NEW SITE

This is a notice that from this point on, I will no longer be posting blogs to this site. Please instead go over to Ride with no eyes or simply type http://ridewithnoeyes.com into your web browser. Thank you for following me so far on this journey on this blogger blog but it is time to move on and make it a better experience for both my readers and myself. Hope you'll join the fun over at ridewithnoeyes.com Marie

Quiet Ride

I was simply exhausted again this morning and was told I'd be riding Bella. This was more than OK with me as I haven't ridden her in a few weeks. The ride was overall quiet and very uneventful. Trots were good and minus her not cantering, she was being more than cooperative. Someone walked with me on this ride which I wasn't overly impressed by as I've ridden Bella independently for a long time. We didn't have our usual RI as she was off on an hour hack with two ladies and I suspect it was this reason more than anything I was stuck with a walker. Anyway, I got over that fact and as I said was a nice quiet, non eventful ride. On the back lane, I wound her up, by squeezing her and halting her to get her fidgety and then asked for a canter. She almost went then decided against it. Classic Bella! :) I felt somewhat deflated today and it wasn't really about the ride I don't think, not even sure what it was. I stood with Bella, giving her cuddles and then left feeling almost like, why did I just bother? Anyway, onward and forward. Will write more next week. Thanks, Marie

Sunshine With Shadow

Despite the heavy rain predicted for today, we ended up having a gloriously sunny day, dare I even say almost summer like. It did mean I was sweltering in a waterproof coat. But anyway. I arrived and was asked to brush Shadow which of course I didn't mind in the least. I was brushing him on the fence as the girl looking after him had moved him there while she mucked him out. I discovered he is much easier to brush his face when he's haltered to the fence so actually got some mud off of his face for once which was good. Halfway through, we moved him back to his stable and finished off brushing and tacked him up and we were running late so I jumped on from the ground. I need to practice this much more as I still need a push from someone getting on a 15.3 HH horse. Once mounted, I followed another horse and was walking by myself again today in the glorious sunshine. My trots were fabulous and he was totally listening to me. Our contact was good and I felt so relaxed. We were on a ride with a lot of less experienced riders so I got to canter once on this ride. I was on my own, with one of the other girls running to the end to yell stop when I got there. I gave a squeeze and we got a few strides, then trot, then I squeezed again, another stride and another squeeze, another stride. But I was kind of pleased with this anyway, as he was going when I asked, just not staying and my sitting trot was pretty awesome. My RI was really pleased with me actually. She said I looked good and relaxed. I was reading a piece on Horse and country about heels down in canter and it seems I'm not the only one to have any of these issues. The strike off in the canter seems to be my biggest problem, or it has been. It possibly still is but I've not seen it for a few weeks. I'm just totally relaxed for some reason. More trotting and his energy was great. He did try to have a few snacks today which made me giggle. Nice try Shadow. Once back at the yard, I untacked him and gave him a few cuddles. Then was chatting to another girl and she had to jump off and take the saddle off of her horse and put it on a different horse so I offered to hold him and there was no hesitation or call for someone else, I stood stroking this lovely horse while holding him still. She'll not know what that meant to me. I was watching a jumping lesson before I left. My rI and I were chatting about para show jumping during my ride today and she had some really good and quite accurate ideas about how it could be done. I talked about the show jumper, Peter Charles recently leading a jumper who was blind around a show jumping course in France. He's done this before too, with Britain's first blind show jumper, who is also from my neck of the woods. :) It was good to hear her talk so positively about it. Just hope one day I can try my hand at jumping too. Anyway, that's today's ride and hoping tomorrow is another lovely, relaxed and enjoyable one. :) Thanks, Marie http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1422548_leap-of-faith-blind-showjumper-represents-great-aunt http://www.horseandcountry.tv/ask-the-expert/help-how-do-i-keep-my-heels-down-canter

Could Technology Help Me in A School?

