Yay for a new horse Kazzo. That's lovely. Its really hard to get that confidence back after a nasty fall or experience.

PRMG - so sorry to hear about your old boy. Its awful knowing they're ageing, but he's obviously had a wonderful life with you and is being well cared for and loved. I have those thoughts too about the kids and it being a passing thing. I've got the girls signed up for regular lessons starting next school term and if that goes well, the riding school has a great scheme whereby you can lease one of their ponies. With the two girls having lessons its actually cheaper to lease a pony for them to share, and the lease arrangement includes all the equipment, farrier, vet expenses etc as well as a riding lesson each week so we would really be well in front. Will be interesting to see how they feel when most of their out of school time is spoken for. Given we will need to travel to the agistment centre its not quite the same as having ponies at home, but it'll be a good indication I hope.