Although, in that case, it’s probably wise to insist on a gelding. 
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Do not adopt a mare under any circumstance whatsoever. 
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I agree that OTSB can be less hot than the equivalent OTTB. But I would not call them saintly in the way I might a middle aged QH.
We have an SB harness track in our area. Currently there are 5 OTSB at varying stages in our barn, all being schooled by ammies at varying skill levels. I would say 4 of them have been under saddle for at least 3 or 4 years.
They are high energy horses with big personalities and bigger gaits. Getting a canter is a challenge and even the best developed one does a fantastic hand gallop but still no collected canter. The trots are huge and take effort to ride, and pacing is often an issue. One has developed a bunch of resistances under his beginning returning rider.
I have never seen an OTSB come through a professional trainer for comparison, because those trainers will always opt for an OTTB as an English prospect (we also have a second tier TB track so they are easy to source too). OTTB reliably have nice and fairly adjustable canters, a foundation for jumping.
It’s true that if the Standie ammie owners had OTTB there would likely have been some serious accidents by now. But the standies are not saintly, they are still a handful.
With what OP said about her physical limitations I would never suggest she go for an OT anything (QH, TB, SB) to school. She needs already broke.
And @IdahoRider what you say about your back and legs would qualify you as one of the tiers of para equestrian in dressage, at least. You might try reaching out to a para coach for tips. They would have ideas for mounting blocks, training horses to stand, teaching horses to accept floppy mounting. So might a Western ranch trainer who does pack horses etc.
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Hey @Scribbler. I didn’t suggest her running out to the harness track and taking on a fit 5 year old racehorse.
I totally agree a racehorse is not appropriate.
What I suggested is adopting through any number of organizations that rehome Standardbreds. They don’t just come off the track. They come from the Amish. They come from the police. They come out of camp programs. They come out of breeding programs. The organizations vet them, ride them, assess them.
If you contact these organizations and say, “I have physical limitations and I am looking for a dead quiet horse,” I guarantee you they can make a match.
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Ah OK. I did not know about these other rescues. All we have here are OT placement organizations and most people source SB and TB direct from the track.
Our actual local and regional rescue organizations, whether registered charity or private enterprise rarely come up with a horse that is sound, sane, and broke. You can get 2 out of 3 but not all 3. I follow them all on FB and have yet to see anything I would take on as a riding horse.
Wish I could like this 1000 times.
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(You made me blush. Thank you)
If you know for certain this is a safe, sane, healthy and well broke horse then I would go for it. If you aren’t spending money on horse’s health issues and medical bills( yours) you should have plenty to contribute to the joint account.
I decided to pass on purchasing a horse right now. I don’t go back to work until next month and it is just too difficult to find reasonable boarding.
I am sad.
Sheilah
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You have other options, right, lessons and trail riding stables around you could check out?
Smart that you weighed your options and could make the hard on your emotions but for you right now more sensible decisions.
Look back at the time you enjoyed dreaming about buying that horse and how happy that made you and that you will again go there next time you have another opportunity to consider this again.
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There are no trail riding stables here. I have people looking for a split lease that is already boarding with one of the folks I would like to ride with.
Sheilah
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Good for resilient, resourceful people, you already have plans, best luck forward. 
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Sorry it’s not working out for you right now (heavy sigh for you) 
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Psssst!!Don’t tell my SO…but i am looking at a filly right now. She won’t like it. But i think she knows better than to try to talk me down from the precipice. When i bought/adopted the mustangs she said: “NO!” I did it anyway. She was concerned about my safety, and i think she understands the error of her thinking.
As the sheep flock and cattle herd slowly die of old age, we have more pasture and grazing available to support a nice large herd, or rather two herds (i separate mustangs from domestics). I feel justified in adding another horse at this point. Especially one that needs a few years to grow up.
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I know. I am disappointed. But I do have things keeping me busy. I am entering rally competition with my German Shepherd, I finally set up a craft area in my bedroom and I have been so lucky in getting really good books to read. So life is good. Just not horse in a barn waiting to be ridden good.
I believe in the power of “Yet”. I don’t have a horse in the barn yet. But I will eventually.
Sheilah
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Good on you, Sheilah. And get a horse fix through friends whenever you can.
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Are you looking at one from Long Meadow again?
I am sorry it didn’t work out @IdahoRider. Maybe a lease option will.
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i was. but i’ve changed my mind about her.
