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The "droop" doesn't show too badly in that picture - but I know it's there . . . :-D

She was a professional broodmare for years - the lady who owned her was putting her to QH stallions and getting Appendix halter champions out of her - one national champ. She came up empty two breedings in a row and was sold to my trainer as she stood - unbroken at age 14 - basically for the price of a month's feed.

I had not started a horse since I was a teenager, and I was a little worried, but she accepted a saddle and bridle without a SINGLE complaint and has never looked back. The first year was very tough because she had not the first idea about what we were doing - she would turn her head to the opening rein and keep right on going straight! - but now she's competing on Tadpole level in combined training and placing very solidly. I also occasionally take her to hunter shows (just because I did that for 20 years so we can walk on and do it) and her last show she was Champion in the 2'6" Division and Reserve in Handy Hunter. (I don't like to show her much higher because of the age of her legs, even though she never raced so they're in pretty good shape. I also find that the older I get the less I like the big fences.)

Amen on the "horse bug". I have had it since I was 3. Even my kids think my adoration of the equines is a bit excessive . . . of course I'm also nuts about my Labrador and my three Siamese cats . . . although I draw the line at birds and fish.

(I don't like to show her much higher because of the age of her legs, even though she never raced so they're in pretty good shape. I also find that the older I get the less I like the big fences.)

I can understand that! - I have half the courage I had as a youngster.

Speaking of jumpers. That little pony of mine is an unbroke 6-year old (I have done a lot of ground work but she is too little for me to ride: shy 12 hh). I think she could have a great future as a little pony club mount, but I don't know anyone in those circles. I don't really want to sell her either, Bay adores her and needs her companionship. She is a really easy keeper as a pasture buddy. I guess I am wishing that there is a kid out there somewhere who wants a project and wants to ride, but can't have her own.

She will jump anything! (even when she takes off too far out ;~D)

Your story of training yours really late in life is reassuring... I have fears that my pony will continue on as she is, unbroke into her teens at this rate!

I once owned an Arabian brood mare who was spayed - yep, spayed.

Right after I graduated from vet school, one of my favorite profs called me up one day and said, "You know that Arab mare out in the large animal clinic that had the uterine infection?" I knew her because I'd helped treat her. "Well, the owner has donated her to the University and taken a tax write-off. The large animal barn manager is going to have her put down if no one will take her. They've spayed her, so the uterine infection is no longer an issue. Will you take her?"

I was a first year veterinarian in a small animal practice in a large city at the time - living in an apartment - where was I going to put a spayed brood mare? I took her. She was a great horse, except that she had an aversion to loading into a trailer - long story.

I ended up doing a lot of equine work when I was in practice and ended up with a lot of friends in the Arabian horse set. I fell in love with Arabs - they are so intelligent, graceful, and athletic. I do hate the halter horses though - tabletop croups are just ludicrous - these horses can't be athletes so why are they the epitomy of the breed? But I digress (sorry about that little rant!).