What a bummer! sure hope you can recoup yr loss and find a good used saddle that will fit you and yr horse! Try E-Bay; I found my Wintec Isabel that way and it served me well until I bought my Prestige D1000 6 yrs aGo! IF you have long thigh bones, you may need a larger seat! Make sure the seat is also wide enough for your seat bones as well as big enough! I'm 5'5" and long legged and a 17" saddle is great for me, but you may need a 171/2" seat or a 161/2. Best to go to a tack

Moose is very cute, and quite a big boy! Love his markings too! That fuller fillies line of clothes is just perfect for you it sounds like and half chaps with paddock boots are perfect for you if you can't afford tall boots! The clinic lady sounds like the ticket for you and Moose, and all the other folks in your area who are interested in dressage. Even if you only want to improve your horse's way of going and your riding, dressage is a great way to go!! Keep us all posted as to your progress

Wow, schoolhorserider!! I'm jealous of our dressage newbie's $25 dressage clinics too! Around here we have noted clinicians come every quarter at many barns around her (Lincoln and Omaha NE) and the least expensive were $125/lesson for 45"! I did go to a USDF Adult Clinic in early Nov and it only cost me $75 to audit for 2 whole days! Another lady comes fm S. CO to a barn in Lincoln, NE for $250 clinics over a long weekend! I've ridden with her a couple times--she is good!! Have

Wintecs Are nice saddles, by and large! And you don't have to saddle soap yr saddle like with a leather saddle. Just as long as the saddle fits your horse and he's comfy with a nice thin saddle pad underneath, you're good to go! You may want to check out the USDF web site for a group member dressage club in your area as there are lots of educational opportunities fm clinics and symposiums to schooling shows at different barns once you decide to take the plunge! The web site is www.USDF

Hi there! Well, I just finished reading your letter and am really perplexed about a few things! The first is WHY are you cow-towing to this gal? She may have been married to your dad (but is no longer) and why is she such a control freak where you are concerned? A GOOD riding instructor would encourage you to ride in other instructors'/clinician's clinic or riding camp. I suspect that she is so controlling because she wants to hold onto any link she can with your dad. THIS is so unprofessional