I've used an iPhone for three years now. Until recently it was the only product on the market with a built in screen reader, meaning I could use the phone, out of the box, with no further charges to me as a consumer. Sure, they're slightly more expensive, but if I had bought a nokia that could have run Talks or Mobile speak, the screen readers that ran on those Simbine 60 or 80 series, it would have probably cost me around the same price for an iPhone. I advocate mainstream products building in accessibility and Apple have done a great job with this. What does this have to do with riding you ask? Well, many GPS apps are out there now and some are pretty nifty in the way you can mark "favourites". I've used one particular app, designed for the blind to help me merely get to the yard. I don't use Bailey as you all know going to my current riding school, so I have to use the cane. There was a point I always would get lost on and end up taking the wrong dirt track to my riding school and getting lost. But Ariadni helped with this. There is a bush I have to square up against to get the lane that takes me to my riding school, I marked the bush as a favourite and also marked the path so I know when it beeps at me, I'm on the right path. I only needed this for a while, I can now do the route without my GPS app. Minus the bus stops but that's another unrelated issue. I had an idea while I was sitting here today. These apps use satellite navigation and coordinates in a lot of situations, and so if I went on a hack with someone, couldn't I essentially plan out the route with the iPhone assisting me. That is why I was asking about the Protecting your iPhone on Hay Net I would never try to ride alone unless there was a protected hack route on land I was totally familiar with. And that is a mile away in the future. But this idea got me thinking again. I'm not sure this is possible with current GPS apps, as the size of a school is not that big but could an App be developed to help a blind person learn the school? I'd love to try and see if the GPS apps I know of currently that support the favourites feature could do this but I highly suspect the area is too small for the app to map out, essentially a school and guide the blind user around from letter to letter to learn the school. Those people skilled at these things may have a better idea but I was just thinking to myself, could the iPhone, a piece of technology that has revolutionised my mobility life along with Bailey assist me in horse riding too? Could an app be designed to teach a blind user a visual area like a riding menage and map out all the letters of an arena or needed, skipping way ahead, help them judge a jumping course through feedback of a GPS app? Visualising for blind people is not that easy so we need cues from our other senses, in this case sound. As many have told me, blind riders get to know the school layout in Dressage with someone calling from each letter or someone telling you what letter you are at? But what happens when you're alone and practicing, you and your horse? Could technology then assist? I'm very curious of this idea. I know its all a little rambled but I'm just throwing curiosities out there. :) Thanks, Marie

Compliments and carrots

Today was drizzly but that did not dampen my spirits as I headed to the yard. I chose to ride Kenny, the lovely coloured gelding that I don't ride that often. He stood nice and quiet as I put his bridle on and once I mounted him we waited for a while for everyone to get ready. I've always been slightly put off by this horse as he has a considerable bounce but since riding the pretty Welsh section D, my love for bouncier horses has increased. This particular horse is my RI's personal favourite. So if you do something wrong on him, you feel mighty bad on her watch. Well, I do anyway. We did the farm route today with my usual RI and we were following Shadow so had to keep half halting young Kenny as he was quite eager today. Our trots were forward and continuous which has been an issue between him and I in the past. I've struggled to get him into trot and keep him there but he was brilliant today. We turned onto the field, I didn't have anyone walking or leading me today, and we asked for a canter. First time, we didn't get one, second time we got a lovely one and my RI said she was very pleased with it. We turned around at the bottom of the field and cantered back up. He was so awesome and my heels were apparently down the whole time, I was totally going with him, and wait for it, I looked good on him! I was super pleased to get that particular compliment. My RI has never been one to say things for the sake of it and has always been good about giving me good, constructive feedback so for her to say those things made my day. More trotting, down the cobbled path and another trot and another canter on the back lane. On this last canter, felt the heels sneaking up, pushed them down and got back into rhythm. So happy about this as this horse has been, for me, harder to canter on because of his bounce but I'm excited on what is to come. He was pretty responsive today which was nice and not looking to anyone else for guidance, just me. :) as we were walking back to the yard, my RI said she was pleased with all of my canters, they were collected and very neat and I was really going with him now. I'd done a good job. So I was pleased. I dismounted and started handing out carrots after I'd put him back in his stable and loosened his girth and tied up his reins as he was going out on another ride soon. Kenny, Bella, Shadow and even my good friend Topaz all got to snack on some carrots. Shadow seemed to be a bit moody with me, maybe he's mad I haven't ridden him this weekend but I walked up to Topaz's stable and called his name and to the door he came. It was so nice! I love seeing their personalities come out when you're on the ground with them. So until next time, Thanks for reading, Marie

