Feel Like Quitting

I know I've said this before here and many other places in my life, I am my worst critic but what I'm about to discuss has nothing to do with that. I'm a perfectionist, this is true but I know like anyone who has been around animals, that some days it's you, some days it is them and the rest it works perfectly. I am under no illusion that my achievements on horse back this year have been pretty impressive, from my point of view at least. I learnt to walk and trot without someone holding on to the horse. I know, no big deal for a sighted rider but for me that was huge. Even in recent months, I've been trusted to try cantering without a leader and I am so thankful for being given those opportunities to do those things. Maybe I've had a bad ride today and that's that but maybe I've hit a road block that I can't get around. Maybe I'm only meant to be this good and improvement will never come so for the rest of my riding life, I'll be walking, rising trotting and never getting a good canter. I know all the things, relax, heels down, hands low,go with the rhythm and relax but no matter what happens, I can never get all of those things. I see others learning doing it with ease and I just feel I'll never get past this road block. I know it's me, it's all in my head and I don't see a way forward to change my approach and therefore change the outcome. I had a relatively uneventful lesson today, some walking and trotting. It was hard to get into the trot but I did it so that made me happy. My legs got a work out as the cobbles were apparently scary for my tall, cheeky bay friend but I kept him going and kept in control. Then the canter, just awful! Got two strides on second attempt and then pulled back. I don't know how to stop doing this. I don't know how to stop tensing, how to just do everything I know I need to. I love horses!!! I am so happy I've done this but I don't know how to move forward and not sure I can keep taking this continued level of failure. Boy, this is a depressing blog but I have always been honest in my blog entries so today should be no different. I surely feel like quitting today. And the horrible, sad thing is, if I did, I didn't say goodbye to my horsey friends. I'm not sure what I'll do. So if this is goodbye, thanks for reading and take care and all the best to you and your horsey friends! :) Marie

Relax!

I could not wait to get back to the yard today after such a successful lesson last week. With it being the school holidays, I expected to be on a group hack but was taken out by my usual instructor by myself today.

I tacked up my tall, white friend and led him to the mounting block. Getting up into the saddle, we decided the road would probably give us more opportunities to have a varied ride as the farm would be pretty waterlogged. So off we went.

My position is seemingly getting better with each ride and my trots are becoming more forward. I was told today to put more weight in my heels during rising trot and this again improved on my position.

And how did cantering go? Pretty good actually. With having my usual instructor, it meant I would be cantering by myself, without having a leader so the first attempt was not as good as Thursdays. However, I got him into a canter, then shocked myself so pulled back. The second attempt was just a forward trot but the third was pretty awesome. I was in my seat, went with him loads and just need to relax my upper half more so I can give him his rein. He's light in the mouth so my tensing of the upper body is not good for either of us. This also makes my elbows come up and my heels not take my weight. Which was the case in my last attempt at canter today. My instructor walked down the lane, leaving me and my tall, white, friend at the far end. The idea was to canter toward her so I guess she could see what was going on with me from the front. I got two strides mid lane route in canter but my tense upper body and not enough leg contributed to a lack of good canter. I know, I need to relax more and when I do, like with my good canters on this ride, I seem to do it pretty good.

We also did trot halt transitions today which were on the hole good although I lost a bit of the forwardness in trot by the last transition.

On the whole, it was a good lesson as I was back in complete charge of the reins today with my usual instructor. I was pleased that I got some good cantering with him as I know what's happening is purely between the two of us and not a third person leading us. So everything that happened was because of the relationship we have.

My position is improving every lesson and even after the pointer with the rising trot to bring my legs back and put more weight into my heels was taken on board and was changing quickly to what it needed to be by the end of my lesson. So all in all, a fantastic ride!

We got back to the yard, I untacked and put the rugs on with my instructor and led him out to the field. I love being at the yard, just wish I could help out much more with yard jobs.

That's all to report until my next lesson on Saturday.

Hope you all have a good week,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Early christmas Presents

I know, you're asking, why is she posting at silly O'clock on Christmas Day? Simply, have been too ill and then busy to write this post. But I will say, merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate and hope 2012 is a fabulous year!

To the Ride this week!

As those of you on Hay Net will know, my scheduled Sunday ride, and a double one at that was cancelled due to the weather's incapability of knowing the date and giving my town a very generous sprinkling of snow on the morning of said rides. It should have, yes, waited one whole week exactly and that would have pleased everyone, me included, to have a white Christmas and a snow free lesson. But hey, these things happen. So, we rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.

I arrived to discover, I was riding my lovely, tall, white friend and was sent to brush and tack him up. It probably isn't, but had felt like ages since I had brushed and tacked up. I guess not riding for ten whole days does that to you.

He was being very funny, as we were undoing his rug and brushing him, walking around in circles. I had to laugh. I've not seen him do that before, so after our game of "follow me around the stable", got him tacked up very nicely and much quicker than I was in the beginning. I'm even now able to check things are straight and feel much more confident in this area.

I mounted and we went out on a group hack over the farm area. My position seemed to snap into place but on my first trot, felt a little wobbly. Not sure why that was, the only thing I can think of is my horrendous issues with my mouth I've had this week but it did improve over the course of my ride so I'm not too worried about it.

The field was a giant bog due to the snow and rain but still got a few strides in canter out of him.

My subsequent trots were much better and I don't know, but I just seemed to move nicer with him in walk too. I think this has a lot to do with my legs now. I've consciously been working on pulling them in line with my hips and shoulders and pulling up so my balance is obviously better and my seat is much sturdier too. At least that's how it felt.

On the back lane, we decided to do another canter. I think because my tall white friend and I had had a few stumbling blocks on cantering as a result of me not giving him enough, I wasn't expecting a canter at all. But I stayed in position, gave a nice push into my seat, a good old squeeze and off we went. I was so in my seat, it felt amazing. Then half way down the lane, still in canter, my left stirrup flew from my foot. Did I fall? No! Did I stiffen and go into sitting trot despite having had the best canter ever? No! I stayed in my seat, didn't tense in the least and continued to have the best canter on my lovely white friend ever. No tensing the legs as I sometimes do and end up out of my seat, staying in the fluid movement, going with the rhythm of my lovely friend and feeling like somehow I had unwrapped the best christmas present ever!

I know in time, things seem to click and you feel more and more natural and with one with the horse, that's understandable. I would never have said I'd ever felt uncomfortable as such, even in bumpy trots, or out of rhythm rising trots, or canters where you bounce in and out of the seat; I would never say even then I felt uncomfortable being on the back of the horse, uncomfortable in the stride maybe but Thursday I felt like I was truly comfortable, more than ever before. I know this is progress and everyone has experienced it at some point but if you have, I don't need to tell you how special that is. :)

The best end to a lesson I think I've had to date. So we got back to the yard, after much praise and pats from me, dismounted, [without falling on my bum], and I led him back to his stable where I untacked and give him the biggest hug ever! I had had a dream the previous night of getting hugs from this particular horse, it was nice that dream came true on such a good riding day too!

I'd brought a bag of apples for my horse friends as a Christmas treat so my special, tall white friend had two apples and several polos as he so deserved it. Many of the ponies were out so the horse who had been in lead on our ride, who was my first ride at this yard, the cheeky little bay got two apples. Along with some of the other horses who had been on a jumping lesson.

So I got an early Christmas present from my lovely, tall, white friend, and I'm thankful for that. I hope you and all of your horsey friends have a lovely Christmas and I'll hopefully be back with another regaling tale of my ride on Tuesday.

Merry Christmas!

Marie

I Won't Be Put off!

I woke up about 4 AM today with a nasty taste in my throat and a runny nose. Yes, the seasonal cold has seized me! By the time I was taking the pup out to spend and getting ready, the rain had started to pour down. If I was a person who believed in omens, I may have stayed home. Or if I was a real old wimp, I would have fed the dog and myself, loaded up with cold medicines and gone back to bed. But it was my second riding lesson of the week! I could not miss it! Not with all the threats of snow and ice. The more lessons I get before its time to be forced indoors, the better!

So I called the taxi as Sunday buses are as reliable as, well, they're not reliable in the least and had to be at the yard for 10:45. After the taxi eventually arrived, I was asked who I wanted to ride today. Cliche or not, I truly don't mind as every horse teaches me something different. As it happens, I rode the gorgeous tall, bay who after the three times I've ridden him, I am falling in love with him.

We got on our horses and headed for the road route. I don't know about where you are in the world but in this part of the UK, it's done nothing but rain and snow all week so the ground is soggy!

My usual instructor was off and we had another girl who I don't remember taking us before but I was pleasantly surprised on how much she knew I knew how to do.

My first trot was rather funny as I almost forgot about that slight bounce but soon was lovely rhythm with him. We found a few pieces of ground to canter on and I am pleased to report, my first canter was lovely. Stayed in my seat so well on this first which I have not managed to do on this horse who of course is relatively new to me.

My second canter was not happening but I'm feeling what is going wrong more each time so the third came and it was good. Not as in my seat as I would have liked but went to trot and managed to get him back into a canter again.

I know my second canter lacked seat whereas my last I hadn't pushed all my weight into my heels as I had on the first. However, my position with my back was much better again and I don't feel like I'm going to fly off as I have in the past. I'm pleased on how fast I've adjusted to this lovely bay and hope I continue to make improvements.

On the way home, as the rain was pelting down, the girl walking with me and I started singing Christmas songs to him. His ears went forward so either he was trying to block the sound completely or he liked the festive sing-a-long.

He was slightly restless but the last few trots were controlled and consistent. I had to use a fair bit of half halting on him today but it was good he was slightly fussy as he's always been so good on my previous rides. The one thing I was ultimately pleased with was I felt, finally like my heels are in exactly the right place to give him the good squeezes he needs. I have the concept of heel and seat in my head, I just need to work on it when in the saddle.

