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

My Horse advertisement

I'm on the hunt for a loan horse, at the right price, maybe even buying one. However, I'd prefer to loan to begin with but I'm not ruling buying out as it's a good market at the moment. But I have been looking in this area and so far haven't found anything suitable just yet. I know it takes time so I thought I'd write down all of my requirements as they stand. Loan/buy: open to either but prefer part loan to ease into the responsibility of taking care of a horse. Purpose; This sounds obvious right, but even this question in my head needs to be answered. so

• 1. for riding and to get me into more regular riding than my current two days a week lessons.
• 2. Training. I'd like to learn the disciplines of dressage and maybe jumping so having access to a horse on a more regular basis would be great for my training.
• 3. Competing. Yes, it's something I'd like to see how far I can go with.
• 4. Becoming a better horse carer. Learning a horse's needs on a day to day basis and knowing how to take care, groom, care for when, God forbid they're sick, feeding, learning behaviourisms, and all that goes along with owning a horse.

so those are my reasons behind this new venture. We all know once you catch the bug, it generally gets worse not better. hee.

Breed: Cob preferably.
age:8/9 to about 15/16
Colour: No preference
gender: Gelding or filly. Maybe a mare.

I need the horse to be well accustomed to riding with a bridle and saddle, [broken in well]. A calm disposition yet very willing and responsive. No biting/kicking or other majorly undesirable habits. I know no horse is perfect but bad behaviour to the minimal. Well mannered and halts well. I am totally blind and although I know some horses may kick out on occasion or bite, I really don't want to deal with that on a regular daily occurrence. It would be nice if the horse had been socialised around dogs and was comfortable around them as I have a guide dog and he'd be with me most of the time.

an open medical history should be disclosed wherever possible.

size: at least 13.3 HH max 16.5

experience: intermediate or advanced, no novice or retired horses. I need one that is still going to be ridden. Preferably trained in dressage/jumping.
Shoes: This doesn't matter. Whatever is best for the horse.

Loan requirements: to be discussed.

If any of you wonderful horse people have any ideas to add to this, as it's my first time writing an advertisement for a horse, please comment and leave feedback. It probably sounds too simplistic, what I've written.

Thanks again,

Marie

Hacking in the Sunshine

It was a beautifully sunny day today as I walked up to the stables. Due to the national GCSE results and illnesses and what not, there was a shortage of people to go out on rides today. So when I arrived, the lady who runs the riding school asked me if I would brush a pony while I waited. I was more than happy to do this so gave one of the smaller ponies a good old brush. I was then asked if I would, with the guidance of someone else, put some of the horses out into the field. I was more than happy to do this. So, I linked one of the younger girls and led one big horse, the beautiful bay I ride sometimes and two smaller ponies, the one I brushed earlier today and another I brushed during my week of stress getting lost. It was fab. I felt I was doing something around the yard. Once we'd done that, I mounted my tall, white friend and we were following a new and different horse today. We're still testing the filing hacks out but so far so good. Today had a few problems but it was more to do with the lead horse. She is new to our yard so she is not used to the area yet and was being a little spooky walking past things on the farm hack. But during the times we got her to lead, I followed well. My canter was awesome but the girl walking at the side of me, who led me during canter couldn't keep up. That was quite funny. A really awesome thing happened today. He started in a trot and I gave him another squeeze with a definite increased level of confidence and off we went into a canter. I was pretty sure if I needed to get him back into one if he changed to a trot I could. But as it happened, the leader asked me to stop instead which I did successfully. As she put it, I "fly in canter". I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing but I was just pleased I could get him into a good canter even from a trot. It was a beautifully sunny day and I'm noticing more now I am having to move the horse independently, my legs and arms seem to be doing the motions with more naturalness and ease. I definitely enjoyed the hack today. And once we got back to the stables, and I untacked, gave my friend a few polos, I was watching the farrier at work. Its good to learn all about a horse's needs and care needs especially during your time learning to ride or else what is the point? If you can't understand the animal you're working with and all the things that might cause him discomfort, then there is no point to you even learning to ride in my humblest of opinions. It's making me want to loan a horse, or even own one so much more. I know it will happen but time will only tell. Until next time, Thanks again for reading, Marie

