And now it's even better, with the birth of a granddaughter. What fun! I can't wait to start shopping for a pony. And all those little tiny brushes, gloves and crops. Pony-land with my own kids was a hundred years ago. I'm sure a lot has changed. The Breyer black stallion has probably turned grey by now.

The proud new parents posed a puzzling question recently. What do we want to be called? I have a friend whose grandkids call her "G-G" for "Galloping Grandmother."

I like that, but I can't say it applies to me, because my horse doesn't exactly gallop. He mostly spooks. And that doesn't lend itself to a cutesy moniker. SOW? For "Spooky Old Woman?" Apropos maybe, but not appealing.

As a newbie granny, I started thinking about my image. There are some definite differences in Equestrian Grandmothers, as opposed to Mainstream Grannies. Here is a starter list:

Finding Granny: She's either on the horse or in the barn.

Looks different in a swim suit: She's the one with the brown arms and white legs.

Going out with Granny: It's easier to go out in public since distressed jeans came in style. Furballs, however, are not always acceptable fashion accessories.

Granny's Car: Full of smelly, interesting stuff!

Granny's Kitchen: If you can't identify it, it's best not to eat it. And the animals are always fed first at Grandma's house.

Cookie Jar: Beware, it might contain dog biscuits or horse cookies.

Toys: Granny's yard is full of things that GO -- trucks, tractors, and trailers.

Fun to visit: The best thing is What happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's!