subtleness, Bonding, and Confidence Building

Considering I only had one ride today, I learnt a great deal about myself as a rider, about my progress and about the horses I ride. I've thought for the longest time that my bond with Shadow was very great. The gorgeous, white friend first gave me a little indication of our friendship when I walked into his stable just over a year ago to brush him and I couldn't hear him munching hay, or moving around. I stuck my hand out of the door, as at the time he was in the corner stable to check I was in the right one and not actually attempting to brush a non existent horse. I quietly called his name and incredibly this gorgeous, intelligent creature touched his nose to my hand, almost to say, "hey, friend, I'm right here". I've only experienced this amazing feeling with my guide dog Bailey and my nephew who on several occasions now, despite his lack of communication skills verbally, has moved into my open hands when I was looking for him and touched my hand to a fallen farm animal toy on his play mat so I could return it to standing. The beauty of children and animals is their upmost nature of innocence. Their sense that something isn't quite right as you're not looking them in the eye as other people do and their cognition that takes that information and instantly knows that somehow, they need to attract your attention to them in another way. I guess some people would say what Shadow did a year ago was just a coincidence and I should stop looking too much into things. But every time I ride that magnificent creature, I feel a sense of care from him. He takes care of me on his back and I know most horses do the same for their riders but I know he knows I need him to be a little more careful with me as I can't use my own eyes to prevent dangerous situations. This has what made me think today that ground work with horses, especially for disabled riders is essential. If I hadn't insisted on learning to brush, tack and untack and feed the horses where possible, I don't know whether Shadow and the others would truly know. As if they were being mounted from the mounting block, it's likely eye contact would never be an issue. But that day in Shadow's stable, he knew I was looking for him, and he knew I couldn't see him so he stretched his long neck and touched my hand, so gently to tell me he was there. But he had learnt that while I was on the ground, not on his back. I'm bringing this old event up as something happened today that made me remember this incident and reiterate my beliefs about horses intelligence and ability to know things that some humans wouldn't give them credit for. I chose to ride Topaz today. I had my safe rides last week on Shadow and I knew that despite not feeling nervy about riding him again, the longer I put it off, the harder it may become to get back on him. It was a really sunny morning so I mounted him and we set off on the ride. I had someone with me today and the young lady who walked with us was great! I didn't ask for someone to come with me but in some respects I'm really glad that happened. We followed another horse and went on the road routes. I felt secure in the saddle today, not at all like the last fateful ride with him. His trots were beautiful and for the first two, my walker ran alongside me. By the last trot, I felt comfortable enough to trot by myself. My contact was incredible with him today. He has a very long stride so even though he may not be going very fast, he covers a lot of ground so half halts come in useful with him. My hands felt light and the contact springy. He was so responsive and this just proves the keyness of subtly with horses. I kept my hands light and the movement I was using was so slight and yet he responded far better than with a heavy hand. This also helped with my own relaxed state to. The girl taking this ride, as our usual RI wasn't there today, happened to be the poor girl who was on the last ride when I fell from Topaz. I did make her a solemn promise I'd do my best not to fall today. She was so glad I was getting back on him and said I was right to do it sooner rather than later. She asked, halfway through the ride if I was going to canter? It wasn't really a question but an I-Hope-you-are statement. I said I would definitely try but asked if my walker would come with me. I was glad she did, not that my confidence was half as bad as I thought it would be, but because I got some amazing feedback from her. I asked for a canter, and we got one stride. I know this both because I felt it and because she said he'd put a leg out to canter than stopped. Then another stride later on. The good thing was though that there was a good trotting time that I actually was sitting to the trot. I'd said before when after the fall, I'd gone on Bella and asked to do some sitting trots. They'd gone OK but I wasn't as in my seat and bounced about a little. On previous rides with Topaz, I'd often bounce around in the seat, especially as he has a significant bounce to his trot. But I didn't feel that today. And not once did I feel unbalanced, unsteady or even feel like reaching for his mane. I just sat it out. It was pretty incredible. I guess the fall really did make my bum sticky. I wasn't disappointed we didn't get a full blown canter. The fact he did two strides and I was sitting to the trot made me so happy. The fact I've done my first ride back on him and had a fantastic one was more than I could have asked. We got back to the yard and I led him in and untacked him. The girl walking with me, just stood back and let me get on with it. She didn't interfere and allowed me to get on with the job. I appreciate that so much. She commented how much he was listening to me. She obviously could see his ears moving as I spoke to him and she said for most of the ride he had his ears forward. Part of me wonders if the reason he didn't fully canter was him remembering our last ride. Maybe he needed a confidence boost with our partnership to. I think we both got that today. I feel in the oddest way, the fall off of him strengthened our bond not weakened it, if that makes any sense whatsoever at all. I truly loved being back on him today and he got a huge hug and just stood there being so quiet and patient as I dug out the polos. So thank you Topaz for a fabulous ride. I'll be back tomorrow as I'm doing another ride in the morning. Thanks for reading my philosophical dribble. Marie

