Thank you all for your responses.....when I post, am always afraid that it's too long & boring & no one will get through all the words to be able to see the beauty I am enjoying.

It is nice to know that my posts are being enjoyed.

(((((Kaika))))),

When I was a child, my parents couldn't afford a horse for me either....my Dad would take me out riding in a group rental place at Griffith Park for my birthdays too. It was about the 1 time of year I would get to go riding.

Your step sister must be great with horses to plan on breeding (an expensive proposition), & training....one has to be very talented to be successful.....she must be great with horses with those plans.

(((((((((Jinnyann)))))))))))),

I can imagine how much it hurt to have to find a new home for your fell Pony.....they are gorgeous ponys with the furry feet. It sounds like she ended up in horsey heaven on earth with the beautiful countryside around her & 2 little girls to love her....but I know the empty place it leaves in our hearts.....that can't be replaced. Maybe some time in the future when finances get better, you will be able to bring another horse into your life....you never know what the future holds.....I never had a horse until I was 43 years old.....now I have 3.....& a farm in Kentucky for them when I get it settled.

(((((((StarPonysMama)))))))),

I can only imagine the hurt you are feeling after just loosing your baby last December...my heart goes out to you....even though they haven't been my horses, I have lost several horses that I have been very close to over the last few years. The stallion (Daddy of my Filly) died last fall from cholic. The older horse that I helped take care of at the ranch was so old & sick, our vet came out to put her down......even knowing it's the best solution doesn't stop the pain & loss that is in the heart.

(((((((((Doh))))))))))),

We have many Tennessee Walkers around this area....along with the saddlebred & Kentucky Mountain Horses....my neighbor raises & traines Tennessee Walkers. The gaited horses are a blast to ride. I found it interesting to see what causes the gaited horses to be differet......it's how their legs work even at the walk. Non gaited horses have all 4 legs going at different times.....gaited horses have the legs on each side going at the same time....left then right.....for that smooth ride.....pacing does make it a bit more bumpy however.

(((((((Yoda)))))))),

You sound like me...I never had a horse when I was young....my girlfriend & I loved to ride in highschool, we would go out to a rental ranch & ride for several hours renting the horses on the weekend. In college we took the equitation class for PE credit which was awsome....my english training started them & I loved riding in pairs....actually won a class competition in that we were a perfectly matched pair. It wasn't until I lost my job & they told me I needed to get into something I had always loved to help with the depression & anxiety attacks. That was when I started my dressage lessons & started showing & bought my first horse which I have now (Mister) who is now 28 years old...going blind, but loves to be ridden anyway as long as I am his eyes, it works pretty well. My mare was supposed to be for breeding, but I only came out with one live filly from her, loosing 5 other foals. My filly is now 3 1/2 years old (Itssabout Tyme.....otherwise known as Izzabelle or Izzy) She is awsome beyond any explaination. The bonding from birth has created a relationship that I never could have imagined. I hate being away from her...even though she is is training, I am afraid that bond will weaken over the time away & with the trainer doing all the close work with her. She is already over 17 hands high....a bit tall for trail riding....not one you can just get On & off of without a ladder...lol. I know I could go on & on about horses...they are wonderful beyond anything I ever imagined or dreamed of as a child. Reality in this case is much better than the dream.

I know what you mean about the paceing however...one of the horses I rode on Tuesday did a bit of that & part of the ride was a bit bumpy until I figured out how to make him smooth out
Would love to share horsey stories with you & hear about your experiences also.

I am glad that sharing my KY experiences doesn't bore everyone to sleep as in great reading right before bed....lol.

Debbie