New challenges

I arrived at the stables this morning to be informed of a new plan. I was eager to hear what this plan may be. So here it is. When I've been riding in the past year or so at the stables, I've always had someone walking alongside me. Initially, leading, and gradually letting go and giving me the reins more, so to speak. This has been fine and essential for my learning. However, this morning, the lady who owns the riding school came up with a new challenge for me and a sort of experiment which I was excited to try. I still had someone walking alongside me for this ride but my challenge was to follow the horse in front of me. If it turned corners, went around bends, etc, etc; I had to follow with my own horse. I haven't been lead in walk or trot for a good while now. Walking a few months and during trot probably the last month or so. I'm still being led in canter for the moment which is absolutely fine. So the experiment was to see if I was able to follow the sounds of the horse in front of me during a hack and move accordingly without direction from my instructor on the ground. It was a slightly breezy day and we did some of the farm hacks I'm used too. I was riding my tall, white friend, and was able to keep him following the lead horse in front. I trotted and walked behind the other horse with little issues during the ride and even on grass while we were doing a canter, I was able to hear the movement of the other horse's hooves in the grass. This is a great step forward for me to test my abilities as a rider, to gain complete control of the horse on which I'm riding and hopefully will lead to even more independence and more techniques to become a better rider. I cannot express how grateful I am to the owner of the riding school for her continual pushing for me to become better and more independent as a rider. It shows that I am definitely in the right place with the right people going on this incredible journey. As for my canter, well, that was a great feeling too today. My horse was raring to go and with a good squeeze, I got two fantastic canters out of him. My hands are steady, forward over my horse's neck, heels down and even I felt myself more in my seat and staying there today. I cannot believe how it was only just under two weeks ago when I asked to try out the reins, and I honestly thought I'd want to go back to gripping the saddle but it almost feels now like I've been cantering holding my reins for the longest time. I am feeling like I'm getting more of a response from the horse and getting longer canters each time. We almost got to the end of the field today on our first canter before he returned to his trot. And on the back lane, it was the best I've had on the back lane until this point. I can remember when I was losing my foot out of my stirrup all of the time before wen we cantered, now it feels so natural to me. Hopefully, I can stay fixed to my seat more and more each time I try. :) Hope to bring you more updates this Thursday as always. Hope everyone's having a great week with their horses. Thanks again, Marie

My Equine dreams

Two years ago, if you had asked me, I would have said it was impossible for me to create a career with animals in any way. Not because I couldn't think I was capable but because of others attitudes. Although I know those attitudes are still prevalent in society, I am trying to ignore them.
I will not profess to being an amazing rider or the best person at anything I do but with the continuous fights I've had and continue to have getting a job in the "commercial" world and the prejudices I face there just to get an office job, I'm not sure I'll ever win that fight so why not try to fight for something I'm at least passionate about.
If you had told me a year ago, while I was battling to master the rising trot, still clinging to my saddle, I'm pretty sure I would have laughed in your face if you'd said I'd be cantering and progressing the way I am. All I do, is listen to my instructors, read up on horses through blogs and books and most importantly, listen to the horse I'm riding.
My dreams and ambitions have changed over the last few years. A year or so ago I wanted to get into canine and equine massage and that is something I would still love to do. I know teaching riding is not really in my future but running my own school, caring for horses definitely could be.
I'm also very interested in competing. Now, how good or bad a rider I am, I'm not sure how or when that will happen but it's something I would like to give a try too. Hopefully, once my bum stays in my saddle and my cantering is much better, there will be more opportunity to do other things.
I'm not pretending I'm the best or I'm even half decent, only others could tell you how good or bad I am, but I feel like I'm progressing so that's something, right?
My grandmother always encouraged dreams, she said without dreams you have nothing to aim for. So here are mine:

