FH What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you. Your town is beautiful!

I am a novice rider, but will have opportunities to ride this spring and summer in areas that are pretty brushy and mesquite covered. Would suede english schooling chaps provide adequate protection? I found a pair of new Barnstable chaps on ebay that are actually long enough for my legs and are a reasonable price. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Older country music is my favorite. Some of my favorite artists are Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Johnny Bush, Johnny Rodriguez, George Strait (prior to 1995), Ray Price, Bob Wills the King, Tammy Wynette, Hank Thompson...the list goes on. I know my taste in music is not mainstream, so most of you won't know any of these guys!

I thought of the "50 plus gang" this weekend. I attended a clinic with seven riders in attendance. Five were ladies who were well over 50. It made me feel so good to know that when I'm over 50, I'll still be learning and riding. It was very cool!

My riding lessons are going great, however, I find myself wanting to ride several days out of the week. I think I've caught the fever. I do not want to buy right now for several reasons, mostly lack of knowledge and inexperience. I was thinking about leasing, but I do not know anything about it. What do I need to do and not do? I'm not even sure how available a lease will be in my area. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

If you will tell us where you are, I'll bet someone can help you out! Good Luck!

In West Texas, I pay $100 for a minimum two hour private western lesson. Lessons usually last about 2.5 hours. I always have two instructors. I'm loving every minute of it!

I just wanted to let you know that all of you were right. I am not too old, I'm just right. I will have my 6th and 7th lessons this week. I definitely found the right people, place and horses. It has been so much more than just riding lessons. I have a long way to go, but I have plenty of time to get there. I'm having a ball!

I just completed the first lesson and really enjoyed it. It lasted about 2.5 hours. I really feel like I found the right people, place and horses! I will definitely not buy a horse anytime soon. My stepkids have 3 or 4 that I can ride anytime. I'll leave the hard work and expense to them. Thanks for the comments and advice!