Should a Beginner Rider Buy a Stallion, Gelding, or Mare?

Shopping for a new horse as a beginner rider is an exciting time. There are many things to consider before purchasing your first horse, including breed, use, temperament, and age. You also may wonder, should you buy a gelding, a stallion, or a mare?

The most important thing to remember is that, like people, horses are individuals. Each horse has its own temperament and personality. Bear that in mind because as a beginner you will want to choose a horse with a reliable temperament. Many factors play a role in the decision to buy a horse, but the horse’s sex will likely not be a major one.

 Hormones and Horses

As with all mammals, hormones may play a role in a horse’s temperament and behavior. Stallions (intact, non-gelded male horses) may have their behavior influenced by their hormones, especially if there is a mare nearby. It is typically advised that stallions be avoided for beginner riders.

It is important to remember that biological sex alone does not determine a horse’s behavior. Beginner riders in the market for a new horse should make sure they spend adequate time with any prospective mount and evaluate the individual horse’s behavior.

Stallions

In general, stallions may not be the best choice for beginner riders. Of course, there are always exceptions to this. Stallions typically require an experienced handler and may be unpredictable in some situations.

The environment that the horse will be in should be taken into consideration. If the prospective owner wishes to show or trail ride with their horse, necessitating being near many other horses, a stallion may present difficulties. This is especially true if there may be mares present.

For most riders or owners just starting out on their own, buying a stallion may not be the best idea. Horses are large and unpredictable and improper handling of a stallion could lead to injury for both the owner and the horse.