Jewel is an 18 year old safe trail mare! She has that soft eye calm demeanor. Our advanced beginner 10 year does well with her. A beginner beginner young kid would benefit riding next to another horse or in a round pen. She does know what she can get away with if the rider is too beginner. Our two girls ride her double trail riding at the parks. I also have used her with my toddler up front. She loads, unloads, bathes, stands for the farrier. She will only walk-trot, she has been chirod this past year. She does have the mild mare attitude in herds and will talk to her friends. She will ride in a hack or bit. Easy keeper no maintenance and she is sound. Our kids are ready for more speed is the only reason listed.