Why I recommended a gaited horse - Highlighted are the reasons that stuck out as I read the OP -  As a person between the ages of these 2, with similar aspirations except maybe including a couple of local or state breed shows, the jumping and dressage at low levels is possible IF they choose to do that, but IMHO being a re-rider, they will have to face the limitations of their no longer 18 year old bodies - and you can be assured that those bodies will be talking back!  I am not going to say that a TWH can compete at dressage or jumping - but can they do it at a beginner level?  Sure any horse can.  And mean while the riders can enjoy a smooth non jarring gait, on a generally easy going horse.


Just for fun.  I have two people (in real life - nobody on here) in mind, who are interested in riding.  So, for a lark, if YOU were going to buy a specific breed of horse on their behalf, what would it be?  

Person 1 - Female, 40. Plus sized. Rode casually, English, hunter (George Morris-style) as a teen, and then took a few casual lessons in her 30s. A competent advanced beginner with kind hands, but NOT a lot of bravery or confidence. Would enjoy w-t-c, pottering around, maybe a jump here and there but certainly nothing over, say, 2".  Might walk bareback in a halter/hackamore to cool out, or just to wander. Wants to LOVE the horse - hand-feeding treats, lots of attention time even if they don't ride. No desire to show or even move up to a higher skillset (as in, has no desire to become an "advanced" rider). 

Person 2 - Female 60. Slim and tall.  Rode extensively and terrifyingly as a kid (9-17) because she didn't know any better (unsupervised bareback races over a neighboring steeplechase route, jumping poles balanced on Volkswagens, jumping wagons) on an OTTB that had been entirely brain-fried and went 0-100 at the drop of a hat.  Hasn't ridden in 40 years, and now totally into easygoing, drama-free, down-to-earth, mellow.  Wants a horse that can be left in the field for weeks, dusted off, and walked calmly around on a loose rein.  But maybe, with a little more practice, getting a little fancy - very low level dressage, perhaps?