Comments on: How to Tell the Difference Between a Mare, Gelding and Stallion

on 6/29/2008 Excellent point, blondhorsecrazy. There are some general tendencies, but each horse is an individual being.

on 6/26/2008 I do agree with most of this..but as far as the "personalities" of each..every horse owner has a varied opinion. I believe that geldings are more docile than most mares. It just varies between each individual horse!

on 3/17/2008 Mares are considered the most docile, and geldings are deemed middle of the road in terms of tractability. You will need to make your needs known to the seller- there are mares that you shouldn't look at the wrong way, and stallions as mild as milk (well, maybe not so much, but you get the picture). Older animals, like older humans, are less prone to stirring up drama, and horses that are very used to new riders and children may be what you're looking for. The horse for you may be a mare or a gelding with a good track record. The only way to know is to get out there and meet some horses- they don't do so well with email. ;)

on 3/17/2008 LMAO! Thank you for this! I realize it sounded like a dumb question; what I really wanted to know about is temperament and personality differences between stallions, geldings and mares.
I can't do it yet, but I'm hoping to acquire a gaited horse in the next year. My understanding is that gaited horses are much easier for a person with a bad back. And while I don't want a boring, plodding horse, I want some personality, but not a horse who is going to challenge my authority at every step.