I think I learnt that no matter what people say, you can always prove them wrong. On each of the horses I took yesterday I was told no you shouldn't take them on. My Arab, I bought him as an unbroken three year old colt pure bred Arab. Everyone said NOOOO, don't buy one of those flighty cotton wool ponies. Well how wrong could they have been ?! He was a diamond and has been since the day he arrived, not just to ride but also just his general temperament, I will never take an insult about an Arab again. He has jumped everything and anything I have put him at and hasn't argued a single step. That pony is an amazing little dude.
And as for my project ponies, well yes one is a bit poorly with some bruised bones in his feet and some time off, but I can cope with that, he is keeping my poorly mare company and they are enjoying some down time together, hopefully will settle both of their little brains.
The other pony who we took to Frensham yesterday has generally been a star, yes he can be nappy and we have had the odd dispute, but nothing scary or unworkable, I am thoroughly enjoying my time with him and he is proving to be a great little horse, bring on Munstead on Saturday is all I can say !!
Essentially I think the more people say don't do it, the more determined I get, and so far it is all working out well :) you just have to go with your gut and things always work out in the end. Although I am completely poor from having 4 horses, the only thing I'll be buying for me for the next 6 months is new socks, if I'm lucky !!!