The horse in the picture I sent you with the white blaze is a horse I got very attached to. We had an unusual and unexpected relationship. He had been abused and was very very scared (paniced really) when someone tried to do much with him. He liked people and had a kind eye but he did not trust people in general. He won a big part of my heart very early on. He and I spent a lot of time together helping each other to be braver. He made me braver cause I wanted so bad to help him. And I made him braver cause he instinctively trusted me. The rest is a long story but he is no longer with us and I will never forget him. I learned a lot by having him in my life. But Cash is 'my guy'! I feel very lucky to have him. I probably bought a horse sooner then I should have but I wanted to ride more then lessons allowed. I had a lot of time to make up since I hadn't ridden in many many... too many years! I was offered a horse to lease but I get so attached to animals that I was afraid to go that route and then have the horse taken out from under me. I know a lot of people can handle that and buy and sell horses regularly but that is not my nature. I did have a horse as a teenager that I did sell but she did not like me and I started having a family so it was best to let her go. It did turn out well. She just messed with me all the time and she KNEW how inexperienced I was. She really did not like having a scared uneducated rider on her back. The gal that bought her had a great time and no problems with her. So it helped my grief that I knew I'd done the right thing for the horse. I had worked to save money to buy her so I did really want a horse. I never had anyone to help me learn either. So anyway, if you think you won't get too attached then I think leasing is a great way to go. When you start to feel secure then you'll have time to look for the perfect horse for you/ It is for sure a decision you do not want to make quickly.
Enjoy the experience and I'd love to hear how things are going.
I am very much with you on the horsewoman thing. I want to be a decent rider but I most want that good relationship with my horse. I have viewed several different natural horse people and they do all offer something good and they do all do things a little differently. One video homeschool set I've viewed was on horse behaviour and it was great. It was designed to help people 'read' a horse. One thing that was interesting to me was that a horse can be exhibiting the same action but for different reasons. If a horse is acting a certain wa because they are scared or because they are being pushy or naughty, you have to treat it different to get a positive result. Kinda like kids ... sometimes they need a spanking, or maybe a talking to or maybe a hug and some encouragement. I love feeling like I'm working 'with' my horse rather then making him do things. I have seen people hit, kick and yell at their horse when the horse is trying and it just turns my stomach. Sometimes they need to feel encouraged while they practice to perfect something. New things aren't just instantly learned by them any more then by the human. I do believe the idea that most of the time when a horse and rider are having problems, it is usually the rider doing something wrong and they are probably unaware of some little touch they are doing to confuse the horse. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it...lol...
Take care and remember to enjoy the journey!

Did the picture I sent you earlier today remind you of any horses you know? I thought he looked a lot like yours.
What kind of horse do you have? The horse in the picture is a Tennessee Walker. My horse in my profile picture is a Quarter Horse.
I waited a long time to get my horse too. I kept telling myself I couldn't afford a horse but the truth was I couldn't afford not to get a horse. I love being around horses and having my own special guy. I got my horse 5 years ago when he was just barely 3 and learning with him has been a wonderful journey. I am a very timid rider so things have taken more time then normal but that is okay as long as we keep progressing .I ride western and have taken LOTS of lessons. I finally decided I just needed to ride as much as I could, I think i've gotten comfortable enough now that I'm going to try a different trainer and see if it helps now. I would like to get to the point that I can go trail riding rather then just arena work. We do a lot of Parelli things and that has been a great thing for us. It has added another whole aspect to our relationship. When I free lunge him and he will circle me at the walk,trot, and canter and reverse direction with a couple simple cues we are both thrilled. Getting him to do what I want off iine just feels so wonderful but best of all, he seems to be having fun too.
Looking forward to hearing about your horse!