I wouldn’t buy a horse because somebody says it ranks at the top of a smoothness list. I would rather ride three honest, well-trained horses from different breeds than buy one flashy horse sight unseen. The right gait is the one that stays natural, relaxed, and comfortable after an hour in the saddle—not just for one pretty pass in an arena.
What Is the Smoothest Gaited Horse Breed?
If I had to point a rider toward breeds known for an exceptionally comfortable ride, I would start with Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Rocky Mountain Horses, Racking Horses, and Icelandics. The real difference is not simply smooth versus rough. It is the type of movement you prefer.
- Paso Finos and Peruvian Pasos: Often appeal to riders who enjoy a refined, quick, very even four-beat feel.
- Tennessee Walking Horses: Known for a longer, ground-covering running walk that can feel easy over miles of trail.
- Missouri Fox Trotters: Offer a broken-diagonal gait that many riders find comfortable while still feeling closer to a traditional riding horse.
- Rocky Mountain Horses and Racking Horses: Often chosen for a steady, even four-beat gait and trail-friendly appeal.
- Icelandic Horses: Give riders a compact, sturdy horse with the distinctive tölt and, in some individuals, flying pace.
For pure smoothness, many riders place Paso Finos and Peruvian Pasos near the top of the list. But I would not call either one the undisputed winner. A clean, natural gait from a well-conditioned, sound Missouri Fox Trotter may feel better to one rider than a very collected Paso Fino. Your body, riding style, and preferred speed all matter.
The Best-Known Gaited Horse Breeds
Paso Fino
The Paso Fino is one of the first breeds many riders think of when they hear “smooth gaited horse.” These compact horses commonly stand around 13 to 15 hands and trace their development to horses brought to the Caribbean by the Spanish. They are especially associated with Puerto Rico and Colombia.
The breed performs three natural four-beat lateral gaits: paso fino, paso corto, and paso largo. Paso fino is highly collected and covers little ground. Paso corto is more forward at a medium speed, while paso largo is faster and more extended. A quality Paso Fino can feel remarkably smooth, but the gait still varies with the individual horse.
Paso Finos are often described as having brio: energy, presence, and willingness without losing responsiveness to the rider. That does not mean every Paso Fino is quiet or beginner-safe. Some have plenty of personality and forward motion, so ride the individual horse before deciding it is the right fit.
Best suited for: Riders who appreciate a refined, even gait and enjoy a smaller athletic horse with presence.
For a closer look at the breed’s movement, read my guide to Paso Fino horse gaits.
Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse was developed in the American South as a comfortable, practical riding horse. It commonly stands around 14.3 to 17 hands and is best known for the running walk, a four-beat gait with the same basic footfall sequence as a walk but more speed and overstride.
A good running walk has a regular rhythm, a relaxed ground-covering feel, and the characteristic head nod associated with the breed. It is one reason Tennessee Walkers have long been popular with trail and pleasure riders who want to cover miles without posting a trot.
When shopping for one, pay attention to how the horse is trained, shown, and shod. Many people enjoy naturally gaited, flat-shod Walking Horses for trail riding and pleasure use. The breed also has a complicated show-world history, so I would look for humane management, soundness, and a horse that travels naturally and comfortably.
Best suited for: Riders looking for a ground-covering trail partner, provided the individual horse has the training and mind they need.
From the trail: On the Tennessee Walking Horses I have ridden on trails and overnight trips, the running walk made long days easier on the rider. But I still wanted the same things I would want in any trail horse: good feet, soundness, manners, a quiet mind, and a horse that would handle ordinary trail situations without becoming a problem.
Read more before you shop in Should You Buy a Tennessee Walking Horse?.
Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotter is a practical, sure-footed breed developed in the Ozarks for people who needed a horse that could cover uneven country comfortably. Many stand around 14 to 16 hands, and the breed is a favorite among trail riders who want a solid horse with an easy-riding gait.
