[RolinRiverzGuy]

Ok so I would like to know which type is best?... I have a filly and 2 geldings and I am working with a stud at work...which do you prefer to train or ride?

[Circle C]

Mares!!!!!!!! Luv them! 2nd is geldings. I hate working with studs. They can be plain ignorant.

[DirtyHorseRanch]

IMO on the working level, a gelding. BUT my fav is a stud; mares are a pain most of the time!

[Jennymac]

I have had 10 mares and used to defend them and say it's the individual etc etc. It certainly IS the individual but I'll tell you what: the stereotypes about mares are largely (not always) true.

If you like a real opinionated horse (like a cat) that likes things their way and that's a fun challenge, a mare will often fit the bill. If you like a more compliant horse, a gelding usually (not always) fits the bill.

I used to love the challenge of a really smart mare...been there done that, now I am enjoying my people-pleaser gelding and sold my mare

I think it's totally personal preference, as I have flip-flopped too. A good mare is a GREAT horse they're just harder to find, I think.

Studs? Don't even want to bother...

[JKetsche]

I also think it depends to some extent on the discipline. If you want a highly competitive horse that will fight for you, a mare will push just a bit harder for that extra brilliance--but only when she wants to. A gelding may be more consistent. For someone not showing, where that extra brilliance is just that--extra. If the rider wants it just for his/her own sake, then go for the mare.

That said, I have known super-compliant mares that make wonderful trail, light show, and companion horses (one that stands out ATM is an Arab--and completely kid safe) and I'm currently riding a gelding that puts my mare to shame in the ways he can say, "I don't want to--make me."

As for stallions, I'd say it depends. My experience is admittedly somewhat limited, but I have known stallions that were quite safe and others that were quite rank. The rank ones were usually poorly trained/handled either at that moment or in their past.

I personally love mares, but a good horse is a good horse.

[Red roan rider1]

I LOVE geldings best!! They are generally the easiest to get along with.

[QHKate]

For workability and general ease, a gelding. But there's nothing like a wicked smart mare to challenge you as a trainer and a rider. I'm sure one day I'll stick to the easy-going geldings, but for now I wouldn't trade my spunky mare for all the world. Sure, some days I just want to strangle her, but you realize the true meaning of teamwork when you finally work together, It's an awesome and humbling feeling to have such an equal partnership with a horse, where they don't do what you ask because you want them to, but because THEY want to.

The only experience I've had with stallions, I wasn't impressed.

[horzelover]

I agree that it depends on the horse. I had a mare that you could do anything with and she do it with ease, but on the other hand I've got a diva of a mare now that depends on her mood on what you'll get out of her that day. I've also rode geldings that were GREAT and had some that were total BUTTS! And as far as studs go the only ones I have come in contact with was ones that you really couldn't be around let alone handle.

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Originally Posted by Jennymac

It certainly IS the individual but I'll tell you what: the stereotypes about mares are largely (not always) true.

If you like a real opinionated horse (like a cat) that likes things their way and that's a fun challenge, a mare will often fit the bill. If you like a more compliant horse, a gelding usually (not always) fits the bill.

I totally agree. I love my geldings; you don't have that moodiness, and yes they may not shine every day, but they are more consistant than a mare. I'm not up for all the drama when it comes to horses, which is why I look for either a stud or gelding (I'm looking at Andalusians & Lusitanos and they all seem to be "stud quality" but if I bought one it would most certainly be gelded ASAP!)

[Brittany1990]

I find it fun to train mares. Some times you wanna whap em upside the head with a two by four... but it's a fun challenge, and when you win it makes you feel good.

I've had some dumb gelding that just didn't seem to get the fact that I'm the people and you listen to the people. But I'm thinking they were gelded later on in life cause their necks were crested and they just acted very ballsy.

And studs are a pain in my rear end. Never ever ever again.