Hi Tammy! Thanks your your reply. I agree, a round pen is the ideal way to start my mare out! I, unfortunately, do not have one at this time (but thats okay because our weather here in Indiana stinks right now anyway!). I plan on purchasing one within the next month or so. What size do you suggest? I was thinking about a 30-35' round pen, what do you think? Right now I am just spending a lot of time with her - grooming, working on getting her to pick up her feet (which she doesn't like so well), and some walking. She has been by herself for about 1 1/2 years, and we just took in a board. Now she is so excited about having a "roommate" that I need to give her some time before I take her out of the pasture for walks. I decided to sign myself up for riding lessons to get a little more comfortable in the saddle before I begin to ride my mare. I love it! I didn't realize how much I missed it until I got on my ride's back! It was great! I also forgot how much leg strength it takes! Oh well, thanks again for your reply. I saw on your profile that you are hoping to have surgery. What stage are you in right now? Do you have a surgery date? I can tell you it was the best thing for me! I wouldn't change a thing! Good luck to you and let me know if you need any idea's, or help with anything! Have a great day!

Hay Steff! I see that you have gotten some good advice so far, but I'll give ya my 2 cents as well. I didn't ride my 3 year old mare much this winter, as our snow was too deep. So she was full of pee and vinegar when I started working with her 2 weeks ago. She is a sweet American Spotted Horse (Belgian/Paint) who loves her mama (me), but can't resist snorting at monsters (in light hearted fun). I started her this spring by taking her away from the herd, spending a lot of time grooming her and handling her, rubbing her with rugs, bags, blankets, etc. Then we got back to basics on a 6' leadline. We walked all over our farm, and as she softened, I took her up snowbanks, through trees and other tight spots by our vehicles, up porches, etc. By the 3rd day, she was just fine with everything I could throw at her. We even walked over a couple of tarps, which are very slippery on the snow. She kept her ears forward, attention on me and seemed to enjoy the extra attention and stimulation. The few times she got ****y and bucked or went too fast on the lead, I just had her circle a few times until she settled and walked directly to me head first with her tongue and lips going. (I don't believe in a lot of circling mindlessly on a longe line. I think it's hard on their legs, and only use this type of training when necessary.) We graduated to walking down the highway in front of our farm, walking into the outskirts of town and around some neighborhood blocks. The 2nd day of this showed that she was just interested in where we were going, not spooking at dogs, fire hydrants, noisy trucks, etc. I carry a Parelli carrot stick that I use as an extension of my arm to move my horse when needed. This helped to keep her whole body well off to the side of the shoulder. You can use any stick that is light but solid and about 3 feet long. It is not to hit the horse with, but to use to apply firm steady pressure on the zone that you want your horse to move away from you, (head, shoulders, hindquarters, etc. As soon as the horse moves just a bit, immediately remove pressure and reward with a rub.) After consistently training with a tool like this, you horse should be ready and willing to move any part of his body without you having to actually touch him. And walking on a lead becomes a real joy! And, your horse learns (or relearns) the use of light pressure as cues during riding. I didn't sit on her until we had walked for 2 weeks. I was using the walking time to strengthen my own muscles and get her in a little better shape before riding. Then I gently sat on her (bareback with only her halter and lead rope) and rode her around our yard. Besides this daily bareback ride, I haven't saddled her up and ridden her yet, as we still have too much snow and neither of us is ready to ride down the highway. The ditches are still too full of snow. There is a wide enough shoulder for walking, but I don't feel comfortable enough to be riding her there. I can't tell you enough about how helpful the time spent walking with your horse is. You can develop a lot more confidence and a really good idea of how to communicate with your horse. Just remember to keep his/her attention on you, and when you are approaching potential boogie monsters, anticipate (without nervousness) your horses potential stopping (locking up) and keep your horse moving like there's no boogie man there. I sometimes have to reach behind me with my carrot stick and touch my mare on her hind quarter to keep her moving and focused when we are passing a monster, like the 6 foot tall, hot pink inflated bunny in our neighbor's driveway. (Funny thing, that monster isn't even an issue on the way HOME?!?!) I will sometimes stop and let my horse check out a monster, but only after she has walked past without balking - which sometimes takes a few back and forths. Best of luck to ya, sweetie! And congrats on getting back in the saddle!

It's nice to see other "big" riders here. I am having RNY March 26th and can't wait to be a loser so I can ride again. I haven't been riding my 17hh TB since he tossed me off more than a year ago. I find that when 300+ lb****s the ground things tend to break. I have been riding my small QH a little just walking around, I miss my big guy, I have had him for 12 years and miss riding him. As far as size goes it depends on the horse and the rider. My big guy carries me around like I am as light as a feather, he is just a strong horse. My little QH carries me as well, though I think he has to work a little harder. ;). A 300 lb rider who knows how to ride and keep their weight off the horses back is better for the horse than a 250 lb rider that sits on the horse like a sack of pototos. ;) I can't wait to be a loser and hit the trails again with my equine buddie. Rachael

Hi Debby! I am not in the market at this time for purchasing any horses, however, I wanted to say hi and good luck! Do you have a surgery date scheduled? I am 3 mos. post-op and have already lost 70lbs! Its an unbelievable change! You won't regret it! Feel free to E-Mail me with any questions you may have, or just to talk horses! Enjoy the journey!

Just say the word ~ HORSES ~ and I'm in euphoria! I grew up that way, my mom was the "rodeo queen", champion this, that & the other... so I was riding before I could walk & chew bubblegum at the same time. My lowpoint was when I got pregnant and couldn't ride (Dr.s orders, too) because of some problems. When I couldn't lose the weight, it was very traumatic on me, I cried when I got ride of my "before baby clothes box". Now 11 yrs., later I'm getting ready to have RNY, and wish I would have done it sooner... just wasn't mentally ready. I've been around the 250(ish) for several years, and have been riding still, just not as "comfortable" as it used to be. I love to be able to go to the barn, to visit with my "best friend", for that non-judgemental hug & nikker. I have dogs too, but if I had to chose... it would be the one outside that would win! My dogs, 3 ****ers, are just a riot & such lovers.... but I'm sure there isn't a horse-loving woman out there who would say much different. The equine touches our souls like no other, gives us a freedom and inner peace that soothes the soul throughout every heartache or obstical in life. To be a bit philosophical, I'm really amazed at the difference in the way people prioritize their lives, the people who have horses (or have had in the past) compared to the ones that don't (or never did), look around in your world at the differences of people. Do you see what I mean? With everything I've had to go thru in this life, so far, I know I'd be locked up in a rubber room with out my horse.