My right stirrup kept slipping but it was so wet, I can't say that surprised me.

Once back at the yard, I jumped off, and slipped, yet again, clearly not used to the extra hand I need to adjust my landing skill. Thankfully, didn't hurt myself, laughed it off and led him into his stable. He did stand on my foot,but that was my own fault for not being as bossy as I should have when leading him in.

Untacked, put a cooler and rug on, fed him a few polos and gave my tall, bay friend a huge hug and left his stable. As I stood outside, clearly knowing where the polos were, he kept nudging me and giving me kisses so who can refuse a cheeky, charming horse who asks so nicely?

It was a fantastic lesson so I'll hopefully have more to report next Sunday as we're moving to weekend rides until the weather improves. So a double ride next Sunday, providing England hasn't descended into the world of white. Fingers crossed it holds off until Christmas Day!

Thanks for reading,

Marie

wintry Ride

We are really starting to feel the bite of winter these past few days. This morning, wrapped in layers of cold and wearing my waterproofs, I headed for the yard. I'm surprised I got there as when I awoke, the rain was pelting down outside my window. There was that temptation to just go back to sleep.

Once at the yard, I helped tack up my tall white friend, and mounted him on a very slippy mounting block. We've had a combination of hail and snow over the past few nights so there was no surprise there was a slippy edge to our mounting block.

Once up in the saddle, I took up my reins and off we went on a soggy ride on the road route. As we were just about to set off, the snow flurries started so we had a very cold, white ride today.

Recently, my position on the horse is vastly improving. I would never say it was horrible but I'm feeling now I'm upright, my body is more fluid with the horse's movement. I also feel now more weight is being pushed into my heels that I am further in my seat. That really felt good today during walk.

As anyone who has read my blogs the past few weeks, getting my leg on effectively has not been so successful. Even though I didn't manage a canter today, my legs were giving more than they have on previous weeks. And quite honestly, in the wintry conditions this morning, I am not surprised we didn't get to a canter.

With the leg on being more effective, it meant my forward trotting was coming together nicely. I truly enjoyed my ride this morning and felt a few improvements had been experienced. Think we're switching up horses on Sunday's lesson this week as with all the yard chores increasing with the wintry weather, we're moving my lessons to the weekend until the weather improves and yard jobs are lessened again. I'm not sure if I'll do a ride on Saturday and Sunday in the future, or if I'll do two rides on one day. We'll see.

We headed back to the yard and I untacked him, put on his rugs and gave him a big hug before I left. It is always nice to have a lovely ride on such a handsome friend.

So until next time,

Thanks for Reading,

Marie

Licence to Ride?

An article my mum read to me in our local paper today has got me pretty annoyed. The writer suggested one of the ways to cut the cost for the Chancellor in the big cuts schemes was to stop those claiming winter fuel when they live in other, warmer, climates. That was where this woman's good ideas stopped and the crazy began. This Oldham chronicle reader suggested that horse riders should have to undergo a riding test to obtain a riding licence, thus creating jobs for examiners and instructors having to be registered and licensed to teach the relevant things such as "no entry to horses" signs and such. This creative genius also suggests that if all equestrians were licensed and were forced to ride with L plates, then they could be prosecuted when they don't pick up after their horses, "Little accidents". I think this idea is ultimately preposterous and quite idiotic! First of all, picking up your horse's excrement is probably one of the most ludicrously stupid ideas I have potentially ever heard! Not only do you see more dog do-do on the pavements than horse droppings on the road, but dismounting a horse, to dispose of its business, is dangerous both for horse, rider and lots of other people on the road. I for one, would not be bending down, beneath any horse I trust essentially with my life, but holding up traffic while doing so would essentially end in tragedy on so many levels. Clearly, this woman has never been around horses! Now for the licensing issues. We've been using horses for over a thousand years, and we have survived without licensing so far, why introduce it now? Besides the fact, it is absolutely crazy to introduce such a clearly money motivated scheme, that has few benefits to the vast community, [unless you count the horsey do-do issue], but what about those of us who would never be eligible to take a riding test? What about riders who could not dismount and mount without some assistance or specialist equipment? What about sensible young people who ride well enough. Why restrict such a beneficial hobby for the sake of what? This crazy idea, has clearly come from someone who does not think things through properly. And at the risk of sounding childish, horses were here first! There's a reason we have the right of way on the road. But sadly, it'd be an awfully thoughtless idea as this that this government would jump on. I'd love to hear your thoughts. would this idea ever work for everyone, fairly? Can you see possible benefits? The only one I can see would be where animal cruelty is concerned but then I think those being cruel would just go underground. What do you guys think?

More Leg Needed!

It was windy again this morning and i arrived to see my tall, white, friend. I mounted him, he has new stirrups so we had to discover which length fit me best. Once all settled, we headed for the road route.

He was very ploddy to begin with but had some nice trots. Not as forward as they should have been but I suspect my leg positioning had something to do with that or my lack of giving him a clear "lets go" with leg and seat.

We ventured onto the place where we can canter and I got him into a smooth one for several strides. The second one did not go very well. So off for more trotting and walking.

I managed to get him into one more canter today and I stayed nicely in my seat, just need to keep him there now. i was disappointed in myself though, as I wasn't giving him enough leg or seat today. who knows why? Guess it was my off day today.

We arrived back and I helped to put his rug on not feeling thrilled with myself but hey, we all have to have an off day now and then I guess.

Until next time,

Marie

windy Hacks and a Wet Bum

I arrived this morning and when asked who I wanted to ride, I asked if my tall bay friend was available. he was, and I mounted him in the brisk, windy autumn stable yard.

We walked up the hill along the farm hack, in lead of a few other horses. Instead of trotting with the others, our instructor had me canter on the field instead. The canters on him are still a little sketchy. Not that I can't get him to go, I can, but staying in my seat is not yet as natural as it is on others. I know in time I'll fall into his canter rhythm as I am now doing with horses I've ridden a lot more. I was not discouraged by this as I had three lovely canters on him and felt more in control and didn't lose a stirrup once today.

I did more cantering on today's lesson than trotting. We had two lovely trots and I felt more in rhythm with him in trot today.

We attempted a final canter but only got one stride but the field was so boggy, I wasn't surprised.

Strolling back down the lane, I felt like it was a fantastic lesson and I can already see improvements from my first ride with him. my heels stayed down, my position was good and I got some good feedback from the young lady who was walking alongside me today.

The only drawback to today's lesson had nothing to do with my tall, bay friend or me, it was the wind. It was so gusty, I struggled hearing a lot today and was glad of someone beside me. But despite the wind, we had a fantastic hack.

We arrived back at the stables and as his stable is nearest to the gate, we waited for everyone to file past and then I jumped off and fell flat on my bum. I think I must have slipped on the surface on impact and ended up on my backside. My tall, bay friend looked down as if to say, "what are you doing down there?" It was definitely an amusing end to a good lesson.

So until next time,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Getting into The Stride

Another dry autumn day arrived yesterday and I got to the yard on time, brushed my tall, white, friend and bridled him up. We set off on the road route and my position on him felt as amazing as it had on the coloured gelding on Sunday. My trots were forward and we felt very together on this ride. On my first attempt at a canter, my instructor told me to try it on my own, I had a few fabulous strides and lost my right stirrup and so we tried again, just getting a rushed, forward trot. I clearly wasn't giving him enough to go into canter and he was testing my authority a little and looking for my instructor. Riding is a path of trust and although he trusts me in walk and trot to give him the signals he needs to keep us both safe, our cantering relationship is still new and not quite there so he was still looking to my instructor for guidance and she was behind us so he chose to take over and do his own thing which is not what we want. We carried on the route and had some more good trots and I felt my confidence was growing even more. On our second visit to a cantering ground, she asked me to go again and sitting up straight, hands forward and down, I gave him a huge squeeze, pushed with my seat and off we went into a beautiful, unified canter. I was so much in my seat, my heels totally taking my weight and my body moving with my lovely friend. It was amazing and the most amazing part was I did that. No one was at the side of me, leading or encouraging my friend to do what I asked, I gave him the signal and he listened and off we cantered in a beautiful horse and rider dance. I was so thrilled and once we returned to a trot, slowed him to a walk and gave him the biggest pat and well done I could. I'm loving this journey so much and feeling I'm ready for anything. I know it'll still have its ups and downs but now it's feeling like I'm becoming a real horse rider. My instructor is slowly letting the reins go and standing back and watching what she has so amazingly helped me to achieve, a dream I had so long ago and I am so thankful to her and the lady who has the school for giving me this chance to prove I can do it. I just hope I keep on achieving something good where horses are concerned. The relationship I have with these amazing creatures is so dearly treasured and I'm so honoured to be given the opportunity to try and achieve my own dreams as well as knowing the privilege of being a horse and rider team. After our lovely successful canter, we headed back to the road and did some amazing trot to halt and halt to trot transitions. I am getting him more directly into a trot and also pulling him to a halt successfully more efficiently each time. I did lose that blasted right stirrup again which was strange, haven't lost a stirrup in trot for a long time. But soon was trotting off again and halting well. We arrived back to the stables and I untacked him, put on his stable rug and helped fill up his hay net. He and a few other horses then enjoyed a lovely apple I'd brought for them. So until Sunday, as that is when my next lesson is, Thanks for reading, Marie

Becoming More Natural

I had an extra lesson this week. I arrived to discover I was riding the lovely coloured gelding that loves to lean on your hands. So once I was mounted and waiting for the rest of our substantial group to go out on a ride, I made a pact with him, not to lean on my hands too much and I would give him an extra polo.

