Is it any link or one specific link? That sounds like a bug. Assuming you've already tried the traditional reset, maybe try logging out of your gmail and logging in (on the ipad)?
Re: My ipad freezes when I I try and use a link from email.
It's a bug. It's effecting many others too. Apple will release a fix for it soon. However in the meantime imore have just put out an article about a temporary fix. You can see it on their home page.