• 1. I will start all of my dreaming by loaning a horse. I am in no position to buy right now and figure a part loan will ease me into the responsibility I will need to own my own one day. Mum is very supportive of this idea and we are currently on the hunt for a good loan horse. So fingers crossed that we can find one at a reasonable rate.
• 2. If permitted, I'd like to train further on this said loan horse and maybe next season try and show and enter a few local competitions. Showing seems my aim but I do want to jump and maybe do dressage too. How this will happen, we'll see as I'm not so sure the mainstream arenas are exactly going to fly for this idea.
• 3. I briefly mentioned this, but proceeding to dressage and show jumping is something I'm definitely interested in. If I can figure out which I'm better in will also be a huge bonus.
• 4. Becoming a better horse person. Whether this is by doing an equine management course or just gaining the experience. I also think a trip to a career's advisor may be in my future as I need a clear path on the career I'd like.
• 5. starting on the road to qualification to become an equine therapist. I know some people think this is beyond someone with sight impairments but I'm determined to make something of my life. I have so much to give and feel like I'm trapped right now, horses and being with my Bailey dog make me feel free and alive. Horses can be dangerous, but hey, I got run over by a number 59 bus 10 years ago too. Just because I can't see, doesn't mean I'm any less equipped to read an animal. People forget I have other senses.
• 6. Once working, or having won the lottery, [which I never do], buying some land, preferably with stables, an arena and opening my own riding school, for anyone! No matter what! Horses have proven time and time again, that their company is therapeutic and I've seen this for myself and experienced it. Dramatic as it sounds, horses have saved my life. I haven't felt as alive as I have in the past few years.

So, those are my dreams when it comes to the equine world. Far fetched? Maybe! But dreams and putting them into reality are all I have. What do I have to lose? But more importantly, what more do I have to gain?
Thanks again,
Marie

group Hacking

Our stables were crazy today as some of the riders have the up and coming in house competition, known as the Jim Carna. A three day weekend where groups of riders demonstrate what they have learnt. I'm going to watch some of the girls who have been teaching me participate on Sunday. So fingers crossed for dry weather. As you can imagine, horses being bathed, bridles and saddles being cleaned, jumps being set up, it was mayhem. So instead of a lonely hack with my instructor, several of us went out on a group hack. This was my first group hack since before I could trot so it was kinda nice and I felt like I wasn't left behind and a nubbi, I knew what I was doing and was an established and knowledgable rider. It just made me think how far I have come and how much I still need to learn. There were three horses and three riders with some leaders. However, my instructor told the girl walking at the side of me that I only needed being led during canter. She, without knowing it, really boosted my confidence today by telling someone else I didn't need a leader and could do things. I knew she thought this but was nice to hear that my riding progress is continuing. So we did a lot of road work today which was good. I've been up on the farm hacking recently so some road work was nice and I got to practice my directional control with keeping the horse on the left of the road and using my arms for signals. I road a beautiful mare who I learnt to rise trot on and have struggled to get to canter in the past. It was good to feel how responsive she was to me. Everything I asked of her she did without an issue. My trotting was a little worse than it has been on previous rides but I soon got into it again. Every horse, as most of you know, has a different rhythm and it's been a while since I rode my bay friend so I expected a little rustiness. So cantering? I almost, I stress, almost got her to canter twice but sadly it didn't happen. The trouble was, I could feel her wanting to go and then just didn't quite get her to the canter. She's notorious to new riders for not trotting or cantering when we ask initially. Maybe she needs that little more of a "yes, I truly want you to canter" from the rider. So, I know I can get her to trot so canter is now next on my list to conquer with Miss bay Beauty. It was a fun and beautiful ride today. I enjoyed the group hack and I don't see the lack of a canter today as a backward step, just a challenge to get my bay beauty to canter for me soon. :) Until next time, thanks for reading Marie

The Best Feeling In The World

It was a pretty dreary day today but I didn't notice during my lesson. I was back with the instructor I usually have and she was making me gain control of my tall white friend today as we ascended the lane to the farm. He was trying to eat, and follow her so I had to gain control of him. I was instructed to half halt on the right rein and put my left leg on to get him concentrating and move away from the scrumptious grass. After a few minutes and a little fighting over who had control, I am pleased to say I won. We went on the field that I've been cantering on recently and I was sitting nicely in my seat, leaning back but I guess I was feeling a little nervous to begin with and the horse obviously picked up on that and just trotted. So, we turned long ways down the field and I was encouraged, as always to put my leg on and not pull back on the reins, stay in my seat, etc, and wow! That's the only word I can use to describe it. I even let out a "whoohoo," during that long, amazing, free canter! And the best thing about it, I got him cantering and kept him there for the longest time yet. I bet I tripled my longest canter to date this morning which really made me smile and we got to the other end of the field. With this instructor, she gives me a lot more control as she's worked with me the most so knows how much I have already achieved. For a lot of this ride, minus the cantering, I was just listening to her directional instructions and using my hands and legs to let the horse know what I wanted him to do. Even down a cobbled stretch, he tried to eat some poisonous plants so it was my job to keep his concentration and prevent him from munching as he's not allowed while working and to ensure he didn't eat anything that could harm him. On the back lane, where we always attempt a last canter, I again got a really good one, not as long but my instructor had said it wouldn't be as there was a nice plastic bag to spook the horse in the middle of the path. But, again, a good canter and hands are staying where they need to be, as are feet, now to work on the bum staying in seat. I am not one to praise myself but I am quite shocked in how quickly my hands have seemed to adjust to the canter and keep in a still straight line and not pull back on the reins. Now just for the last part of the cantering puzzle to fall into place but now I'm getting him going and on the last canter seemed a little more in my seat, I know that's coming. A great compliment I received today was my rising trot is very tidy. I've been working hard on keeping myself upright and straight, heels down and rising and falling nicely. I love rising trot but cantering is definitely my favourite gait so far. It was a fabulous lesson and I keep asking more and more questions each time which is always a good thing. Lets hope Thursday is half as good as today's class. Thanks again for reading, Marie