We set off up on the farm hack with smaller ponies in front. We even had to overtake one small pony to get in front and then I could hear the little shoes on that pony as the previous one in front of us had no shoes on.

He was not as forward as I would have liked on the first trot and yet my position felt fantastic on him today. Our first attempt at a canter was not great, although he had a fabulous forward trot.

More trotting was much more forward and I kept him back from the smaller ponies. I was amazed yet again of my position being so right on this horse as it has not felt that good on him before. Heels were down, I was up right and felt incredibly balanced in the saddle.

After heading down the cobbles and still feeling like he wasn't leaning on my hands as much, we did another fabulous trot. One more field was found and off I went in the best canter I've ever had on him. It was up there with one of my best canters ever. I was in the seat, I was in control and we had a fair few strides. I decided, I really like his canter despite him being slightly bouncier than many of the other horses I ride.

Our speed was good and I arrived back at the stables feeling like I'd had one of my better lessons. So, keeping to my word, he got an extra few polos. So lets see what Tuesday holds?

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Amazing!

Well, that's the only title I can think of to sum up my ride yesterday.

It was a beautiful autumn morning when I arrived and partially removed my tall white friend's rug as he's been clipped. Brushed him down, covered him up and removed the back end to brush the rest of him. Tacked him up and led him out, mounted and was in a very positive mood.

We took the road route yesterday and my trots were back on form. Had to wake him up a little and the first canter on one of our bits of grass we canter on failed miserably. The second attempt, my instructor let go, scared me as she clapped to spur him on and so I failed again. The third attempt, she told me to go for it on my own, and instantly, I got him into a good forward canter for about four strides. I was over the moon that I managed to do this by myself on the first attempt.

More good, forward trotting and to another piece of grass but no more canters but I wasn't giving him as much I don't think and my instructor told me she wants more leg. But something inside of me really clicked yesterday and I know, for some odd reason, when someone's leading me in canter, I'm not getting it on the ball. It's probably psychological and I've proven twice now I can get him into a canter independently. Once when I was meant to be trotting to build his energy and yesterday when I was just ready for it.

Our trot transitions were pretty good yesterday. I feel like I can stop him so well now and I am more aware of his mouth response. It was the best feeling yesterday for me and I just hope I can keep it up. Lets hope more cantering and prolonged cantering at that is on the cards. I stayed in my seat more than I have before too. I guess I was so shocked I managed to do it on my first attempt, I froze up a little but we got there and now it's just a matter of keep on getting there consistently and in a good strong canter.

We got back to the yard after my good mood was much improved, and I untacked him, removed his exercise sheets and placed his rugs on him. I had issues fastening the clasps on the rugs on Tuesday but yesterday I finally got that too. So it was a fab lesson. And my cheeky, tall, white friend deserved the few polos he got. He knows which pocket they're in to. :)

That's all for today but got another lesson on sunday so I'm afraid you'll all be bombarded with more regales of my horsey tales. :) Thanks for reading,

Marie

stress Makes Me a Bad rider

There have been some things in my personal life this week that have caused some real stress for me. This did not make tuesday's lesson a overly successful one from my point of view. Hence why, it has taken me so long to write the blog. Hiding away from the world was much more productive for me yesterday.

I arrived, late, due to those vanishing half past eight buses. Did not help the already stressed out mood I was in. Wacked my hat on, mounted my tall white friend and felt better in the saddle, although much more tense than I would have liked.

We opted for the farm hack, well, I did, in the hopes I could relax my brain into just, me, horse and nature. Sadly, my attempt to relax was futile.

My trots were OK, not my best and I know my position was not as good as it felt like a huge effort pushing up out of the saddle.

cantering was not happening, he had the spaark, I did not give him enough to get him fully there.

He was listening to me during the ride but the level of stress I was feeling, I'm surprised I had the ability to do anything.

I untacked my tall white friend, gave him a hug and left the yard feeling deflated.

But, the thing that was bothering me has now been resolved and so hopefully I'll have less weight on my shoulders and will have a better lesson tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Unexpected surprises

I got to the yard to be told I was riding a horse I have never ridden at the stables before. He is the tallest of our school's horses at 16.1 HH I believe and is a lovely, cheeky bay. He and I have been acquainted when I've been at the yard when he tries to eat me, my cane or something outside his stable door but he is very handsome and full of a beautiful spirit.

Most of the horses I ride are around 15 HH so I was a little further off of the ground today which was fine with me.

Once up in the saddle, we went out on a group hack along the farm route. He's very responsive to leg and much lighter than some others in his mouth which I quickly picked up on. His gait is long and slightly bouncy but not as bouncy as the coloured I ride but slower too than my tall white friend. I struggled initially in trot, managing to rise but not in a comfortable and rhythmic way I am now expecting from myself. Although I will cut myself a little slack seen as this was my first ride on a horse with this kind of gait.

So when my instructor asked if I was ready for a canter, I wasn't expecting to get one. But a good four or five strides were achieved as well as losing a stirrup.

I noticed with this giant bay lovely that my heels seemed naturally to take my weight, my position was much better and therefore my balance was incredible.

After we got down the cobbles that all of the horses take their time on, understandably, we attempted another trot and this one was amazing. During this trot, I knew I'd love to ride this horse again without hesitation.

The responsiveness of him to my legs, asking to turn was amazing and the last attempt at a canter was much improved than the first. I love cantering on this giant bay.

Back at the yard, after a good ride, I chose to ride my tall white friend. So I bridled him up and lead him out, mounted him and we took the road route for this ride. I felt my left stirrup was shorter, but then I didn't, but generally wasn't comfortable in the saddle with him today. I'm not sure why. It did improve after a few trots.

He was in his tossing head mood today which put an interesting spin on the lesson and I could not get him into canter. Strange how, I cantered on a horse that I'd never ridden but this familiar friend, I could not get into canter. I'm not sure if it's because of being lead, something I'm not doing right or what? I feel my position is much better on him now than before but did pull back on his reins once which I was annoyed at myself for doing. I'll figure it out what it was I did wrong or whether he was just having a bleh day. I guess the tossing of his head could indicate something was not impressing him but some things are beyond our control and some things we do are what causes it. But I was happy to ride him and get two decent rides in today.

Once back at the yard, I helped to fill the hay nets up and was glad to be given another new job to learn. Pulling hay from bales is hard on the hands in a chilly autumn breeze but I soon became used to that sensation. I feel useful when I partake in yard jobs and always learn something new.

It stayed dry, I helped out and had two good rides on two wonderful yet different horses, it was a lovely morning.

So until next time,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Oreintation to The Yard

I arrived this morning to learn I should have got a text saying I couldn't have a ride this morning due to illnesses and such. So instead of having a ride, I brushed down my favourite tall white friend and fed a few of them carrots. So my lesson this week will come in a double dose on Sunday with a bit of yard work in between. I don't mind this at all. Should be interesting riding on a day I've never ridden before and having two rides in the same morning. I was happy I got to see my gorgeous tall white friend and give him a good old brush and have a lovely cuddle with him too though. So this morning was not a waste of time. Plus, learning more about the yard is always beneficial to me. Didn't do much this morning but walking from stable to stable helped me orientate myself much better with that block. Small thing but necessary for learning the yard. :)

So until then, I'll miss the horses and not update you all until after my next lesson.

Challenges

It was a relatively warm and sunny autumn day yesterday so I was more than happy walking to the yard and hanging around, waiting for my lesson to begin. I was riding the lovely coloured Gelding yesterday so I put on his bridle as he can be funny about his saddle so my instructor put that on him and I led him out, did the stirrups and mounted.

He started off very ploddy and I took a while to get him going. We took the road route yesterday, that has a few grassy parts on it to do some cantering. My trots were not as strong as they generally are on my tall white friend and others as this lovely coloured has a very bouncy gait. It's beneficial as a rider, in my humblest of opinions that you learn different horses so you become an all rounded, strong rider. So despite my weaknesses, I know it's a good thing for me. This horse is very different to my tall white friend and then again, he's different to the bay beauty but that's just it, we should have all kinds of experiences of individual horses to make those weak parts stronger.

Slowly, I got increasingly more confident in the trotting and then we attempted a canter. My canters are not yet as confident on this horse, understandably. And on a few goes yesterday I pulled back on my hands. Some of the attempts lacked the energy on my part too so I need to work on giving him more leg and seat. Personally, I think that's a lack of confidence right now with this particular horse. He is much bouncier and that kind of throws me a little but as I've said, I need to persist with it so I can get better on horses that do have a slightly more bouncier gait.

My last canter was much better, my instructor said next time, she wants more strides, I need to learn to move with him more. Like I said, that's just time, I'll get it eventually.

We tried transitions on him and they were not as sharp as they are on my tall white friend, again, lack of familiarity and learning different horses' reactions to different things. Their personalities are also different so it takes time to get to know the horse and what they respond to best.

The lesson was still a good one and I was made to work very hard which is good. I learnt a lot.

After my lesson, I offered to help out at the yard and was thrown in at the mucky end, literally. We were piling up the muck heap and even though I've never done it before and can't see exactly what I'm aiming for, I didn't do horrendously. My aim needs working on but hit a few targets. I was given the brush to sweep up which was a lot easier, practically, although it was still hard work. I am not for one minute complaining and I know after years and years, I'll not be enthusiastic about mucking out and such but I felt like was doing something productive. I desperately want a job not just for financial reasons, although that's a hefty reason but because I want to feel productive and I'm doing something so those few hours, helping out around the yard made me feel very productive. I just hope I wasn't too much of a burden. Obviously, I'm not going to be as quick to learn chores as sighted people but I was thankful for the chance.

