Mare or gelding?!

I don't really mind riding wise, to me under saddle a horse is a horse, is a horse. They all have their little ways and quirks. But I do love a good snuggle in the shavings under a rug with my gelding, my old mare would never have let me do that. I do find though that geldings tend to be more insecure and more in need of approval, whereas mares don't really care :P
 
Interesting hearing everyone's opinions! I've always owned/ shared geldings bar one very moody mare, but I'm probably going to view a mare at the weekend after saying I'd only up but a gelding. I'm just trying to look at a horse as an individual now
 
I've had both over the years and think I've found good horses along the way whatever the gender but I prefer geldings now I've got less time to spend with my horse to build/maintain a relationship. I found my mares needed daily interaction and while this is preferable, work and home life get In the way so my gelding now is at home but me and my partner's cousin take turns bringing in etc so my boy is always pleased to see me while I've found mares can be standoffish.
My friend has recently bought a cracking mare though I personally would have never have gone to view a mare at all.
 
I have 2 mares and a gelding. The gelding was my first pony, and he has a truly dreadful attitude. He has put me off geldings as he just isn't genuine. The first mare I bought is at the other end of the spectrum. Tries her hardest, and is just my life. A love affair with mares has followed, and I find I tend to work well with them.
 
I currently have a mare and a gelding. Have had more mares than geldings over the years and don't really have a preference. If I was looking for another, I wouldn't think gender is important.

From my own personal experiences, I've found my geldings more willing to please, and are the same most days while the mares prefer to do things on their terms and their temperament can vary as much as the weather!
 
I'd choose a mare.
Never thought I would do but I 'click' so much better with mares! We must be alike with our stroppy moods but then willing to please and putting the boys to shame lol.
 
mares definitely. i've got 2 big eared bay irish tb's and I wouldn't want anything else. just got on my 13 year old yesterday for the first time since October (been having a holiday). and she didn't put a hoof wrong bless her! love them.
 
I've had a cheeky gelding, and currently have a very grumpy dominant mare.

Personally I'd take my mare and her mood swings over a gelding, generally I prefer mares but I wouldn't discount a gelding because of their gender, however if there were two I liked equally I'd go for the mare.
 
Always mares for me. I have personally found them much sharper and sensitive (in a good way) which I like and when you have build a relationship they are easier to trust, I have never truly trusted a gelding
 
bertin12 said:
Just interested to know what people have/ what they prefer and why? :)
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mares every time I won't buy a gelding under any circumstances, known many mares and geldings in my time. My gelding is a git some times, oh I love him dearly but it still has not changed my mind to be a gelding lover, I never will be.
 
Have a gelding. Just bought a mare
She's stubborn compared to the gelding but that could just be her nature. Otherwise, she's actually easier going than the gelding who is strong willed.
 
Every horse is different, but I really prefer mares. Almost of of the geldings I've met/ owned were naughty, and just unpleasant to work with. We have 6 mares now, and each one is so nice and kind, and they're all very loyal.
 
I own a mare and adore her. She is loyal and kind, now trusts everything I ask of her though it took a good few years to get here. It's a real sense of achievement and she has a big fan base as is seen to be an "easy" horse.
 
Faracat said:
I don't judge a non-breeding horse on what sex it is - talk about sexism - but on the individual characteristics of that particular animal.
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This. I had a mare and I adored her, I own two geldings and I adore them for different reasons. Each horse is different. My mare was extremely loving and loyal, one of my geldings is a right diva and the other is so laid back he's practically horizontal with a fantastic temperament When looking for a horse I don't judge on sex but on individual personality.
 
Every time I go horse shopping I look for a gelding and I have not found one to buy yet. The only gelding we have is Titchy the mini Shetland (ahem sorry he says he's a Lusitano stallion, I forgot). I love my girls.
 
My mother has three geldings, I have had two mares. I love the geldings, they're funny and goofy and they really want to work for you. But...they lack the spark my mares have had. I apparently like challenges, and mares are that. They force you to really think about what you're asking for because they are always thinking. They also have a bit more attitude (ok, a lot more) and I must really like that too.

Funny thing is I thought I wanted a gelding but I keep coming back to mares.
 
I've find the geldings more trainable. Mares generally more complicated and opinionated. Flame was a tricky, complicated mare and it made her amazing, my other mares' tricky, complicatedness just made them a PITA. I had one mare who was completely straightforward, sweet and easy but she was also particularly stupid - not in behaviour but in mental capacity! The geldings have all been biddable, genuine and straightforward which I think is generally the way forward for an easy life.
 
I wanted a gelding - those that I have known tend to be less complicated, so better for a first horse. I got a mare. Besides the massive personality clash which has so far resulted in something of a challenge, she has now come into season - and is being really, really nasty about it. I'm giving her a chance, but at this rate we may not make the three months I promised to give her...
 
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