mtmomj,
When we got our youngest daughter her first horse, it was a Arabian gelding. KC was an 15 yr old show horse, he is now going to be 33 on Feb 16th 2008. He had been there and done everything. Best horse ever. Kayl did really well with him and used him until she left home. He is now retired although he is still totally sound. He is with us until he crosses the rainbow bridge!
I found him by fluke. But if you look you can find really good older geldings for reasonable prices. Family safe.
Good look on your first horse.