After finishing the piling up of the tower of muck, I brushed down the legs of a horse I rode in the early days of riding. He's a sweet older horse and was very patient while I got all of the muck off of his legs.

I then went to give another horse a full brush down and got what seemed like half a tree out of his mane. He was also very patient while I de-mucked him. :)

I love brushing horses and helping out where I can. I definitely felt like I'd got a good work out yesterday morning and really hope I wasn't a burden to the girls I was working with.

Its good experience to know what I'm coming up against when I finally loan or get a horse of my own.

That's all for now,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Back on Horse back

It's been a very long week for me. I've missed those majestic beast so dearly. So this morning, I was excited to be back at the yard.

I quickly brushed my tall white friend and did up his bridle, led him out and adjusted my stirrups to what I usually have them on. Only to get on and learn they are new stirrups and so the lengths were not right.

We took the farm hack route today and on my first trot I realised my stirrups were too long so after an adjustment, off we went again. He was testing me a bit, going too left or over to the right so my challenge was to keep him central and keep him listening to me.

I always keep up to date with a very useful blog called, School your Horse but this week's Post really rang home with me. I've always tried sitting up in the saddle but the way this blog author puts it across, it made so much sense to me. Having a background in dance, the idea of pulling up to push forward as it is said in the blog, just clicked in my head. Today, I was thoroughly working on this concept and by God it paid off.

My trots were forward and I seemed to push from the saddle with my thighs much more so it was easier to rise and then for the canter. The first time, I almost got a stride but the bog of a field made it more difficult. Even my instructor said she wasn't surprised I didn't get a canter. So she suggested I try him in a forward trot, which I do without her leading me. I'm happy trotting. It comes naturally now but I pushed on for a forward trot and gave him enough to send us into a canter. One in which I felt thoroughly comfortable and relaxed into. It was a good steady canter and I surprised myself.

We left the field and I was using my half halts on the cobbles. He was rushing himself so a few half halts and keeping my heels from his side which I seemingly was doing slowed him down.

A few more good trots and then to the back lane where he did a forward trot instead of a canter but on the second attempt, he did another beautiful canter.

My position was much better today, my instructor felt and I know it's because I'm thinking more about how I'm sitting in the saddle. I felt I made slightly more progress during my lesson today. I hope I keep it up. But I've never felt so confident and relaxed in cantering until this morning. So thanks to this blog entry and the fantastic lady who writes her words of wisdom for us and to my instructor who has the patience of a saint. and continues giving great instruction

Once I jumped off and led him into his stable, untacked him and put his tack back, I returned to give him a polo. He kept mobbing me for more and tried to eat me on a few occasions so he got spoilt today and had a few more polos than just the one.

That's all until next time,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Hard Work Reeks rewards

This morning didn't look like it was going to be a good ride. I was riding the horse I very first rode on my first ride at the stables and as I've said before, he can be hard work. Couple that with my incredible dizzy moments this morning and feeling generally disjointed from the world, I didn't foresee the greatest lesson coming up.

This was confirmed to me when I needed to be reminded that it's a good idea to grab the girth strap before I try to fasten it. Then the nose band was different to what I'm used to. Then once I mounted, we discovered the saddle was all lob sided. So standing up, the lady who runs the school pulled it straight and then we were off. At the slowest pace imaginable and my legs kept creeping forward. Who knows where that habit has come from? So I was ready for giving up only five minutes into my lesson. Not with my instructor though. She will not let you quit no matter how bad of a day you're having.

So after she helped me into a trot the first few times and then she coached me about using my seat more to get him to respond and pushed my legs to the position they needed to be, my lovely little friend decided to get a move on.

After the trots where I got him to forward trot quite nicely, the comedian my instructor is, suggested we canter. I laughed. If I was struggling to get my tall, white friend, and coloured lovely who respond nicely to my legs generally to canter, I had no chance with this little lovely.

The first attempt got the odd stride but mostly was a forward trot. My instructor had brought a crop however and on the second attempt we had a good old canter. I even managed to stay in my seat for about four or five strides. According to the lady who runs the school, that will just grow with time. I believe her. ;) But my instructor said I'd canter on him before my Bay beauty so she was right on that one.

The funniest thing was today, I got on my little lovely thinking I was going to be having a rubbish, hard work filled lesson, [the latter I do not mind], but in the end, it was a good, productive, hard work filled lesson. My legs definitely will feel it tomorrow. Another thing was reiterated to me today and by the end of my lesson I felt I was doing more, putting my weight into my heels.

I untacked him, partially, as he was going out again soon, and I'd brought some apples for the horses so he had one, some of the little ponies shared one and just as there was one left in the bag, my tall white friend was being brought in so he got the last apple and a huge cuddle from me. I'm not riding on Thursday as I have something I need to do that will sadly take all day so it'll be a whole week until I spend some awesome times with my horsey friends again.

So until next time, that already seems a million years away,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

You Learn Even On a Bad day

It was absolutely freezing this morning but I was thankful for no rain.

I was left to brush my tall white friend who was absolutely caked in mud. I love brushing the horses, not only because it helps them feel better but because it is some lovely time for us both.

I dropped one of the brushes on the floor and tried to find it with my feet but couldn't. So I had to shout for my instructor. I wasn't bending down to go looking for a brush with a huge horse at the side of me. I guess I'd adjust my own brushing to make sure I didn't drop the brushes in my own stables.

I tacked him up, with an ease with putting the bridle on. I'm getting such a grip on putting the bridle on him which makes me feel good. I know brushing his face is becoming a new art for me to master as I've been a little uncertain on the sensitive areas around the horse's face. Although during brushing today, I found a few more regions that I didn't go looking for, we'll leave it at that. ;)

I led him out to the yard and adjusted my stirrups and tightened his girth. I mounted, then realised I needed my gloves so another new thing, putting gloves on while holding reins in one hand. Was weird but was a must if I wanted warm hands.

We took the farm hack today and I struggled getting him forward into a good, steady trot. We attempted the canter twice and although my position was reasonably well adjusted, my hands were low, I just didn't get the energy from my legs into him to propel him forward.

We then proceeded to work on transitions. I had to do a long, forward trot first which was strong and then left a little to be desired on the energy front by the end. My stops and starts in the transitions were strong and I feel in good control when we do these.

Once back at the stable yard, I untacked and learnt to put a cooler on. I also learnt why we put coolers on after exercise. So I still learnt quite a bit besides my disappointment in myself on cantering. I do wonder if I'll ever just get it to click once and for all?

So until next time,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Numb hands but productive Lesson

It seems autumn has already abandoned us and we're deepening into the iciness of winter. At least, that's how my hands felt today.

I arrived at the yard, having avoided any substantial downpours. That's a relief, listening to the rain pounding outside right now. I brushed the lovely coloured gelding I've ridden before and bridled him up while my instructor put his saddle on. She had also brushed his belly as he's not so fond of that being done. I learnt a little about some horse care tips this morning to.

The horse I rode today has recently been clipped, so I learnt never to pull of an entire rug at once when it's so cold. Just the first half while you brush the head, neck and front half, then remove the latter part of the rug to not make the cold such a shock. There were also exercise sheets on to keep him warm while we went out.

After mounting, adjusting the stirrups as I'm not familiar with what my stirrups are on him, we opted for the road route. The field would have been complete mud because of the amount of rain and I hoped to get some canters in.

Getting this lovely coloured forward was a little bit of a challenge and he lays quite heavy in your hands so this was a new adjustment for me. The other two horses I regularly ride don't lean on your hands so it's slightly easier but this was just something new for me to handle well. I quickly felt the contact and soon it felt like a strong piece of elastic was attached to my hands.

Trotting took a while to get into a forward trot but eventually I managed this.

And then for the canters. I'm noticing, more and more how relaxed my body is when asking for canter and today was no exception. My only criticism of myself was I was not keeping my hands low and forward enough for him to spring into a nice forward canter on the first attempt. Having the difference in rein contact is an adjustment and one that took me a while to get used to but two strides on the first canter and four on the last was not bad going, in my opinion.

I learnt a lot about energy this morning and how to recognise it. When halted, the fidgeting of your horse shows you there's momentum to build on and controlling that energy is something I'm learning to master.

I can clearly get the horses into a canter, now, I just need to work on keeping them there. I was pleased with this little progress. I haven't ridden this lovely horse in a long while so being able to feel relaxed, controlled and keeping my position showed some progress. So more work with the legs and seat to keep that cantering going. I know I'll get there.

A few other interesting differences that I have learnt today. These things have just added to my knowledge of the fact that all horses are individuals and different. When asking for a turn, my lovely friend didn't respond as my bay beauty or tall white friend readily do so I had to pick up the reins a little to turn. I also learnt, trying to give the command to turn or move over on the shoulder can also be effective.

Trot transitions were attempted to today and although he is harder to stop, I managed it which pleased me.

Horse riding is about learning the skills to handle all horses on which you may ride. And that was proven true to me today.

We also had a stop for a wee so up I went to keep the pressure off of his kidneys. I asked how you can tell if a horse wants a wee so I would know when I should stand. Sometimes, they push their legs back but she assured me, as soon as I heard a trickle from a horse, standing up would be fine if I couldn't tell as some horses it is hard to tell. If anyone has any other cool tricks to know when that could be distinguished by a blind rider, I'm welcome for all options.

It was a productive lesson today and I look forward to Thursday's. I've only just got the feeling back in my hands though so definitely, if the weather has not improved, my riding gloves shall be firmly enclosed on my hands.

