Thank you guys very much for your comments.
It was this picture that clinched it for me into buying some equipment. Purchased a Sigma SA7 and two autofocus zoom lenses on special. I'm sure there's far better stuff out there, but I just spent $909 on a Saddle for Dot and I really can't afford better.
I plan on trying my hand at "sports" photography involving horses, jumpers and some of the western Reiners and Barrel Racers out this way...
If I get anything halfway worth seeing, I'll be sure and post it...