My First Horse show

Having a fascination with horses from such a young age and being unable to do much about it makes me feel like I have a lot of catching up to do. Yesterday, my mum, Bailey and I went along to a horse Show at Rochdale Riding club's ground which is about 15 minutes drive away from us. My dad dropped us and we met my mum's friend whom's daughter has a beautiful horse. She was showing him in two classes but before she did I got to pet him and chat a little to her and her mum. I quickly realised that I couldn't imagine many other places I'd rather be than out doors at a horse event with my pup at my side. It's funny, many horse owners also seem to be dog owners too. I guess that's why horse and hound is such a popular magazine subscription here in the UK. It poured for a little while so Bailey and I took shelter in the trailer; another first for me yesterday, being inside a horse trailer. I know for most this is probably no big deal but to have dreamed of such things for years and suddenly those things becoming reality is a nice feeling. We walked down to the practice ring where the horses warm up and chatted a little about cost of upkeep. I knew horses cost but was pleasantly surprised about some of the costs they can incur. I didn't really have an idea about any cost, just assumed it was a lot of money but it seems if you find the right food provider and hay dealer with a good stable that doesn't cost through the nose, your day to day are pretty reasonable. Now, vets and farriers are another issue I don't doubt. We watched the first of the classes the young lady we know was competing in and only waited a short while to watch the second. The sun had appeared by this point and mum and I said goodbye to our friends and then watched a little bit of the show jumping. Mum used to show jump with her horse as a youngster and I love watching show jumping on TV so it was an awesome experience to stand ringside and hear the hooves and the commentator's announcements of scoring, which I understand perfectly on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Even with the rain, my first experience at a horse show only confirmed to me that I want to be a real part of the equestrian world and hope nothing will hold me back from achieving those dreams too. Thanks for reading, Marie