Until next time,

Thanks for Reading,

Marie

Hugs, brushing and Riding with Horses

Today was much warmer than I had anticipated. I wore a long sleeved top and my winter riding coat and by the time I'd finished brushing my tall, white friend, I was well and truly hot.

My bridle fitting was much better today and tacking up is seemingly getting easier and faster so more efficient every time I do it. I'm often left to brush the horses while other tasks are being done around the yard which is more than OK with me. Hugs with Horses are amazing!

He was half asleep this morning so took a bit more work to get him forward and raring to go. It's rained so much the past few weeks, the ground was not so great so our canters were not as fabulous as they have been. My instructor had me doing a few trots to get him more forward while we attempted another canter. They're coming along much better and I can get him forward but I'm seemingly not getting the seat part just right. I almost had it a few weeks ago but my control is improving so I know it will come.

I have on occasion, a habit to tilt to the left. Goodness knows where that has come from. I just need to remember to keep my heels down whenever I squeeze for a canter. And although I'm not getting perfect canters just yet, the odd one that is good shows how much I've improved. Gaining control is essential when riding I believe so despite the minor set backs, I know I'll get there.

I enjoyed the ride very much though and it is always seems to feel more natural. Hands and legs are constantly improving and that's part of what I enjoy, the continued learning and growing relationship between myself and the horses.

After I untacked and gave my friend a few polos, I ended up helping out a little on the yard and brushing one of the smaller ponies. I love doing what I can and hope to be more of a help around the yard in time. Sounds crazy, but even tasks like mucking out will make me feel more useful once I know how.

That's all for today, Thanks for reading,

Marie

Responsive Ride and a Bit of a Surprise

It was a true drizzly, autumn day today. I arrived at the stables and tacked up my tall white friend. We opted for the road route.

I could feel the responsiveness instantly with him today. My first set of trot transitions were pretty good. I love doing transitions. He was very forward in his trot and walk today which was awesome. My instructor kept pushing me to get him forward when he wasn't which was also very good.

I was rather surprised at my cantering efforts today. I was asked if I was ready and I just sat relaxed, hands forward and then gave him a huge squeeze and off we went. The first canter was only a few strides as I think I was so shocked I managed to do it so easily, I pulled back. But my second canter was much longer and I still managed to get him going with very little help from my instructor. This stride was much longer and I just have to remember to go with him now when he strides forward into his canter. I guess I was so surprised he responded so instantly to my request for him to canter. It felt amazing to know that he is responding much more to me each lesson.

I noticed today that when asking him to move left or right or turn left or right with my legs, I'm using less leg and he's responding well.

We did another set of trot transitions on the path home to the stables which was much harder as he knew he was almost back to his hay. But I still managed to get him trotting and halting rather well. So despite the rain, I had a fabulous lesson.

So until Thursday's lesson, happy riding and thanks for reading,

Marie

Chilly Ride

Autumn definitely has swept over my town this week and yesterday's morning ride was a chilly one.

I was given the choice of my tall white friend and the lovely bay beauty I have ridden several times before. I decided that, even though Tuesday's ride had gone amazingly, I should switch horses again and see how I could handle my bay beauty. So decision made. I did get to see my tall white friend as my instructor asked if I would brush him for her. I was more than happy to do so.

It is good to ride different horses, especially during the learning period, in my opinion, as it will test different skills and teach you various ways of handling and responding to different horses. The horse I rode yesterday is much lighter in the mouth and I really noticed the difference as I picked up rein contact. She needs much less on the rein for halting than some of the other horses I ride. Trotting on her is somewhat slower and I found I was giving her more rein than I should have because of this. Keeping her going in strides is a challenge but after a while, our trotting was pretty consistent.

I didn't get her to canter but have said in recent weeks, its a challenge I've set myself for before the end of the year. I was pleased though on a few things when I attempted the canter. For one, I had on occasion had the habit of leaning forward when trying to squeeze for a canter, but I didn't do this yesterday. My shoulders remained back and I felt completely in control of my body. My hands didn't pull back and my heels stayed down. So despite not getting her to canter, I did feel a level of control that I have not always felt when attempting the canter. I know I'll get her to do it one day but I am always being told she's a horse that once you get her to do it, she'll respond to you again.

Despite not getting a canter, I didn't regret riding her because I know each time I ride a different horse, I'm learning different things.

She got a little spooked on a road and started to trot but I pulled her back and calmed her down. These small things continue to add to my skills as a rider. Listening to the horse and learning what they need from us. I just need to figure out what it is she needs from me to get her into canter. :) It was a productive lesson and we managed to avoid a huge down pour which was a miracle with the amount of rain about yesterday.

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Autumn, hacks, Apples and polos

Yesterday's lesson started much later than usual. I had an afternoon ride as opposed to an early morning one on a Tuesday. I had arrived late as the buses, [lets not talk about them], messed me about. So as soon as I arrived, my lovely, tall, white friend was tacked up and waiting for me.

There were two other riders on the ride, one on a horse I've ridden before who was in lead file, which was great and a smaller child on a smaller pony behind us.

It was a bit breezy but the weather conditions were much more pleasant than they had been on Thursday so I was happy. It was the farm hack for us yesterday which I always enjoy.

For most of the ride, I wasn't being lead and for parts of it was riding alone, listening to the sounds of the horse in front for guidance. Each time I ride, I am simply amazed of how much horses listen to us despite being the clever creatures that they are. My gentle, white friend was responsive to me and we had some great trots yesterday.

It was my usual instructor who took this ride yesterday and it was really well done. All riders there, had different levels of experience and she challenged those of us with a bit more experience. I like the challenges.

We had the big field to canter on yesterday which was fantastic. I'm still being lead at the moment in canter so my leader joined me and we soon realised my left stirrup needed adjusting as that foot would not stay in. Once adjusted, we were pretty good to go.

My instructor said it was good for her to see me ride without leading me in canter as it gave her the opportunity to correct things I was doing that she wouldn't see as she was running alongside. So I had a few corrections, which is good, I can work with the things I'm doing wrong when I know exactly what they are.

Apparently, I was touching my horse's side to ask him to canter but not actually giving him the clear signal to do so. So extra big squeezes next time. I did pull back once on my second attempt but we had about six goes yesterday, as we went on the field twice and my last four were all pretty decent. My position is apparently very good, although on the third and fourth, my legs were coming too far forward and on all of my canters yesterday, I was not in my seat as much as I have been on previous occasions. but strangely enough, I feel like despite the seat issue, I'm becoming increasingly confident and with more practice, and now I'm grasping the whole, go into canter business, as opposed to just forward trotting, I think it will just all one day click and I'll look back at these blogs and think, what the heck was I doing?

I was totally caught out yesterday as I was asked to trot and off we went in a lovely trot after a good canter and I heard, "Stop!". I stopped him and looked around at my instructor to see what had happened and she laughed and said, how she was just testing me and to trot again. Then, after only a few strides, I got another "stop", so we stopped and she praised my transitions, saying how they were the best I'd done yet. We were then permitted to do a final good trot. As I trotted on the last stretch, I was alone, just horse and rider. The lead file horse was off in front and my instructor had gone back to work with the pony and child. Trotting and then walking along that path made me feel proud. I know some things I may say here may sound trivial to some readers. Well, big deal, right? I was riding without someone there for a few moments. But when you've been constantly told you cannot do something and have to have sighted help continuously, even those few moments of trust, belief from someone else in your ability and independence can make you feel so big. I'm imprisoned by my eyes for the majority of my daily life. Sure, I can walk out and about with Bailey, I can cook and clean and wash clothes, I can use a computer but I've fought and keep fighting to work in any job and am constantly told I'm a health and safety hazard, ETC; so it is finally nice to have a few moments, even if they are only a few, where I can think, yes, I'm in control, i'm free, sitting astride such a magnificent creature and we are working together and people are not afraid that my blindness will hinder my ability to ride a horse. I'm going off of topic slightly here I guess, but I think some of you may already understand this and that's great, but I started this blog to also educate people of what is possible. I'm not saying, i'll be able to go on a 2KM ride independently, ever, but to know that group hacking is remotely possible is astounding to me.

But I guess the biggest thing here for me is that the lady who runs the riding school and the instructor especially who takes me regularly, along with a few others, have faith in that I can do more than what others maybe consider is possible. The single file hacking, I never even had that in my head but that's happening now. I'm doing that whenever there is other horses out on rides. Things I didn't think possible are happening slowly but surely in regards to horse riding and I'm loving each challenge as it presents itself. :)

Back to the lesson and apologies for the diversion.

The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful. We got back to the yard, I untacked and then I got harassed for polos. So he had some polos and I'd brought some treats for the horses, some apples so I distributed them amongst some of the horses and it was over for another day.

It was a pretty fantastic lesson and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As always,

Thanks for Reading and keep tuned for more crazy, horse related tales.

Marie.

