I plan on getting a house with a few acres of land, and I want to build a stable and get a few horses.

How much work are horses in general and should I got female or males? I want them to be trained, what age should they be?

I plan on first buying 1 horse, then later another. Can two different horses that don't know each other handle each other well or do they really need to get to know each other (like dogs) first?

Can you have a single horse without other horses around or does your horse need horse company to stay healthy?

I want to have them for hobby-purposes but first I am learning more about them and how to keep them.

I want one for general rides out into nature and the countryside.

Any tips / experiences?