Thanks hun,

I think being around them and riding them are two different things, we have our two fellas and I try to do some association with them. I take DD into the paddocks (her on my back or front) and we talk to them and I let her pat them. I have sat her, aided on my QH back.

I think 2 years of age is a good age for them to be having a crack on a little ponies back because they are old enough to know to stop if you say so (actually stopping might be a different story LOL).....

I dunno, I am not a tough country chick, I am a soft naive city chick. I worm my horses every 14 weeks and have the farrier out every 12 weeks (they are not in work and the ground is soft) I have the dentist out annually too .... despite their paddock condition.

DD won't have the same equine opportunities as her cousin because we don't have stock to sell to buy her these things, nor do we have a decent income. I do feel bad for her because of that BUT I want her (if she chooses to) be interested and learn all the right things to do with the animals rather than the old fashioned "she'll be right" attitude of others here on the farm.

ANyways ..... each to their own ..... association is one thing owning and riding ....... well its not my child.