A Poem, The Horse

I wouldn't normally post poetry here but seen as its about our favourite creatures, I thought I'd share with you all. :) Elegant and powerful, Filled with such grace, a gentle giant you can be, But one should never judge you in haste. Kind hearted and open minded, You take me as I am, As I brush your soft coat, Nudge me gently as you stand. The bond between horse and rider, Synchronised in unison, A beauty to watch when joined in action, A heart warming scene when alone. Gallop across the open planes, Jump over every fence, A wildness lies within your heart, Unless you're standing by me. You munch your hay quietly, And allow me to tack you up, Get ready for another time spent with me, While you teach me how to act. If I forget to do something, You do not kick or buck, You stand there patiently, Letting me know that I messed up. I've learnt so many skills, During our time together, And I know days ahead will be filled with more learning, In sun, rain or whatever weather. Trotting up the roads, Cantering across the fields, You'll never know how alive I feel, When I first press on my heel. The sense of ability For the first time in my life, Springs to life every time You and I take a stride. The warmth I feel, From the powerful beauty that you are, When sitting astride or walking alongside, Brings alive a world from afar, One I never hoped to be apart of, One I never dared to dream, But one you bring forth to reality, And make me not blind it seems. How can I express, The thanks to a creature so pure, Filled with a majesty I am privileged to see, And a creature of such nobility. Poets much adept than myself, Have over the years described your spirit, Enhanced your beauty of physique and stature In words upon a page, But none could ever describe the feelings you bring to me, For what the horse can provide to a blind rider, Is something words cannot describe. A spirit of true beauty, A heart of priceless gold, A wildness of ferocity , But still I adhere to hold, You high in my esteems as a human, Humbled by your irresistible grace, astounded by your sheer beauty, And honoured to take my place, beside you, Or upon your strong back, And off we can go together, In unison on a favourite hack. I can never truly thank you, For letting me share your world, For those times each week I treasure, As though they were a precious pearl. Each diamond of wisdom, You bestow on me each time, and every moment, No matter what happens, Is a treasured moment of yours and mine? So when asked what the horse can bring for me, I say simply, Joy, love, learning, Hope and freedom, Filled with majesty and grace But above all, mystery. For one will never truly know the horse, His wildness still remains, Even in my gentle giant to which I entrust myself, The wildness is still maintained. The trust between horse and rider, So valuable and unique, Will not protect you from the wildness of these creatures, So just wait and see. Treat them with kindness, And they shall be so in return, Love and cherish them but know the truth, And you may not get hurt. The balance of trust is so delicate, The love and care so clear, But a horse is still a horse, No matter what you hear. Think you may have tamed him, Then a surprise makes you fall, Anyone who knows horses, Will exclaim, "I told you so". Despite the danger that comes with these beauties, Many still entrust their lives, I know I always will be faithful to the great horse, And take the good with the strifes, because once a horse has crept Deep into the depths of your heart, It's near impossible to turn your back, And take leave of their world for a final depart. They pull you in deep, And will not let you go, Their eyes filled with knowing and their hearts of love, You know you cannot leave them so. So stand shoulder to shoulder, Ride upon him with pride, And know you've experienced one of the world's most precious things, You've gained an honoured friendship of the horse in your life.

Too Hot!

Anyone living in the UK will noticed we've had very hot weather the past two days. I knew I'd be hot riding this afternoon and after I'd already bid summer a farewell, seen as it put in such a poor appearance this year, I can't say I was looking forward to riding in the 25C temperature.

I arrived at the yard and discovered I'd be taking a trip down memory lane and riding the horse I rode on my first lesson at the riding school I attend. He's a fab horse to begin on as he is quite slow and almost ploddy at times. He's a real character and I have a fondness for him as he was my first horse encounter at this yard.

He's notorious for making his riders work so I was prepared for a bit of strong leg work.

It was strange being on him, I have to say. My usual rides are with bigger and faster horses but it is always good to have a change.

I was pleasantly surprised on his willingness to move. I didn't need the leg as much as I had anticipated. My reins were again filled with good contact and all the trotting we did was filled with energy after the first attempt. I guess he wasn't too sure if I meant business and realised quickly, I did and he had better trot and walk with a lovely pace as I was no longer the complete novice I had once been.

Every horse has his own personality and this gentle friend is no different. He has a lot of problems with flies so when his side rippled and he swished his tail, I knew a pesky fly was bothering him. He's such a character, even though he can be hard work, you can't help but love him.

I did try him on a canter, as there was only one opportunity today as the field was being cut, and although he didn't make the canter, the girl walking with me said she couldn't believe how fast that trot was. so despite not getting him to canter, which I had little illusion I would on a first ride on a hot day, I was pretty pleased on how well he did respond and the fact his trot was so forward. That is quite an achievement on this cutie. :)

It was so hot today, and I can't say I'm enjoying the intense heat at this time of year, so I'll be glad if its cool on Tuesday for my next lesson.

Thanks as always for reading,

Marie

small steps make For Good Progress

I have to say, I am definitely my own worst critic when it comes to anything and everything. Horse riding has not escaped my ferocious scrutiny. I think it is a good quality to always strive for perfection but as you have all read on previous entries, it can lead to a lot of self frustration.

I say that my need to "always do better" is a good thing as it means when I do better I continue to learn and progress. Once I have succeeded, I'm onto the next challenge. This works well, in my opinion for me learning to ride. I grasp one concept or technique, and then am straight onto the new one to accomplish. I'm rabbiting on about this because of my lesson today, of course. I realised, with my instructor's feedback how far I have come already and how far I still need to go. You are always going to learn in riding, for many reasons and I guess that is why I love it so.

Now on for the lesson.

I tacked up with not much issue, minus the fact my tall, white friend was more interested in his hay than allowing me to put his bridle on. But I managed to fasten his bridle eventually.

We opted for the road route today and there were many cars parked along parts of the route so my legs were getting a work out asking him to move over and back again.

My rein contact was lovely again which I was pleased about. I'm increasingly finding the reins so natural at the end of my arms and it is a lovely feeling.

We did a fair bit of halt to trot and trot to halt. I apparently did well on this, managing to go and stop as requested. My heels are staying down and he's responding well to me during this mind work out.

And cantering? I guess I was a little tense today, knowing how I got it so right on Thursday. So my first attempt wasn't great. On the second attempt, I went before my instructor wanted me to but the upside to that was that I was confident in stopping and turning around. The final attempt was awesome. Not as long as some of my previous but I really find I'm sitting more in my seat and I'm progressing. My position was complimented today. I was told my position is good and neat and I believe this has helped building my confidence and ability to ride better in canter and trot also.

Each lesson, I seem to find that I learn more and realise I've already learnt more than I thought in my previous lesson.

Everything felt great and I was pleased how my ride went today. I know before long, I'll be switching horses again once I have this canter confidence back on track. I feel better about it and even though I didn't get a huge canter today, the quality of the one I had was well worth it. The age old phrase, quality over quantity. Plus, each small step seems to build on bigger strides forward in my learning experience as a rider.

So until Next time, Happy riding,

Marie

As One

The sun returned for my lesson yesterday but the wind was in a gusty mood so hearing was slightly impaired. I rode out with another student today so I had a walker alongside me which was fine. The other student was only a youngster so we were following a little pony. I have now decided, following little ponies is fine except my hearing is not well enough tuned to follow as effectively as with bigger horses.

I was riding my lovely tall, white friend who was actually white. I brushed him off, and placed his bridle on with increased confidence. He accepted the bit nicely for me yesterday.

After mounting and following the little pony on the road route we do, I found my equine companion responsive, and extremely forward yesterday. I could feel the energy beneath me and knew he would give some amazing trots.

As with my other instructor, reins are being used less and less so the right leg was used to turn left and the left to turn right in a nice wide arc. I am finding using the leg for movement easier and easier with each lesson. My hands were as still as necessary and no quirks yesterday when stopping with my feet.

I know I promised no regaling of cantering until I was half decent again and I have kept to my word. But my canter was better than half decent yesterday. I kept my hands low, legs were where they were meant to be and it was almost like from my seat to my shoulders, I felt in line and natural as I got my lovely white friend into a canter. No tenseness, no leaning forwards, no pulling back on my reins, just nice forward cantering. I know I have said it is an amazing feeling before today but yesterday was somehow different. Before, in canter, I've bounced slightly in the saddle and not been exactly in rhythm on many occasions but yesterday, it was like I was completely as one with the horse. It was like, I was an extension of him and together we moved in this amazing way. So lets hope its half decent on Tuesday and this wasn't a fluke and finally something is clicking with cantering and myself. I know I can't ever describe the incredible feeling you have on the back of a horse during a sequenced canter. It has to be one of the best feelings in the world! OK, I'm done gushing over my canter.

I also felt like my hands truly were an extension of the reins too yesterday. After a uncertain beginning where the left was too short, etc, etc. But once I got my hands level, my arms seemed to just be an extension of his mouth and it really did feel on all aspects like I was one with him. A fantastic feeling! As a result half halts worked well to keep him steady so not to run up the pony's backside. Everything just seemed to work well yesterday!

So until next time,

Thanks for stopping by and reading,

Marie

Rain! Rain! and more Rain

I have to say, I don't mind rain as such. Sure, it'd be nicer without it but it was that fine, drizzly stuff that is just yuck today when I went up to the stables.

I had my original instructor today which was nice and I brought in my, usually tall white friend that was probably more true to the name of his colour than what he appears to be today. We brushed him off, to the best of our ability and tacked him up.

I noticed today, that he was listening more to me and doing as I asked when I asked it of him. On previous occasions, he could get easily distracted by food, other horses or my instructor but on the whole today he responded well.

My trotting was pretty good today. We've started this new thing, where she asks me to trot from standing still and then stop after a few strides. I had developed yet another quirky habit where I would pull back on the reins and pull my feet back as though I was asking him to walk on. Yes, I know, crazy, I have no idea why I have been doing that. So that got worked out well today. After the first time I did it, I didn't do it again and he stopped as he was getting the clear signal to do so.

cantering? Yes, lets not talk about that today. It was abysmal. I'm not entirely sure I'll ever canter again because I seemingly have forgotten how to relax and just do it. Chatting with my instructor today, she pointed out that I have done it before and its probably something in my psyche holding me back now. I agree, just not quite sure how to ditch my brain during canter. Maybe I shouldn't think about anything any more while I attempt it as thinking of what needs to be done clearly is not working for me anymore. I have progressed slightly as I am keeping my stirrups still and balance has been fine and not felt like I'm about to fly off and during one attempt today, I did lean back when I knew I was just messing up completely. So I've made a pact with myself, no talking about cantering until I'm at least half way decent again. Feels like I'm back to square one again with it and hate to say this, but it's becoming as frustrating as rising trot once was. Yes, I'm probably over thinking it so need to strategise how now not to think at all. Stupid human brains huh? ;)

Overall, today's lesson was a good one. I felt he was listening to me more and my trot to halt was working well. So overall, a good lesson.

