A friend of mine just asked me the other day (while riding Rico) what type of horse would be best for a beginner. Then I looked at him and pointed at Rico and said, THAT! A horse thats older but not decrepit, been there and done that, has a little 'tude for some confidence building, and easy to keep. I don't think its so much the horses breed, but the individual horse. I'm sure there are perfectly beginner friendly Arabians, Mustangs (like my dude), Quarter Horses, Gaited Horses, etc out there. There is also many in each breed that won't suit a beginner. Everyone here says buy a QH as your first horse - but I've met a lot of QH's that even I don't like riding and would be wayyyy too much for a beginner.