Hubby and I both ride as do both of our families. I have a 16.2hh OTTB gelding. My grandfather gave him to me after he came off the track at age 5. He didn't have a competitive drive so he retired early. He will be 13 on April 1. His track name is Bold 'n' Easy but we call him Comic. He was born April fools day AND he's a clown. Takes your hat or anything you have hanging out of your pocket. He just "matured" last year and finally has a pretty level head. Thoroughbreds are a little late in maturing mentally, but when they do it's a huge change! It makes riding him that much better. We just do a lot of trail/mountain riding around here. I'd like to start dressage with him (just to level 1 or 2) but all the training barns around here are soooo expensive. The trainers charge their fee and then there is a fee to use the arena on top of that. We have a public arena but none of the trainers are willing to use it rather than the barn they are affiliated with. Maybe in a couple of years when my son is in school and I'm able to make a little more money.... until then we just enjoy our trail riding.
You're giving me hope that my goofball will eventually mature! LOL