Until next time and thanks for reading

Marie

The Horse and Her Rider

I didn't think my lesson could be as good as Tuesday's had been but today it was definitely as good for different reasons.

I arrived at the stables and was informed I'd be on my beautiful bay friend again. I hadn't ridden her in a few weeks so was looking forward to this. I was then asked if I'd brushed her before on my own and when I said I had but not tacked her up and wasn't sure I felt happy tacking her up, I was given another horse to tac up which would be my lead file today. That horse was my tall white friend. I got a brush from the tack room and walked by myself to his stable, unbolted the door and went inside and bolted the door behind me. I stood with the body brush in my hand, listening for him. I couldn't hear him and for a moment I wasn't sure I was in the right stable, but I must have been, I thought to myself. His stable is in the corner and I was definitely there. And then, I felt a velvet nose on the back of my hand and knew my lovely white friend was letting me know he was there.

I brushed him and then the young lady who was taking me out today came with his tac and I placed his saddle and bridle on with no problems whatsoever. I was pleased I remembered how to do this.

The main riding instructor had suggested a new challenge again today. If I was OK without doing a canter, did I want to try lead file without a leader. I haven't been lead in walk or trot for a long time, around three or four months for walk and maybe two months for trot but I am still being lead for now in canter. However, I've always had someone walking alongside me just in case I needed them but today I was being given an amazing opportunity to try all of my skills out. I said, as long as we did the farm hack and not the road route I was more than happy to try this "experiment" as we call it.

So I mounted my bay beauty and the young lady who was on the lead file horse mounted my tall white friend. And off we went.

It was amazing! The feeling of truly being in complete charge of a horse. Having to follow and listen and guide the horse in the gaits and directions I needed her to go. I noticed how much she was responding to me, a slight touch on her side, a gentle pull on the reins to halt her; it all felt so natural and like I was with one with her.

A thought occurred to me as we were trotting down a quiet path if anyone saw me out riding with the other girl on my tall white friend, they would think, there's a horse and rider, not there's the blind girl riding that lovely horse. It was nice to feel like for that moment, I was one with the horse for the right reasons and the same reasons as everyone else. I was a horse rider today and not a blind girl who rides horses. That meant so much to me.

I can't say much more than my trotting felt great today, and my control seemed good. The only times I was given directions from the other rider was if there was a car coming and we had to move into the side. But the beauty was, I moved my lovely bay friend, by myself. I know for some that may seem trifle but for me it's a massive step forward.

Thanks for reading as always,

Until Next time,

Marie

Back On track

Before I begin recounting my lesson today, I will first tell you it was awesome as I was firmly told by my instructor who takes me regularly that my ride last Tuesday was not as bad as I'd made out here so even if she doesn't read the whole blog, at least she knows that I know it was a good lesson today. And I also know that people who I don't think read this, actually do and take notice of what I say.

I maintain, as I told my instructor, that even though she may have thought it was good last week, I slipped in my confidence and was exhausted as I informed all of you lovely people. But today, was a different story. :)

It was a bit of a windy but sunny morning and I arrived to a quiet stable yard. There was only my instructor and myself there today. We collected my tall white friend's tac and headed for his stable. I was shown how to remove his rug first of all today and then I brushed his whole body, receiving further tips on brushing from the face backward, always brushing in the direction of the fur.

I was much more awake this morning and can now clearly remember how to place a bridle upon our lovely friends.

• 1. Pull the reins over the horse's head, holding the bridle in your left hand, making sure they are nestled on his neck, [horses can snap their reins very easily].
• 2. Firmly grip the top of his nose with your right hand, placing your arm under his neck while standing by his left shoulder, and pass the two cheek pieces to your right hand.
• 3. Feed the bit into his mouth with your left hand, if he won't open his mouth for you, gently push your thumb into the gap in his teeth, at the corner of his mouth to encourage him to open it.
• 4. Once the bit as been taken into his mouth by keeping a good grip on the cheek pieces, so the bit doesn't fall out, pull the head band over his ears, one at a time, starting with the near ear first and then the far one. The ears bend but being nice to your horse should go without saying.
• 5. Pull his forelock out of the brow band and make sure all bands are straight and nothing is twisted or out of place.
• 6. Fasten the throat lash and nose bands. There should be 2 fingers width on the nose band from his cheek and four fingers should fit between his jaw and the throat lash.
• 7. Make sure the reins are straight and the horse is all ready to go. Minus his saddle at this point.

  I covered doing the saddle last time and I did it again this morning with a few more learning curves. The stirrups on the saddle usually have a twist in the straps when I ride him so my challenge, while my instructor was locking up, was to set my own stirrups to the length I need them. I did absolutely fine on this minus the fact I clearly couldn't count this morning. I usually have holes down and a twist, but on my left stirrup I ended up with three holes. Never mind. ;)

  I mounted, using the mounting block, [he's tall, not like the little mare I rode on Saturday]. And we walked off on our lesson.

  He decided today, he was going to test me as usual but my instructor had a surprise for us both. We had to do a few exercises to keep both of our attentions on the ride. I had to trot him straight away and then stop him with as little walk as possible and then straight into a trot again. The first few times, he'd walk a little when I asked him to stop and I discovered why. I have to sit back more when asking him to stop and not put my heels on which for some reason I was doing. This improved once it was pointed out to me.

  I also learnt that I need to sometimes check my length of my reins by holding my hands together and seeing which is longer or shorter and which feels like I have the best contact. I was soon feeling that much easier.

  My leg work is coming along nicely, I have to put the heel more on to get a better result as I was merely using my calf.

  My trotting today was amazing! I was told it was very controlled and looked great. That was fab as I know it has been the hardest thing for me as a gait to learn. I know I talk about my struggles with cantering but that is more my own tension and silly habits. Adjusting to rising and falling in the horse's rhythm is a daunting task for many new riders but I have to say I sincerely enjoy rising trot now.

  Cantering. Well! I am sincere in saying this, my instructor that I have today is so good, better than I think she knows because when she explains something to me, it seems to click relatively quickly. I had a few good weeks cantering, as those of you who regularly read my blogs know, but I've had a few not so good canters or attempts recently and today I discovered why.

  Remember my crazy hand aerobatics from when I was learning rein and leg movement? That's appeared in cantering, I was splaying my hands like some mad woman today and had clearly neglected to remember that was never going to do me any favours. So that was corrected and I know where that's come from. Being a massage therapist, I know how the human body works pretty well in regards to tension and I know, my body's going into a fight or flight situation during my cantering attempts at the moment. My tension is causing me to do things I know are never going to get a good canter. I was also leaning forward, yes, I know, that's a "no, No" to. Shoulders back and all that. I can rhyme off to all of you what I know I need to do.

  • 1. Relax and enjoy and do not think of failing.
  • 2. Heels down, all weight into those heels!
  • 3. Hands low and forward. DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT PULL BACK ON THE HORSE!!!! That sends a huge mixed signal.
  • 4. Heavy in seat.
  • 5. Shoulders back.
  • 6. Leg on.
  • 7. Move in rhythm with your horse.

  See? But my body, probably due to my own lack of confidence now of being able to do it and tension, is doing everything but. Although I only lost one stirrup once one time today out of four attempts so that's better.

  Once we'd worked on my crazy and peculiar new habits, I managed to canter him for a few strides and felt much better.

  Speaking to my instructor honestly helped as she assured me that all riders lose confidence in certain things at some point or another, it's about carrying on and trying to resolve your lack of confidence that will make you a better rider. I know that I didn't get a good strong canter from my lovely equine friend today but I know I'm improving and will strive to do better in Thursday's lesson.

  I do believe my ride away from my lessons helped me to see how much I've learnt in the past year or so and that encouraged me to know that actually, I am growing into a horse rider and have the basic skills I can work on to get better. I know, I will forever learn on every horse I ride from now until the day I never ride again, and I love that about horses. We never stop learning! There's always something new to achieve.

  I will honestly say that I have learnt so much today that I didn't think possible. About new skills, about where I'm going wrong but above all else, what I have learnt so far.

