Mares OR Geldings?

Christine-C · Well Schooled

Mares OR Geldings?

prospect · Advanced

I prefer geldings, my older son prefers mares, my younger son likes either as long as it is a sweet horse and my husband likes mares

We all like foalsl.

MagsNMe · Advanced

We have three mares and our first gelding (he's only a yearling). I love my mares, but they can be difficult, moody, opinionated... and I'm not going to lie on that. My Mom's mare, my old jumper, is the sweetest thing, she takes care of her in the saddle, which is the important thing. My riding mare, is a bit of a nightmare, but talented beyond belief. She is on depo, and we have Regumate to keep her out of season at show, because she's horrid in the spring. And she'll try all sorts of things to get out of work, she can invert in a heartbeat. My baby boy, is adorable, and now that he's cut, he's lovely.

Mares just aren't for everyone....

deb · Well Schooled

That is really an easy one... althouth I have had many (the stb world as well as the riding world abounds with geldings) I don't really like them at all-- not as a whole... although I love all horses... I prefer to work with mares and studs any day of the week. I have a colt that will never be cut... and a gelding that we rescued, but he was not the horse I would have chosen-- rather we couldn't allow him to be mistreated any longer... but if I could wave a magic wand he would become a mare or stud as quick as a wink!!! lol

I love mares becuase of the reasons lots of people don't... they think for themselves and they are their 'own people'.. the have character, are often difficult and tricky, but in the end they will do anything for you... I have had a couple that would lay down their lives for me. My stud colt is the same way... on the other hand geldings are usually in it to survive, and will save themselves at all costs.. they also are not as a rule as brave or strong willed as mares or studs. this is all generalities of course.

My stud colt is afraid of nothing on the face of this planet, and will face anything that you ask him to, my gelding ran over me a couple of weeks ago in order to flee something that frightened him... so case in point. I have noticed this with countless geldings and studs and the differences...

There is also the issue of making them something that they would not be by nature, and that while you take away the desire to breed, you make them quiet yes... but they are never the same and have never the same attidute and drive that they would have if they were left whole... just my opinion.

Emiry · Advanced

I do like the geldings I ride...one is so sweet and willing that he is the perfect pony for anyone! (His owners children and young nieces and nephews often go fetch him from the field, tie him up and groom him. They are watched of course, but he looks after the young ones so well! I'm talking about the pony from my western video. Actually when me and my friend were grooming him, his owners youngest, around 6 came and brushed his mane for us.)

The other I ride, is like a mare...so he goes into my mare section haha. I tend to like mares more, because they keep me challenged and learning, and they keep telling me that I'm not as good as I think I am. My instructor hates mares. She says she will never own a mare. SO we never see eye to eye on that.

But when it comes to me owning a horse, I won't choose between gender. I will choose what ever suits me and is in my price range, as long as it's not a stud that has to say a stud as will be board my horse(s).

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

This is a tough choice, I've worked with mares, stallions and geldings extensively and they all have their qualities (and down falls). Each horse is different obviously, but I think I prefer geldings the most.

Barnmouser Ash · Grand Prix

I have to say that although I've found geldings to be much sweeter and willing to please, my preference lies with mares. I like a little spunk and strong-headedness in a horse, and although geldings are generally people pleasers, I much prefer the interesting nature of mares. My heart horse was a mare, so maybe I'm biased ;)

Kathleen K · Well Schooled

I don't have a preference: Mare, Stallion, Gelding - as long as it isn't overly aggressive, I'm happy. A horse with a good personality is a horse with a good personality and I think gender has very little to do with it.

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

So true Kathleen -- a good horse is never a bad colour! biggrin

merrymary · Yearling

I love my gelding for a leisurely ride, competition, or for giving lessons. He's not perfect, but I don't get the "where did that come from?" that I do with my mare.
However, hard to make babies with a gelding, so for that reason I'll keep my daughter's mare. She's a cute pinto and I hope to breed her if/when the economy turns a bit.