Would you recommend one over the other? We are trying to do as much research as possible before buying our first horse.

I would suggest a gelding, at least 10 years old, I would suggest it be a QH or Paint. Make sure the horse in question conformationally will fit your needs/purposes. Hope this helps!!!

I would agree that the minimum age of a horse for a first time buyer should be at least 10 years if not older. You want a good seasoned horse. Horses live well into their 30's and are still ridable. Mine is 27 and we lost our 30 yr old last year. Mine is still on the mountain trails and the kids and him are learning barrels together. Get a prepurchase done before you buy. and As far as what sex. Probably a gelding they are less moody. Although my first was a mare and she was a great horse. Just be sure to try whatever horse you are looking at numerous times, to make sure you get along with it and that it passes a soundness exam.

Thank you both! I would never have thought about starting off with an older horse....*complete newbie obviously*. I really appreciate it!

I've always heard it's best to get a gelding because they are more sound temperamentally.

Personally, I would get a mare. There are many good ones out there, and you don't have to worry about sheath cleaning! I would get a pre-purchase vet exam though, and agree with the othes about the age. One more thing to look at, though, is how long they have been broke. For example: A mare trained to ride at 3 or 4, then used as a broodmare till *now* would probably not make a good first horse.

Also, since this is your first horse, you might consider asking someone who gives riding lessons to teach you some of the basic care of the horse, unless you already know.

Good Luck!!

I would seriously get a gelding
mares can have a bad temperment
geldings are just sweet all the time
I love them!♥
:P

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.

I was going to post a photo of the old guy taken last spring just before he shed out.

i agree try to get a seasoned horse. are there any horse camps near you? sometimes if there are camps near you that ride the seat you ride they can let you know who owns the horses and if they are for sale. We are in maine and get horses from a dealer, those that go back are often sold due to the fact that they have been in training with us all summer. We get good beginner stock and the horses that work for us are well trained.