Conference noted::equitation

    
    When I started riding again about 5 years ago, I half leased Louisa's
    Pinto Joe. Joe was a old QH, about 25 I think when I got to him. I
    didn't believe it when I saw him, nor when I rode him. I even learned
    to ride English on him!
    
    We would got out for 2-3 hours at a time on long trail rides, and we
    would canter, gallop, walk-trot, whatever, Joe would do it if he was
    asked. Louisa use to take him to hunter-paces.
    
    Even as he got older, he still had the get up and go!! I loved that
    horse and if I was thinking of doing what you were thinking of,
    especially with kids and a husband, I would not hesitate looking at an
    older horse, at least for the kids and husband.
    
    Mary
    

    Does the kind of horse you describe exist? Absolutely - but they can
    be hard to get your hands on, they are so valuable to their owners 
    that no one wants to let them go!
    
    Try not to get too hung up on the horse's age.  I have a 21 yr old
    mare who is extremely active, and who I would not even consider
    putting a beginning rider on.  And I used to have a 10 yr old
    Thoroughbred who could be ridden by absolutely anyone.  Look for a
    good mind and sound body.  Breed, age, etc, should not be major
    considerations.  Get a through vet check on any horse you consider
    seriously - and be patient.  The right horse will come along!
    
    Good luck!
    

    Well GUESS WHAT!!!!???  I bought my first Baby last and I'm
    so excited I didn't sleep a wink!  She a beautiful roan Appy
    with Blanket rump and I"M TOTALLY IN LOVE!  Coming to work today
    was complete torture.
    
    Thanks to all of you who are helping me.  One of the reasons I
    love Horses is there are NO finer people than Horse People...
    
    Wen
    

    Congratulations! (from an Appy-lover)
    
    Gail

    That's terrific. Take some pictures it'l help get you through the day!!
    
    Good luck finding the 2nd one, it would be wise to find one soon, but
    you probably need some time to learn the appy, what's her name?
    
    Rob
    

    wow! that was fast! I'm really envious. Have a great time!
    	Cindy
    

    Her name is "Bitter Sweet Chocolate"  I trucked her home on Friday
    afternoon....and what a terrible weekend!  I was dying to ride her
    and couldn't....guess what I'm doing after work today..........
    
    The last time she was trucked I was told it took 3 1/2 hours and
    two tranks to get her on.  I was expecting quite a mess...BUT what
    I tried was a leg wrap over her face...she didn't mind it at all
    but walked REALLY funny with legs lifting high and not sure of
    where she was going.  I was impressed with how she trusted us
    being blindfolded like that...but she did and walked right on to
    the trailer...didn't like it one bit when she found out where she
    was ... but it worked!  Got her home safe and sound....whew.......
    
    Then my husband made a mistake of telling me he'd take me to State Line
    Tack on Mothers day.....YIPPEE!!!  I HAD A BALL!!!  I needed everything
    so after three different trips to the register and car...HE was
    exhausted....I wanted more.....I even bought a horse play ball.  I
    figure if Bitts doesn't like it.......I'll play with it!
    
    Thanks so much for all your support.  It's great to know so many
    wonderful people are out there sharing my joy.....and helping to
    re-break me into the horse world........You guys are great.  
    
    Wendy