Conference noted::equitation

    There are a few nice 'trail' type horses out there at any given time,
    it's finding them that's the time consuming part.  Take lots of time,
    look around, it may take a couple months.  The want advertiser has a
    few but it's hard to sort through them because of the distance.
    Stop in at a few local barns and also talk to your horsey friends, you'll
    likely to be introduced to some nice animal in a short time, and local
    folks are not likely to be dumping a bad animal on you (they may have
    to see you every now and then).
    I myself would not recommend a dealer, it's not that you can't get a 
    good horse from some of them, but should something turn out to be wrong
    (it's suddenly dead lame the day after you get it home, etc.) it's 
    hard to get your money back or get a nice horse after that. (I know 
    from experience).
    It would be nice if you could take a few lessons and then have your
    instructor help you pick a horse.  If that's not possible then 
    try to get someone experienced to look at it.  Have it vet'd, it's 
    well worth the $100 or so bucks, though it's still no guarentee either
    way (I can attest to that).   If you can take the horse on a two week 
    trial basis, that would be the best.  Folks who are stuck (moving, 
    college, etc.) and just want a good home for the horse are often open 
    to this.
    
    Sharon

Hi Wendy,

I agree with Sharon. Take it slow and find a good instructor first. That will
link you back into the horse world. even if you were into it pretty heavily
before it is good to get a refresher.

Look around this notesconference for names of instructors. I used to live in
Derry and knew some folks in your area - but that was about 12 years ago and I
am sure all of the faces have changed by now.

I'll keep my ears open and let you know if I hear of anything in your area.

JoAnne

    THANKS SO MUCH....this is great advice.  I plan on taking my
    time on finding a horse that will stay with me for the rest of
    it's life.  I love too easily and having to give one of my
    animals up is just too difficult.
    
    I had my chain saw sharpened, am expanding the corral, and if it ever
    stops snowing, will be going for lessons (I'm dragging my husband with
    me) as soon as possible.  I'm hoping it's like riding a bike....once
    you get back on.....but I am realistic enough to know that it will
    take my Butt a while to get back into the swing of things.....
    (especially if theres more of me to swing now!)
    
    Thanks for all the wonderful advice and keep it coming...Wendy
    
    

    Hi Wendy. Long time no see. Been a long time since the DECnet for DOS
    days.
    Anyhow, I'm in the same boat as you are. After 5.5 years of not riding
    since my horse died I am now taking lessons to get back into "riding"
    shape. I really stress doing that first since there are alot of things
    that I have to think about now where as before they were just
    automatic.
    
    In a couple of months I'll probably hire my instructor to help me find
    a horse. Then I'll probably keep it at the barn that she teaches at so
    that if I run into "surprises" I'll have my instructor there to help
    out.
    
    At one time I considered keeping the horse on my property (my husband
    and I were looking at places that had land) but decided to go the
    stable route after my husband admitted that he wouldn't ride with me.
    So I wanted to be at a stable for companionship.
    
    I definitely recommend going with the instructor for awhile.
    	
    Good-luck.
    	Cindy

    CINDY!!!  MY GOSH this is great to hear from you.  Let me know
    how your horse "stuff" turns out.  I definately want the horse (s)
    home....to be able to hug at will or whatever.  Nothing like
    the smell of Manure on a hot summer's night.  I grew up with it
    between my toes...maybe why I have such big feet!
    
    Does anyone know of any auctions going on anywhere?  I used to
    be able to get some great tack at decent prices.  
    
    Thanks for all the feedback everyone.
    
    Wendy
    

    Well... if my stuff doesn't fit my new horse ...
    
    Anyhow, good-luck with horse hunting. There's alot of horse web pages
    but I haven't seen anything on the net that is for around here. There
    are some good horses for sale in Oregon however -).
    
    Check out the Yankee Pedlar and the Equine Journal for horse
    advertisements. If you're interested in Morgans let me know. I'm
    gathering up alot of info on them since I'm interested in that breed
    (maybe even Tenn. Walkers since that was what my last horse was).
    	Cindy

    Hello Wendy,
    	I go to a large local auction out here in Colorado often. 
    Last few years most of the tack has been odd lots or very dry
    imported leather.  I even got talked into buying a few horses 
    at auction.  I was pretty lucky. Everyone but one was totally
    physically sound. All were nut cases. I was able to get out 
    from under them and make a slight profit but...
    	The very best horses I've had have been from word of mouth.
    A friend, a note in the local tack shop, at an event.
    	Good luck on your search, If you get out this way
    look us up, I know some real nice mountian rides on National
    Forest land.
    
    Carl Koellhoffer 

    Thanks Carl....and I will definately look you up if I get out
    there....I'll bet the riding areas are BREATHLESS!  I could
    live on a horse out there.   Wendy