Big Steps Forward

Before I talk about the actual lesson yesterday, just want to celebrate the fact that I didn't get lost yesterday and did the route completely without issues. That was a huge plus and made my mood so happy before even beginning the ride yesterday. I just thought I'd share. Thursday's lesson: Well, I mounted my handsome, tall, white friend and we set off on a walk we've been doing a lot recently. I'm noticing more and more as I do this route that I'm remembering parts of it too which is a good thing. Being mobile with the cane or my guide Dog Bailey is important to me and although during riding I'm not going to be going off on a ride on my own, it's something I want to do in a secure area once I have my own horse. So the fact I'm remembering routes without specifically learning them is a good sign that remembering a familiar path on a safe set route may be an option for an independent ride one day. And just to make this clear, there would be zero road work independently and it would be on a property that I knew well and only when I was confident would I take those steps. I'm just saying, it's something I wasn't sure I could do on horse back but I think with some work once I'm more of an accomplished rider, I could do independently. Going up the hill was a bit of a chore. The horse was dragging his hooves a little but with a few encouraging squeezes and a nice trot he began to step out nicely. There's one field that the owner of the property allows us to use and so cantering can only be done on this field and a back lane during this particular ride. When my instructor asked if I was ready for a canter, I asked if it would be OK if I tried to canter without holding my saddle this time and hold my reins. I'd been thinking about this for a few days now and was coming to an internal conclusion that maybe if I did, I might be better positioned to get the horse into canter and keep him there more efficiently. She said if I wanted to try, as she had no problem with me trying because my balance apparently is very good, then I should go ahead. The first try, due to my own nerves and tension turned into a very bumpy trot. But I wasn't giving up that easily so on my second attempt, my instructor asked me to keep my hands together as normal, low over the horse's neck and not to pull back once we started as that would tell the horse I didn't want him to canter at all, therefore sending mixed messages. And so put the legs on, sit in your seat, hold your hands together and low over his neck and don't pull back once you start. Leg, seat, hands. Right, got it! And so off I went again and this time got a few good paces out of him. She let me do it a third time, my hands slipped and yet on the fourth, I got the best out of him yet. It felt so beautiful! Almost like you're flying on the back of a powerful creature. I loved it! I definitely feel as though my cantering will only improve from here. I just felt I'd got the idea of what cantering felt like enough during the weeks I've been doing it but now felt like holding the saddle was only holding me back. Sometimes, to progress you need to change the way you're learning. Another thing I noticed which I hadn't before is that my feet are no longer flying out of the stirrups during cantering which can only mean I'm getting the heel down in all strides perfect. Yes, go me! :) I hope Tuesday brings much more improvement with my cantering. To the point where I can keep the horse in canter for as long as I need. I know it's all about staying in my seat, and hands not pulling back as we move in this gait that I absolutely love. After my lesson, in which we did some lovely trotting too which I can't imagine I had the same frustrations with now, I took off his bridle and loosened the girth strap. I can happily lead the horses in and out of their stables now with a little guiding from the person with me. I also was having lots of fun playing a bizarre game with another horse before I left who was trying to eat me. I know horses play with each other but when a 16.1 horse decides to play, lets eat Marie's cane or Marie herself in a very playful way, I was amused. It's strange, even I am surprised with the things I'm learning I can distinguish. I knew he was just playing and not being aggressive, I don't know how exactly but just something in the way he was doing it didn't alarm me in the slightest. That made me happy. On Sunday I'm off to a horse show so I will blog how my first experience of being at one is like when I update you on my Tuesday lesson. Thanks for reading and until next time, Marie

It's All about Your Confidence

Yes, it's Tuesday again. Hope you all had a good weekend. I did, but will tell you about that shortly. Today was a rather sunny day which made a nice change from Thursday. I rode the horse I had trouble getting to canter last Tuesday today. I went out with the same young lady as I did on Thursday and we did some trotting which went fine and then for the cantering. After reading some of my new book, the horse dancer, I decided to really concentrate on how the horse felt beneath me. I know this is always said to do but today I made a conscious effort to feel him moving beneath me. It was a nice feeling and made things feel more natural. Even in my hands, I could feel his mouth and the movement as we walked and trotted. When it was time to canter, I felt a little more confident in making him go and hey ho, there he goes. It wasn't a long canter but now I feel more confident about setting the horse off in a canter, my second horse who I have successfully got into a canter, I think now I can relax a little into the actual canter and keep it going rather than him switching to a trot. I got two canter starts today and although they were not as long as the canter I got out of my white horse friend on Thursday, it was still an achievement in itself. So the lesson was good and I shall be back at the stables on Thursday. But now for some horse news. Anyone who has ever caught the horse bug, knows that you will always want to buy or have a horse at your disposal. Once you fall in love with these amazing creatures, you are hooked, I'd say. So imagine my surprise when my mum told me on Saturday I should really look into loaning a horse to give me that more experience of caring and riding and training on one. I'm excited that both of my parents are fully behind this. They usually don't take much notice of what I do but even my dad seems to think it's a good idea so we'll see. So now for the hard part, to find a loan horse that won't cost an arm and a leg. I know having horses is not a cheap deal but talking to the owner of the stables today, she said there are some good loans to be had out there that won't cost you through the nose. It's finding the right horse and the right deal, I guess. So on the look out now. Wish me luck. This won't happen over night but it's OK, gotta get my riding ability up to scratch before I'm let lose on a new horse. :) Until Thursday, take care and happy riding.

