Bec, I think stirrups are over-rated and so are lessons lol. I used to ride bare-back with just a halter and lead every afternoon because I was too lazy to tack-up my horse and once you can take a jump etc with just a leading rein doing it with full tack is a piecew of cake. One of my dressage instructors used to make us take our stirrups off every second lessone because you should be able to use your thighs to rise to the trot etc (although I don't think my muscles now are what they were then lol). As for lessons, the 2 people who taught me the most about horses did so informally and one of them had never had a formal lesson in his life. He was an old man who lived down the road from us and he could break-in a horse in 3 days flat without it bucking or resisting once - it was just amazing what he could coax a horse to do. I doubt I will ever meet someone who knew horses like him again. My Mum was a really acomplished horse woman and the kind of stuff I learnt from her just isn't covered in lessons.

Cailin, You've really had some bad luck with horses haven't you.
IKWYM about that connection. I still miss my old mare Onyx who died 6 years ago. I got her when I was 7 (and so was she) and even though I rode other horses she was always my favourite - she had so much spirit and personality. I could go on about Onyx all day but I'll restrain myself lol.

Dee, how exciting about your little ponies. Are they a little bit fat? I like fat little ponies.

Kerrie, it sounds like we have similar dreams lol I'm really hoping that in a few years time we can lease a paddock and get a couple of fat little ponies for the boys, a nice polite hack for DH and someone a little firey for me. Or maybe live further out...