I've worked with many different horse breeds, and owned a bunch of different ones as well. There are some general tendancies your hear about the different breed, but you need to evaluate each horse on an individual basis. Ride and try and watch as many as you can to get an idea of what interests you.
Don't go and buy color. Just because the horse is the color you want doesn't mean he will be the right horse for you. I have worked with a horse or two that were bought by their owners because they were so beautiful. Let me tell you, even the most beautiful horse becomes ugly if they are ill-mannered, dangerous, and sullen!
I have worked with several MFT, to answer someone's question earlier. They are generally nice and bidable, at least the ones I rode.
I owned a BLM mustang and he was certainly a challenge, but worth it in the end. He went to become a teenager's trail mount.
I have worked with a Friesian stallion, he was sweet.
A lot of people like the drafts, I owned a Belgian who ran off with me and bucked me too many times for my liking. She did it when she felt like it, she was inconsistant. I think it was in part due to the fact that she needed a job to do, I didn't ride her on a regular basis. She went on to be a vaulting horse.
I have owned an arab, and worked with another. Both were good horses, one was a kids camp horse, anyone could ride him, and the other was a horse that really wanted to please.
Personally, I like a bit of spice in my ride, I have a very spirited paso, and a NSH and a saddlebred. I love to RACK!
If you like the paints, the breed paint isn't the only breed you can find color on. I owned a spotted saddle horse who was well gaited and a pleasure to ride.