Hand in Hoof, a partnership

I was slightly anxious this morning, not because I'm afraid of falling off again but I'm afraid of making an idiot out of myself. Falling off twice in two weeks is a joke if you're just hacking so I hoped I wouldn't but was excited to get to the yard anyway. I wanted to get on Shadow this week, partly because he's my comfort zone and partly because I haven't ridden him much lately. Maybe I should have gone for a more risky ride but it felt so super nice to get on that gorgeous, tall, white friend this morning. I wasn't certain there would be much riding as we've had heavy rainfall and areas are flooded in our area but I had heard nothing so was relieved when I got to the yard and normal business was in session. Shadow was fidgety this morning. Even when I put his bridle on but I led him out to the mounting block and was sitting in that familiar saddle, knowing my stirrups were absolutely right and felt so safe. We did the road route first today which I haven't done for a few weeks so that was nice. He was so forward and really full of energy, it was a pleasure to ride. At the beginning of our ride, his foot was apparently on an edge so my RI pulled him away. I think it must have had something to do with the rainfall as I don't remember it ever being an issue before. Because no one would tell me what was happening, my hands tightened which made things worse and then once that was over and we were in our first trot, the relaxed hands were back and my contact was amazing with him. I think most of us have that particular horse we find is our comfort zone. They know us and we know them. I think I've probably ridden him the most and so it s the exact reason for it. He and I work well together. There was a lot of boggy ground today and on the ground we could have sneaked onto was very busy with people and dogs so we had a lot of trotting work which now I think about it I could have practiced sitting trot. I guess I was just so happy to be in the saddle again. Mr Shadow was being good but was a little difficult to keep him in line as there were a lot of parked cars so one of the girls would run with me during trot. She also came with me during canter as it was a chriss cross through trees and not very long. I'm happy to say, I got a lovely canter out of him and best of all, I think my fall has drummed into my bum that I need to stick it to the saddle during canter. I went with him so well today, feeling my hips move with the rhythm and not once feeling off set or off balanced. I'm so glad I got that canter today. I think if I hadn't, I may have lost some confidence but I guess making the choice to ride my tall, white, faithful friend was one of my better decisions. The back lane was closed due to the water so no amazing canters on this ride. I got back to the yard, after many walks and trots and him listening so lovely and asked if I could ride him again. I was told to loosen his girth, tie up his reins so he could grab a quick break which I was happy to do. Amazing how I'm trusted now once I get off to lead them in and sort out their tack and stuff. I love that. I waited outside his stable, chatting to him and when it was time to mount, I led him out and tightened his girth and up I went into my faithful friend's saddle again. He was much more fidgety on this ride. I had a very impatient pony. I seriously think if we'd had good cantering grounds today, he would have been off in some fabulous canters. We took the farm route this time and I was following another horse again with no leader. I love these rides. Not that the girls aren't lovely but it is just me and the horse and the sense of freedom I get from that is incredible. The decisions are all mine and most of the time I get those right. Our trots were slightly less forward for the first half of this hack but I highly suspect the route may have had something to do with it. I guess horses get as bored as we do. I know my guide dog, if we're doing the same routes, day in and day out, he's much more ploddy than if we change it up a little. I bet horses, being the intelligent creatures that they are get the same way. This hack had no cantering on it at all but I just enjoyed being with my lovely Shadow and getting some real bonding time. My RI was busy with a lot of the other riders as they were beginners and needed a lot of feedback whereas I don't think I got any corrections on this ride. I had a perfectly responsive pony minus the few times he tried to sneak a snack. Too bad Shadow, I know you too well now and can stop that before it happens. He didn't get one munch under my watch. heehee. I put him back in his stable and gave him lots of cuddles and felt the lovely warmth from my heart that I have for this horse. He's a pleasure to know and I just feel I have some kind of connection with him which is beautiful. I guess being around him shows me the beauty of what human and horse relationships are. So until next week, Thanks for reading, Marie