Its signature fox trot is a broken-diagonal four-beat gait. The front foot of a diagonal pair lands slightly ahead of the hind foot, creating a rhythm that feels different from a lateral gait such as a rack or running walk. A correct fox trot lets the horse travel forward with purpose while keeping the rider comfortable.
The Missouri Fox Trotter often appeals to riders who want a low-bounce ride but still like a more traditional, forward horse feel. That is a personal preference, which is why I always recommend riding more than one gaited breed before deciding which motion you like best.
Best suited for: Riders who spend long hours on trails and want a practical horse that can cover country comfortably.
Icelandic Horse
Icelandic Horses are compact, strong horses usually standing around 13 to 14 hands. They are known for hardiness, thick coats, sure-footedness, and the tölt, a comfortable four-beat lateral gait. Some Icelandics are four-gaited, while five-gaited horses can also perform flying pace.
The tölt is the gait most riders associate with the breed. It can be ridden at a range of speeds and, when the horse is balanced and relaxed, gives the rider a comfortable trip over uneven ground. Icelandics are small, but they are sturdy riding horses, and adult riders commonly ride them.
Icelandic Horses are bred and ridden well beyond Iceland, although Iceland itself has strict rules that prevent exported horses from returning to the country. Breed organizations recognize the horse’s ability to perform walk, trot, canter, tölt, and, in some horses, pace.
Best suited for: Riders who want a compact, strong, sure-footed horse and enjoy the distinct feel of the tölt.
Peruvian Paso
The Peruvian Paso is another breed famous for an exceptionally comfortable ride. It performs a natural four-beat lateral gait called the paso llano, along with a faster variation called sobreandando. The breed also has a distinctive outward swing of the front legs called termino.
Peruvian Pasos are often selected by riders who want a refined, collected horse that can cover ground comfortably. Their movement and traditional presentation have a distinct style, so it is worth riding one before deciding whether it is the feel you want for trail riding or everyday use.
Best suited for: Riders who want a notably comfortable, collected ride and enjoy the breed’s traditional style.
Rocky Mountain Horse
The Rocky Mountain Horse is a popular American gaited breed often associated with trail riding and its natural four-beat lateral gait. Despite the name, the breed developed in Kentucky, not the Rocky Mountains.
The breed standard describes an inherited four-beat gait with distinct hoofbeats and a near-even rhythm. Many riders like the steady, easy-going feel of that movement for pleasure and trail riding. The chocolate coat with a flaxen mane and tail gets attention, but I would still choose temperament, training, feet, and soundness before color.
Best suited for: Riders who want a practical trail horse with a naturally comfortable, even gait.
What Is the Best Gaited Horse for a Beginner?
A calm, seasoned individual matters more than the breed name. Still, Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Rocky Mountain Horses, Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses, some Racking Horses, and some Icelandics often come up when recreational riders are looking for a comfortable trail horse with a quieter mind.
That is only a starting point, not a safety guarantee. A young, forward Tennessee Walker can be a poor match for a beginner, while an older, well-trained Paso Fino or Saddlebred may be exactly what a confident new rider needs. I would put proven history, manners, soundness, and training ahead of breed reputation every time.
If you are shopping for a first horse, read my guide to the best horse breeds for beginners and bring a qualified trainer or experienced horseperson when you go try horses.
What Makes a Horse Gaited?
Every horse walks, and most riding horses also trot and canter or gallop. The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait: the right front and left hind move together, followed by the left front and right hind. It is efficient, but it has a moment of suspension that creates the up-and-down motion riders learn to post or sit.
Gaited horses can perform an additional gait, usually called an ambling gait. Many ambling gaits are four-beat movements, meaning each foot lands separately in a regular sequence. That pattern often keeps at least one foot on the ground and reduces the bounce a rider feels at the trot.
Not every gaited breed moves the same way. The rack, running walk, and tölt are lateral gaits, while the Missouri fox trot is a broken-diagonal gait. Some gaited horses can also pace, which is a two-beat lateral gait. That is why two comfortable gaited horses can feel completely different under saddle.
