I have to admit I'd base a lot of my decision on buying a horse (even one I intended to use for serious competition) on personality. I don't mind if they are standoffish or "all business" (as in, I don't care if they aren't super affectionate), but I don't want one that is aggressive and moody ALL the time (but especially when they're around me, lol). It's just no fun to deal with and I feel like I wouldn't be able to really enjoy the horse if they had attitude problems.