Bouncing Back On Bella

So, after my fantastic fall, from the lovely Topaz yesterday, I hopped on my lovely bay beauty, Bella after filling in relative paperwork for dopey gits like me. I am glad, in he-insight that I rode Bella straight after Topaz for a variety of reasons. It meant my rides this weekend didn't end on the ground, but by dismounting the correct way and it also meant, my body could recover today. Oddly enough, the side I landed on isn't hurting at all but my God, right shoulder and hip are giving me some grief today. Anyway, my injuries aside, I mounted Bella, without hesitation and walked and trotted happily on her. She was raring to go which was nice. My usual RI took this ride and it was nice we could joke about my impressive fall. She says, I was practicing my rolling off horses. I laughed and felt easier about things. On our canters, or should I say attempted canters, she had me follow another rider but Bella was not quite there yesterday and in truth, maybe I wasn't either but she had a spark and I was pleased with that. I asked if I could practice sitting trot and my RI agreed and even gave some pointers how to sit in my seat. I had a little success but as we didn't have a lot of opportunity, I had limited chances to practice. However, what I achieved was progress so I was happy with that. I managed to walk back to the yard, being unaided by anything but my own ears and Bella was listening the whole while to me. I found it curious, whenever my RI would walk alongside us, Bella would turn her head toward her and head-but her. Yet, when she and I were alone, she walked beautifully. It's almost sometimes like the horses are saying, hey, leave us alone, we can do this. Shadow won't canter if someone's leading us and yet he'll canter off beautifully if its just him and I, unless I'm doing something to prevent it. I'd love to know what these amazing creatures think sometimes. I know what Topaz would have thought yesterday I reckon. Hey, where did my rider go. Oops, I lost her. Oh well, she should have been in her seat more. Serves her right. :) Well, I cannot wait to get back to the yard again next week and see what adventures I can get up to. Thanks for reading Marie

I'm A Real Rider Now

It was definitely overcast and miserable this morning but not chucking it down so I happily toddled off to the yard, still in waterproofs, I do not trust this British weather. I was glad I did wear them this morning. I chose to ride Topaz first today. And just prayed it wouldn't rain hard if it did decide to rain on our way around the ride. I mounted, then someone realised he had the wrong saddle on. I did not tack him up I hasten to add so off I jumped, they changed the saddle and up I went again. He was pretty well behaved today and I followed other riders without a walker or leader which was excellent. I felt a little strange getting back into his rhythm but half way through the first trot, I had it in stride again. I always forget how bouncy this tall, 16.1 HH horse is. My contact in my reins felt so elastic today and I loved having that great contact with him! He was edging to the left quite a lot in this ride and I'm not sure why. Whenever I checked my reins, they were equal. I did feel though that my right stirrup was a tad shorter but it had been too long before we set off so I changed it. I'm not sure if this was effecting me and in turn effecting him. On the cobbles, he was slow but so was the other big horse behind us. Nothing too uneventful. He was listening and doing as I asked so a very pleasant ride and no rushing, just very controlled and happy. On the back lane, I confessed to the girl taking this ride, it wasn't my usual RI, that I didn't think I'd get a canter as the past few times I've been trying so hard so she just gave me a few pointers and off he and I went in a very forward canter. I was so pleased!!!! And then it happened. I'm really not sure how. Possibly that right stirrup, possibly me just not in my seat and over balancing too much but I tried to regain my balance, failed, and dropped from the 16.1 HH of cantering horse. It happened so fast, I heard him canter on a few steps then stop. I'm not sure if someone had caught him, or if he'd stopped in confusion. I hit my hip slightly and did hit my head on the floor but was up as fast as I was down. The poor girl taking our ride was mortified I'd fallen off while she was in charge but I reassured her I was fine. My main concern was Topaz. She was very concerned about me but I felt fine and not even winded in the slightest. She asked if I wanted to get back on, and I said I didn't think I could, not because I didn't want to but because he's so big. So she offered a leg up and I was quickly back in his saddle. I wasn't afraid or put off. It's a fact of riding I've long since accepted and considering I've been riding for two years and this is my first fall, I don't think I've done too bad. I did have to fall off our biggest horse during a very forward canter though, didn't I? ;) We got back to the yard and he got a lot of cuddles and polos. Nice hot soak for me tonight though. I'll split this blog as I did with last week's and catch you up with my second ride on Bella tomorrow. Until tomorrow, Thanks, Marie

