Brio is a wonderful trail partner. He can be ridden alone or in a group, front or back. He is very brave and not at all spooky on the trail. He will go over, under, or through anything you ask him to, including water. He is great for the vet and loads and unloads easily from the trailer. His one bad trait is that he is difficult to shoe. Still, my farrier loves him, recognizing that there must have been a problem around shoeing before I got him. I ride on a very steep, rocky mountain, so he needs shoes, but if you don't, his feet are excellent, so he could go barefoot. Putting on boots is not a problem. An advanced beginner would love Brio. My grandson, who is now 10 has ridden him a lot, but only in the round pen, and Brio is a sweetie. I tend to move out quite a bit, so I think it is time to pass him onto flatter trails. He is happy to just walk as well. I love this boy, but I want him to be on flatter trails or in an arena now. He can go English or Western.