  Thanks for reading as always,

  Until Next time,

  Marie

Fun Times

Anyone who's read either entry this week will know I was feeling pretty rubbish about my lessons this week. My mum's friend has seven horses of her own on a field by our house and another that lives there to. Last week, mum asked her friend if she knew anyone who was loaning out horses but she didn't at the moment. When she knew mum was asking for me, for extra time outside of my lessons, she said I could go up to her horses on a weekend and ride. So today, [think mum knew how bummed I've been amongst other things that are going on at home], so we went up to her friend's stables. I played with her dogs while she was feeding the geese and ducks and cats. She took me into the place where she makes up the horses feed and told me what she uses. She is a self confessed traditionalist where her feed is concerned but it was very interesting to know what she feeds her horses and why. Mum and I got into her friend's car and headed up to the field where we were greeted by some of the horses. A lovely male gelding who is at least seventeen hands made friends with me. And then I met the horse I was going to ride. She's very pretty and at a guess I'd say 14 hands. I was worried about mounting as where I ride, I use the mounting block. However, today, no mounting block, just a field. So on went my first foot and I'm not sure how I did it, but ended up in the saddle on my first try. Mum was my sight guide, walking up the lane. My new sweet friend was difficult at first but with a few good squeezes, she was raring to go. This was the first time we'd met each other so obviously, things will take time to gel. But I managed to get her to trot on the third attempt. I have to say, considering she was the first horse I've ridden independently with mum just walking at the side of me, outside of my school environment, I was happy with what I managed to get this pretty thing to do. It shows that I've learnt a lot without me knowing how much. I was able to get on a horse I didn't know and walk, stop, trot and direct, [despite mum's terrible directions]. I didn't try a canter on her yet but there will hopefully be other times. Mum's friend said if I want to go up tomorrow and every weekend, I can. She seemed comfortable around me so hopefully this may be a good way of getting practice and more time on a horse outside of my lessons. I met the horse's owner as this horse is living on the field, she doesn't belong to mum's friend, and I thanked her for allowing me to ride her horse. She said because her horse lives to eat, she needs the extra exercise. I found her difficult to begin with but half way through the ride it was slowly feeling like I was in control. I do think I was gripping my reins a little tightly and once I loosened them and felt the contact, things went a little smoother. Although she was fond of walking on pavements and grass verges but again, once she knows I'm boss, it may be better. I'm hoping now I'll feel more relaxed in Tuesday's lesson and regain my confidence that did get slightly knocked this week. The nicest thing about today was that mum got to see me ride properly for the first time and she said I'm a very good rider and that I really should be considering dressage once I've got my cantering down and more experience about being the boss. It was a fab afternoon and I thank mum's friend for allowing me this opportunity. :) Until Next time, Marie

Put This Week Behind Me

I wasn't going to blog about yesterday's lesson. I didn't find it at all an improvement on Tuesday. If anything, at the time I think it was worse so chalking this week up to a complete and utter bad experience. But I know, the bad ones define the good ones so it's OK. If you'd asked me that this time yesterday, I might have just cried in pure frustration. Some days we are not in the right mind, and some days neither are the horses. Neither was the case yesterday it seemed. So my lesson for yesterday, put it behind me and head into next week with the determination to enjoy it. I think I'm tensing a lot and this is not helping. I want to get it so right and by thinking like that, I'm getting it so wrong. So this was a short one but we're putting this week behind us and heading into next week as a fresh week. Until next time, Marie

Better Days

This morning's lesson was a bit of a mixed bag. I'm well and truly exhausted as my poor guide dog has been on steroids due to an allergic reaction so he's been peeing for Britain this past four days. Needless to say, I've had a few terrible nights sleep. I therefore put my rubbish lesson down to my own lack of concentration and ability to relax due to my lack of sleep. I arrived at the stables and learnt that I would be learning to tac up today. We started with the bridle. Pulling the reins over my tall white friend's head, then holding his nose firmly to place the rest of the bridle in position. I'm that tired, I cannot for the life of me remember which part I did first. But hopefully, my attention span will be revitalised for Thursday's lesson and I will give a step by step how to put a bridle on. I was then instructed how to put the saddle on. Holding it over my forearms, so my hands meet in the middle beneath, with the higher end on my right arm. Walk toward the horse, lifting it over the back and slowly and gently setting it down on the back, ensuring the front part of the saddle is sitting above the withers and that all is straight and not curled up anywhere. Then, pull the girth strap from the opposite side, without putting your head under their bellies, [which I did], whoops, and fasten it loosely to begin with to get them slowly used to their strap being fastened. Then tighten the girth so you can barely get two fingers between the girth strap and their bellies, [you'll need to tighten this again once upon your horse as it will slacken once you're in the saddle]. I led him out of the stable and pulled down the stirrups, mounted and my instructor adjusted the girth and stirrups for me and off we went. There was no lead file horse today, just myself, my instructor and my tall white friend. He walked very nicely up the path on the farm hack. He also trotted lovely and wouldn't transition down until I pulled back slowly on my reins and gave him a squeeze with my thighs and knees. He then walked well and we entered the field where we canter. The first attempt was not so bad. I just wasn't relaxed enough or giving him the definite, "Yes, lets go" signal. The second one was fabulous. I was then tested further when we came across his stable yard friends as they've been moved to a field where we pass now. He was trying to see what he could get away with. So I had to be a lot more bossier with my legs. Even had to give him a kick as he was not listening in the slightest. But finally, after learning to never give them their own way by turning them in a circle if they're trying to turn right, to always turn the opposite way so they don't "win," we carried on. Did another trot and then two more canters? The first, I nearly fell off, after losing both stirrups. Next time, I'll remember to lean back and stiffen to stop. My second attempt was slightly better but not many strides. I've definitely had better days for cantering. The remainder of the ride was me being slightly bossy as he was trying to do everything but what I wanted him to do. Trying to go left, or right so my legs were constantly working. It was good for me as a rider to experience this and learn how best to handle these situations. In the end he gave up and decided I was actually in charge. I tried something today. As we've been using the leg rather than the reins, when we've been turning left or right, I've tried to turn my body in the direction so I'm telling him with legs and my seat which way I need him to go. This worked nicely as we turned into the stable yard but I'm betting this was because he knew he was home. ;) So although, my leg work is coming along nicely, I had a terrible day with my cantering. I also blame my boots as it has rained so much I was wearing long winter welly type riding boots. They felt baggy and I wasn't comfortable in them at all. Jodhpur boots are definitely being worn on Thursday, even if I have to carry them. I know it sounds like I'm making excuses, and maybe I'm just rubbish and will never get a perfect canter, but never mind, we have to have bad days to know what the good ones are like. Thanks for reading, Until next time, Marie

Always Learning

It was another glorious Thursday afternoon at the stables this week. I was very excited to ride my tall white friend again. I had my usual instructor back this Thursday. She's very good at getting the best out of me and pushing me to do better all of the time. I am grateful to her for this. I was doing the single file follow again yesterday. This was harder as the horse we were following only had his front shoes on so I really had to listen. We were working hard on getting my distances right and minus one too close stop, most went rather well. There was a lot of road work involved yesterday which was good for me as we'd been doing mostly farm hacks recently. I was getting corrected on my legs yesterday. They were too far forward so I had to work on keeping them further back so I wasn't giving my horse mixed messages. I soon kept my legs where they were meant to be. I was concentrating on keeping all of my weight in the heel during walk and trot. My rising trots became much better as a result and the instructions I was giving my gentle steed were much clearer. Because we were on the roads, we had to ensure we were sticking to the left of the road as well as moving in and out of cars that were parked. Instead of using my reins and leg to move the horse to the left or right, my instructor asked if I would keep the reins where they were and just use the leg. This was strange at first as I've just mastered moving my hands with my legs to move the horse but soon it felt much easier and he responded nicely. We got some good trots in and I was getting used to listening for the other horse's front hooves. It was made slightly harder, along with the no back shoes to listen for because of traffic but I learnt quickly to tune into that sound. There were four attempts at a canter, two of which were disastrous. This is why a horse rider should never become complacent or boastful about their abilities, because you will often be your own downfall. I lost a stirrup on the first attempt, and managed not to fall off. However, my second attempt was out of this world. I was completely in the seat, balanced and moving as one with my lovely white friend. My instructor was so confident with my ability that she let go of me on this canter and I was cantering independently for about two-thirds of the canter. That was an amazing step forward for me. My third attempt wasn't great. And I know that was my own fault. Not enough seat or leg. The fourth was pretty awesome but not as good as my second canter. I know it'll be as consistent as my trotting is before long. After the lesson was over, I untacked my wonderful friend and brushed him off, Un-plaited his tail and learnt to put his head collar on. This was a great new thing to learn and I then lead him out to the field and took off his head collar and off he went to graze and be with his friends. Overall, it was a wonderful lesson and I look forward to Tuesdays. Hopefully, I'll be learning more and more stable management stuff now the school holidays are over. I'm also hoping to enrol on a basic stable management course with the look to study an animal therapy course to be able to massage dogs and horses. It's something I've wanted to do for a while now. I massage my guide dog a lot at home, as I'm qualified as a holistic human therapist and practiced a lot on Bailey during my training. I would love to transfer those skills and adapt them to give dogs and horses relief from stress or injury. Thanks for reading as always, Until Next time, Marie

In tune, in Control

The horse I was riding today had just come in from the field and instead of being the pretty white horse he is, he was more like a muddy grey. So our task was to brush him, as you do before any tacking up anyway. I could not believe how filthy he was and apparently this handsome fellow loves to roll in the mud. After brushing him, I can definitely tell this. We continued with the following of another horse again today. I do enjoy doing this and for part of it, the girl walking at the side of me had to run back to the stables so I was truly on my own. I was able to hear when the horse stopped and started with ease and keep my horse behind it. The only issue I had with this today, which I need to fine tune, is keeping my horse from getting too close. I did this quite successfully when it was pointed out to me. And I think with a few more tries, I can judge the distance between the two horses relatively well. It feels now like I am in true control. My tall white friend is much more responsive to me now too. I can truly feel he's listening to me and taking my instructions well. Just the slightest squeeze on his side would speed him up, the transition to a trot was easy and even to a canter was fabulous. When he was getting too close to our lead horse, I used the half halts to slow him down which he did beautifully. It feels more and more like a team effort and that he's feeding me information and I in turn receive it and give him instruction that he now understands. There was a pony in a field which we were walking alongside and the pony was running along the fence which my horse decided was a big and scary prospect so I just stroked his neck, half halted a little as he was speeding up and managed to keep him calm and let him know that the little cute pony was no threat to him. It's an amazing feeling now knowing he's looking to me for guidance and instruction and not the person walking beside me. I cannot wait to have this kind of relationship with my own horse one day but glad my tall white friend is here for now to help me explore the possibilities. Thanks for reading, And until next time, Marie