you all are so right about the boots and sturips! that my bigest fear, im all the time telling her, or making her put just her toe in, but theres always a chance.. i usaly ride bare back that way if you take a fall its a "clean fall" not a drag . i got her this wintech saddle so she could saddle up herself, was always dressing the horse kids ride a few min and then have to go back and undress.this saddle is about 15 lbs. stormie the horse was a rescue horse from stock sale. horse traders brought her in, for all i know she could of came from out west, was sick, they took a colt off her, she was baged up really bad, had shipping fever, you name it. moved my guys off to other pasture before bringing her home, thought we was gonna have to dig a hole..poor thing couldnt eat for caughing and blowing out all her grain, antibotics, b 12, blankets,and alot of pounding to get her broke lose, about 3 weeks she got turned around, she loves kids, couldnt ask for a better horse. and was a great mom to her mule baby, didnt mind us messing with the colt. very pleases with how she turned out , i really didnt think she make it..but shell be here for ever. Rose