Super Soggy Part 2

I told you guys how my first ride went yesterday so here I pick up the tale of my second ride. Seen as I chose to ride the pretty mare first, I asked to ride my lovely Shadow for my next ride. Shadow and I are old friends and I rarely have someone walk with me on him any more. This was the case yesterday. We started at the front but I quickly got moved behind someone else which I personally cannot say I am surprised about. I cannot, without being able to see know where the straight line is on a hack and keep him to the centre of it. I find following another horse much easier. Evidently, Shadow and I were all over the place as I couldn't give him the direction he needed from me so another rider and horse went in front of us. Things improved considerably from that point onward. Our trots were lovely and forward. I love getting back on this horse every time I do as its like a familiar partnership that hasn't changed. He's responsive to me and minus the few times he was getting impatient and I had to ask him to stand up, he was very well behaved. We went on the field, only a narrow strip of it, and I didn't even click we would be cantering, so I asked for a trot and was made to come back. My RI, said it was rubbish, which if I'd realised we were supposed to be cantering, I can see her point. I laughed and said I didn't realise and had asked for a trot.So, we tried again and I got a little bit of one but was for some odd reason pulling back on him. We all turned around and tried again, I asked for a pet talk. Just to make it fresher in my head. I gave with my seat, gave a squeeze with my lower leg and off we went in a few strides. I know exactly what's happening with me and its annoying but I think I may have solved it. When I'm really thinking, must get this horse to canter, I'm putting pressure on myself and therefore physically tensing and getting nothing. With the pretty mare, who needs very little from me, I know that and am relaxed when I ask but some of the school horses I know sometimes I don't get it and so putting the pressure on myself is making the circle a vicious one. A few more wonderful trots and I learnt something very interesting yesterday. My RI was walking alongside Shadow and I and blew into his nose and he blew back, I thought it was cruel as you all know, if you have dogs, that dogs hate you blowing in their face but apparently, this is a lot how horses communicate. I love learning new things like that! So an another trot and off we went to the back lane. My RI said to wind him up a little and so I halted him and kept squeezing to ask for him to go and he immediately began to fidget. And off we went when I asked, in a beautifully, forward, canter. I felt like I was flying on him. I don't know how it looked but it felt great. Something my RI said to me yesterday, which was good, was that my upper body is looking great in walk, trot and canter, only if my heels come up do my elbows come out. So jelly legs need working on to prevent tension and no more pressure on myself. Just no thinking and lets go. That's what happened in our last canter yesterday. I didn't think and I just asked and he gave beautifully. I'm finally learning, that its more about feel than thinking with horses. :) Thanks for reading, Marie

