Hi Becky, I just found this area. I am the worse of all horse lovers. I have 4 of them. 1 32 yr pony (kids when they were little) 20ish QH mare (arthritic and no longer rideable) I just bought a 23 yr QH for a companion for the 20ish girl (she lost her pasture mate this spring and took it harder than I did and I took it pretty hard) and I just bought a 13 yr Fyord. (she is also bred for a spring baby) I have never had fjords before but I am really liking her. I think she will be awesome on some of the trail rides we do. Plus she isn't that tall. Now that I am losing the weight, it is getting easier for me to ride. I also work for an equine vet and that is where I find most of my horses. They joke around about my geriatric horse farm and that they need something wrong with them to live there. Happy trails... Lori

This is posted twice, I posted to the wrong place the first time. Sorry!! Carie, You are right it is all about balance and the use of your legs. If she wants to start riding English you might buy her a bareback pad and have her use that for awhile with out the leathers and irons. I would only do this if her balance is some what okay. If she has no balance what so ever do not use this method it will just encourage bad habits in beginner riders, such as holding on with the lower leg and perching forward, leaning on the hands, but it increases the risk to riders, with no stirrups to balance on or saddle to hold onto, to prevent the rider from slipping off. I think riding bareback is a reasonable teaching tool for intermediate and above riders who have already developed balance and proper position, but I would not recommend it for beginners Casual horseback riding is an activity which imposes few physical limitations on the rider and which can be enjoyed by almost anyone with an interest. Recreational riding at a novice level requires little more from a rider than very basic skills and the desire to share time with a horse. I think if you ride you should go with the 20% rule -- a 1000 lb horse can carry 200 pounds. Its more for safety issues not only for rider but also the horse. I hope this answers some of your questions. I live in Northern Cali and have had horses all of my 29years. I love them to death My uncle also teaches universal horsemanship ... check out his website if youd like at www.reisranch.com I hope to get to know all of you.

Congrats to the both of you! Riding is definitely a fun workout to do whenever you're looking to lose weight. I was wondering when you guys think it might be alright to start riding after surgery? I'll obviously ask my doctor, but I figured you guys might have an idea as well. BTW..what breed of stallion do you have? -Val

Hi, Lori...No, I don't have a website, but my sister has posted some pictures on Webshots. You have to do a search on Webshots under 'Community', then search for CHIXACE. My Egyptian bred mare stays at her farm, which just happens to be in my backyard. Although I don't ride anymore because of my size, I still have to have my 'horse fix'.I hope that if I can have the surgery someday soon, I'll be able to ride her. She presented us with a colt last Easter 2004, and we are keeping him. His sire is a black and white paint, and although he's as black as they come, he's still got the Arab attitude...BIG BABY! Sakurra is 18 yrs young but she still hits the pasture at a dead run every morning -head up and tail flying high! All the kids in the family love to pet on her. Take care. Deborah

I have been an Arabian breeder and fan for more years than I care to admit. No, they are not HOT or hard to handle. And yes, some of them are small (but how far do you want to be if you fall off?), but Arabians outdo any other breed around when it come to endurance and stamina. Back in the 1930's, before they were even popular with the public, the U.S. government had mounted trials for several breeds to find the best, and ALL other breeds were beaten in a 3 day overland race by a gelding purebred Arabian by the name of CRABBET 309.and he did it carrying a 260 lb man and full equipment(like a soldier would carry). I have never been kicked or bitten by an Arabian, nor have I ever had one I didn't trust around my kids. They will take care of you. Just talk to any Arabian owner.