Horses = Relaxation

Hope everyone's having a good week. I'm going to start off with a little diversion before I get to the horse stuff but believe me, you'll see the method behind the madness. If you've read this blog before, you know I am totally blind. I usually get around with another four legged being, my beautiful cross labrador golden retriever, Bailey who is my faithful sighted guide, my guide dog. Where I ride, unfortunately, there is no where to leave the pup while out on the horses so to save on taxi costs and to help my own independence without the pup, I have learned the route with the cane. I was a cane user from being seven or so until I was twenty-two when I got Bailey. I am not fond of it and much prefer the enhanced mobility the dog brings but in this situation, sadly, I have little choice. To save on my energy and emotional state, I catch the bus and walk about five or ten minutes to the stable. The route itself is not too bad minus a specific turn off. Everyone knows that stables and farms alike are more than often situated at the top of a dirt track. The stables where I ride are no different and the majority of the walk is OK until one particular turn off. I have not yet managed to get this turn correct and have had some nice work men assist me in the direction. Sadly, today, I got pretty lost on this turning and it took me twenty-five minutes to find the right path but I did make it. As you can imagine, my stress levels were up and I have to say I felt pretty disappointed in myself and slightly upset. Once I reached the stable yard, I heard the owner teaching in the school and calmed down by stroking the nose of one of the horses. That helped but the huge relief came when the owner asked someone to find me a horse to brush. I spent a good fifteen minutes brushing this lovely quiet horse who stood there happily while I brushed his body, his legs and mane and tail. Those minutes of pure relaxation, being just there with this beautiful, quiet animal really helped me to relax and calm myself down ready for my lesson. Now, for the lesson. I was put back on my tall, white friend and off we went in the rain. I had a different teacher today so we did some walking, a bit of trotting and yes, cantering. With no problem whatsoever, I put my legs on and off he went on a great canter. There were a decent few strides and more and more it feels so natural to me as trotting has now become. Soon, I know once my leg ons make the horse go to a good canter and I can keep he or she in that gait for a good few strides, the hands will be coming off of the saddle and onto the reins. and although, a few months ago, I felt a little fear of cantering and going faster, letting go of the saddle seemed a scary prospect, I now look forward to it as it means my relationship and level of control with the horse is growing. The second attempt of a canter didn't go as well but the strange thing was that he almost transitioned to a canter twice, I could feel it and my teacher agreed but not quite there. Never mind, Tuesday isn't far away. So the lesson was fantastic and having another teacher was good for me, as I've been having a few issues with doubting if I can do the horse dreams I have, but knowing how easy it was for this young lady to take me on a ride and not patronise, or try to hold my hand so to speak has lifted my spirits. This also coincided about a rider I have just learnt of. Someone told me about this blind rider who does endurance riding which I admire anyone, regardless of ability for doing but that has made me realise again that being a horse person is actually within my grasp and there are many people out there rooting for me. Those of you who read this with curiosity, those who teach me every week, and those who do not yet know me but will. I have high ambitions, it is true, but standing in that stable today, having had a terrible time with my mobility and test of my independence, brushing that lovely animal, without someone panicking that I couldn't be left alone with a horse because I couldn't see reminded me that in the equine world, there are far many open minded people than not and those who are unsure, well, I'll just have to show them. Battling is something many of us with disabilities have to do on a daily basis and I've always said, the blindness is the easy part, people's attitudes is what I find hard to deal with. I'm sorry this blog wasn't essentially about my actual lesson today but I felt I should share some of what I've been going through and how the horses that we all love and have a strong passion for helped me to relax and think about things this afternoon and reflect that my dreams are possible, I just need to find a way to make them happen. Thanks for reading this very philosophical blog today and please pop back next week for more tales of riding from a blind rider. Marie

Lets Go!

After the longest week of my life, I was happily back in the saddle yesterday. I brushed the horse before my instructor placed the bridle and saddle upon him. Then I had to lead him out, remaining in complete control and making sure I was leading not the horse leading me. It's a good feeling having a wonderful animal as huge as a horse walk beside me and know that he's listening to my hands under his chin. It felt mighty good to sit back in the saddle and take up my reins. The lesson started well, did a few good trots and then I thought I was going to have another canter nightmare on my hands as I seemingly was not getting the "I want to canter" message across. But after a few failed attempts, got two really good canters out of him. I also felt my hands were a lot more in tune with the horse's mouth and only needed a few corrections. I really need to learn to be firmer about my legs on the horse's sides and staying in the saddle. Slowly, it's coming and I know I will get there and keep improving. Stay tuned for more updates soon, Marie