Having grown up with sheep and goats around the farm, I've always thought horses were too big, and rather alarming. My few attempts at riding did not go particularly well. I am content to admire them from a distance, and they certainly are beautiful animals. I'm sorry your Angel had such a rough start in life, but it sounds like her retirement years are very comfortable and satisfying for her!
Lol! After spending the last fifteen years with goats and sheep, I would much rather be around horses! They are far less mischievous! However, I am sad to hear that your attempts at riding horses didn't go so well, I hate it when that happens! Horses are definitely an animal that you need to ride a total beginner's model to start so that your confidence grows. Honestly though, when it comes to ponies, I have always been too silly to be afraid of the giants, and mom could often find me standing in the midst of twenty of the leviathans when I was a small thing:o)!
Angel is pretty spoiled now, she got scratches and alfalfa this evening!