But, hey, every once in a while even I gotta color outside the lines. 
I've not been to the range as often as I would like, and here is one incredible reason why. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Dino!
No, Dino isn't mine; here he is with his actual owner, showing me one way to do ground work.
Dino was a rescued horse from an abusive situation, and his owner wanted him to try to bond with someone. She's a former employee of mine, and she knew I have always wished I had a horse - too expensive to buy and keep up. So she made me a deal - form a connection with a horse who needs a human he can trust, and she'll pay the bills, plus teach me how to ride. I got to actually ride him yesterday, (no pics, left my phone at home!), and we discovered I need a different saddle. I also discovered this guy kinda likes me already. Not the same as a dog or a cat by any means and I have a LOT to learn, but me and Mrs. Armoredman are having the time of our lives every time I go out for a lesson - she's next, BTW.
I love horses and really miss them alot. Riding horses kept me sane when work was crazy. It also gave me time away from the world.
I never owned a horse (but would like to one day) but leased them for years on end. I didnt want the 24/7/365 responsibility of the ownership due to more than horses and guns interest/hobbies. Leasing was the 2nd best to owning since it was like owning w/o any hassle....if i didnt or couldn't ride or get down to the barn, the owner or other lessee did it. when i went on vacation ,the other parties took care of the horse.
with most/all of my $$ going to travel now i just try to hitch a ride on my travels. I originally wanted to ride in each country, but after putting some thought into if i got hurt on my vacation, i decided to tone it down and try to do a ride at the end of my trip instead of beginning or middle.
This horse is "Shayle" he was a Quarter/Thoroughbred cross. He was a great school master jumper, unfortunately i wasnt that good to take advantage of his abilities. He was an honest jumper too and I never seen him refuse a jump. He's in horse heaven now enjoying all of the apples he can get.
This is "Toby". He was the last horse i leased and is a Lipizzan. Never thought i would be able to ride a Lipizzan in my lifetime.. He's happily semi-retired in sunny Prescott.
Remember...."the outside of the horse is good for the inside of man (or woman)"....
also, "the worse day in the saddle beats the best day in the office".
