>        So nice to speak with those who have these wonderful
 > animals, when I talk "horse" to others, I am perceived a
 > little "nuts".
    Know what you mean -- BUT, here in the EQUUS echo you'll find people like 
you and me -- horsey oriented -- and take care of their horses probably 
better that themselves  (my hubby says I love the horses better 
than him ).
 >        Anyway, I have had some experience driving myself,
 > altho' I must say, it has been "years".  I had a 2-year old
 > Arab gelding we decided to have trained, and after his 1st
 > 30 days, I began as well.  It proved extremely rewarding
 > and quite a confidence builder.  I competed in a few
 > amateur classes and won.  This gelding was such a
    Isn't it fun??  I'm going to take my new Saddlebred mare to a driving 
show on Saturday -- I think we'll do well ..... (at least I HOPE we do well 
).
 > character, but he was our 1st foal and I believe he thought
 > he was human.  I ride occasionally, but I guess the guys I
 > have now could be considered my pets, or better yet, my
 > companions. Today I want nothing more than to enjoy them
 > along with a great Scottie dog and 3 notorious cats.  Such
 > a life!
    Heheheheh ....... Mr X (our little Arabian guy) is a character too ...... 
HE thinks he's human for sure.  He thinks that EVERYONE and EVERYTHING should 
"love him" .... You have to be careful working around him -- he picks up your 
tools and runs away with them.  I've taught him tricks ... he drives, rides 
and is probably as bomb proof as you can get.  WE raised him from a baby (his 
registered name is PROPHET OF XANABAR) ..... we also did all his training.
    ALL our "herd" here are big pets ...... not that we don't make them 
behave ...... but they are truly loved and spoiled (and I'm not afraid to 
admit it either).  Each one has her or her own personality ..... what fun 
!!
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