calling all camera buffs

I'm having a hard time deciding which camera to upgrade to...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Several years ago I went in to the local camera store to buy a lens for my camera (Fugi S7000) and they told me not to bother (ouch) save money for a new camera. I appreciated their honesty, and took their recommendation to heart. So what's my problem? There is no clear-cut best fit (or so I thought) this time around...back in the day it was between my camera, and for some more $, the first Canon Rebel. Altho my camera has done a fine job meeting most of my needs over the years, I regret not spending the extra $. I didn't think it was worth it at the time, had I known better we probably wouldn't be having this conversation and my pictures would have been better all these years. I don't want any regrets this time. I want a camera I can grow with, that will last for even more years, possible use to enhance my profession, and not feel zoom envy at e.v.e.r.y.s.i.n.g.l.e event I go to - basically I can't get the shots I want!

With all that said, my new camera will primarily be used for shooting sports (specifically Hockey - indoor, low light, fast action, across the arena, Football - outside, low/bright light, fast action, looong distance, and Baseball - yawn **just kidding** outdoor action) and of course, Horses (specifically ours - which may include all of the settings mentioned - ala horse). In three more years when the sports dwindle, the shift will be towards primarily equine photography.

I've looked at two cameras the Canon 50D (no video capabilities, and it feels clunkier in-hand. I actually use the handy video feature and prefer not to invest in and haul around another piece of equipment if possible) and the Nikon D90 (the Canon has a higher mega pixel and I keep having flashbacks of my previous purchase). The next Canon up from the 50D is a 7D and it has video capability, but not only does it cost a lot more $ - it was recommended that I not buy it, apparently something is buggy with it. I haven't investigated further, nor tried it. Maybe I should forget the video feature and go with the 50D, which fits the "middle of the road" I can't decide syndrome I lean towards? Sigh. I don't know...

I see many, many amazing pictures posted on the blogs I follow, do you have any suggestions? What camera do you have? Have you heard good, bad or different about the camera's mentioned? Nemo, Koda, and Harmony thank you. They would really like it if I learned how to take better pictures of them (okay, so that's me) and had good equipment to do it with. I plan to take another photo class (es) once I've made my choice, if I can decide on a new camera...