Thanks for the welcome, Jack! I, too want to train. I broke my mare myself, and it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. John Lyons has a training program I would *love* to attend. That's a dream, though. It's possible, but not likely! However, I can certainly train my own and be a happy girl! Good luck to you. I think that is just fabulous! Go for the dream if you can! OHH, I just saw that your surgery was 2 days ago! How did it go? How are you feeling? I hope it all went well and smoothly!! Take care of yourself, and sip, sip, sip! Regards, Lisa (5'9") Lap RNY 7/19/05 360/345/305/160

What fun that this is a sub-category! Hello everyone, my name is Lizzie and I too am a horse freak. I showed hunter/jumpers for most of my youth. Long story short, my major weight gain has taken place over the last five years since two major injuries and subsequent surgeries. I had not owned a horse during that period (sold my QH gelding after the first injury) but I got the bug again last year. As I am about 300lbs give or take, I didn't think I could ride, but I sucked up my pride and bought myself a draft horse! She is actually a Percheron/Paint cross, 4 yrs old, and she is the best horse I have ever owned!!!!! I started her under saddle last fall and now she is a fabulous trail horse. The problem is me with my squishy butt and lousy balance, but I have managed to NOT fall off once...yet. Boy, that's gonna be a hard fall if/when it happens. Here is a link to her website. http://community.webshots.com/user/lizabethanne74 She is such a good sport and I can't wait until I am half my size and she doesn't have to work so hard. (She seems to be fine...but that's a lot of weight to carry...) She has kept me alive over the last year. Given me something to wake up for. I only wish I didn't feel like I was gonna have a damned heart attack the whole time I was working with/grooming her! BTW I am in the process of getting insurance approval to have open RXY at Barix Clinic in Michigan.

Hola - I'm Angie in SoCal. I had my RNY on 12/9/03 and have lost 163 lbs so far (got about another 20 or 30 to go!). I had hosses when I was a kid and in my high school days but don't have any now. I've had arabs, quarters, morgans, a mustang and crosses. Now, I'm waiting until I retire, move to AZ and have my own land. It's tough having horses here in socal and rather than board, would rather have them on my own property. My first love is Friesians! That WILL be my next horse. I also love other light drafts, but would also love to have another adopted mustang or prem horse/foal. Angie 351/188/150'ish

Jack if you have the chance to do the Parelli school DO IT!!! Due to my work schedule and our cattle I am still just a Level 1 but it has totally changed my relationship with my horses. I am excited for you just thinking about it!!! Lori

WOW 15 horses!!! That is so cool. Are you excited about your surgery??? I couldn't hardly wait for mine. My horses are grateful I had it, lol. They were probably tired of hauling me around. The Badger probably didn't mind as much because he is a BIG boy but Dominga is a small Arab mare. Keep us posted about your surgery. Lori 241/231/149/131