Are Gaited Horses Easier to Ride?
They can be more comfortable to ride, especially for someone who finds the trot jarring or tiring. Because a natural four-beat gait often reduces vertical bounce, many riders can sit it without posting. That can make gaited horses appealing for trail riding, older riders, riders with physical limitations, or anyone who simply prefers an easier ride.
Comfortable does not mean effortless, though. You still need balance, quiet hands, and a saddle that fits both you and the horse. A rider who leans, braces, pulls, or drives constantly can interfere with any horse’s rhythm, including a naturally gaited one.
Gaited horses are not automatically safer, easier to handle, or better for every beginner. A forward, sensitive gaited horse can be much more difficult than a quiet non-gaited school horse. Choose the individual for training and temperament first, then enjoy the comfortable movement as a bonus.
FAQs About Gaited Horses
What is a gaited horse?
A gaited horse can perform an additional gait beyond the usual walk, trot, and canter. Many of these extra gaits are smooth four-beat movements in which each foot lands separately, reducing the bounce a rider feels at the trot.
What are the smoothest gaited horse breeds?
Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Icelandic Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses, and Racking Horses can all be very smooth. The most comfortable horse depends on the individual horse’s gait quality, training, soundness, and the rider’s preference.
What is the best gaited horse for a beginner?
A calm, seasoned individual matters more than breed. Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Rocky Mountain Horses, Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses, Racking Horses, and Icelandics are often considered by recreational riders, but training, manners, soundness, and proven history should come first.
What is the fastest gaited horse?
The fastest gaited horse depends on the gait and individual horse. Some gaited breeds can perform fast running walks, racks, paso largos, or flying pace. Speed does not necessarily equal comfort, and a horse should be chosen for its soundness, training, and intended use rather than top speed alone.
Are gaited horses good for trail riding?
Many gaited horses make excellent trail mounts because their comfortable gaits can be easier to sit over long distances. Still, trail suitability depends on the individual horse’s training, feet, soundness, confidence, and experience outside the arena.
Can any horse be trained to gait?
No. A horse usually needs the inherited ability to perform an alternate gait. Training can help a naturally gaited horse develop and maintain its gait, but it cannot reliably create a true natural gait in every non-gaited horse.
Are there gaited draft horses?
There is no one standard gaited draft-horse breed, but gaited draft crosses are available. These crosses may combine a gaited riding horse with draft breeding, though not every cross will inherit a consistent, comfortable gait.
Do gaited horses need special saddles?
Not necessarily. A gaited horse needs a saddle that fits its back and allows normal movement. Some riders prefer gaited-horse saddle designs, but a well-fitting Western, English, trail, or endurance saddle can work well.
The Bottom Line on Gaited Horse Breeds
Gaited horses are popular because a good ambling gait can make long hours in the saddle easier on the rider. Paso Finos, Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Icelandics, American Saddlebreds, Racking Horses, Peruvian Pasos, Rocky Mountain Horses, and Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses each offer a different version of that comfortable ride.
Do not buy one simply because somebody says it is the smoothest breed. Ride the individual horse, watch how naturally he travels, and choose a horse whose training, temperament, size, soundness, and gait fit the riding you actually plan to do. The smoothest horse in the world is not much use if he is the wrong match for you.
About Miles Henry
Racehorse Owner & Author | 30+ Years in Thoroughbred Racing
Miles Henry (legal name: William Bradley) is a professional horseman based in Folsom, Louisiana. He holds Louisiana Racing License #67012 and has spent over three decades managing Thoroughbreds at premier tracks including Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs.
Expertise & Hands-On Experience: Beyond the track, Miles has decades of experience in specialized equine care, covering everything from hoof health and nutrition to training protocols for Quarter Horses, Friesians, and Paints. Every guide on Horse Racing Sense is rooted in this “boots-on-the-ground” perspective.
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