Super Soggy Part 1

If anyone, like me, saw the drizzly excuse of our British summer here this morning, and thought to themselves, I'd rather stay in doors, I cannot blame you. Those thoughts ran through my head. Do I really want to go riding in this awful weather? I've ridden in all kinds of weather and pride myself on not being a fair weather rider. I often tease my dad that horse riders are much tougher than golfers, as that's his choice of hobby as many Sunday mornings while the rain is pelting down, dad stays in bed while I trek off to the yard in water proofs. But despite my feeling of yuck, it's pouring with rain, I got ready and headed up to the yard, clad in my water proofs. It hardly relented the whole time I was there today. I was one of the first there so had the choice of all the ponies, when asked, I asked to ride Shadow, and then someone's voice, who I know to be the lovely Magic's owner said, "are you having a change today? You're not riding Magic?" I didn't know she was there so I asked if I could change. I enjoy riding this horse very much as she's teaching me not all horses are relatively well mannered school horses and she challenges me a lot. I'm still being lead quite a lot with her and usually by her owner which I find is quite useful as I gain an insight into this lovely horse's regular behaviours. So as the skies seemed to drain heavily of their rain clouds, I mounted and sat there for what seemed like forever waiting for all the other riders to be mounted. All I can say is, thank goodness for whoever invented waterproof clothing! Getting up the hill on the farm hack was more than a chore today. She was being very strong willed and despite using half halts, she was not being very helpful to our leader. Our trots were very nice although she seemed slightly half asleep on the first few but I highly suspect being cold and wet could have had something to do with it. Because they're saving the fields for hay growing, our usual big field is closed off to us so the only canter we got was on the back lane. It was very nice and collected today. Even though she was being a handful on the cobbles, rushing herself quite a lot and hardly listening to begin with, eventually there was some level of control gained by myself and the girl taking this ride as she took over from her owner, she was being so strong.But by the end of this ride, despite my hands in the beginning slipping a lot on the reins, I did feel I had better contact with her. I decided, as wet as I was, I'd do another ride today and save getting wet tomorrow too. Which in retrospect is probably a good idea as my riding hat is still soaked. I will blog about my second half of the ride tomorrow. Thanks for reading, Marie

Enjoyable Ride

I decided to have a very relaxed ride and enjoy it thoroughly today and I was so happy that was exactly what I got. I rode the pretty mare today who I am falling in love with more and more each time I ride her. The nice thing was, today I had her owner walk with us. This pretty pony was not as excitable as a few weeks ago but she was still very forward. Trots were very collected and when we went onto the field so were her canters! It was a pleasure to ride her today. Even on the back lane where we have on some occasions failed to get a canter, had a beautiful one that was so collected and I was so in my seat I was ultimately proud of myself. Always nice to ride well on someone else's horse when they can see it as opposed to you riding very badly on their horse. Something I've been realising the past few weeks is the pure difference between riding school horses and non riding school horses. And I know which I prefer. When we got back to the yard, I actually filled a hay net by myself to give to Bella as she had little hay in her stable. I like to be useful and the more I do the more confident I feel about myself and the better I get about doing the things around the yard. I thoroughly enjoyed this ride today which was my main goal. Thanks for reading, Marie

Happy, Sunny, Days

After yesterday's lovely ride on Bella, I chose to ride her for my first ride today. She'd just been in a jumping lesson but she was raring to go. I was following behind another pony today and didn't have a walker or a leader. This has helped to increase my confidence again which is great for me. Our trots were beautiful and forward and I felt she was really listening to me again. I had full control of her as I had no leader or walker so it was entirely down to me to get her to follow the other horses. We didn't get a canter but I was not dismayed in the slightest. My RI said the energy she had was great and I was doing really well on her. Once back at the yard, there was a vote on who I should ride next and Shadow won the vote. Yes, my gorgeous, tall, white friend is back in work and my goodness, it was amazing to be back on his back and working together. His trots were beautiful and even got him into canter. I was super happy. Even on the back lane where he didn't canter, which was more to do with me rather than him, I couldn't have cared less. I had two very enjoyable rides on two amazing horses who I hold dearly to me. The best thing was that Bella is listening more and more and Shadow and I seemed to just slip back to our old team work. Fabulous day and all under the sunny skies of England! :) Thanks for reading, Marie

Beautiful Ride With Bella

It has been baking in the UK this week so I wasn't expecting much from today's ride except a lovely walk and maybe a few nice trots and lots of sweaty ponies. When I got there, there was only bella left which was more than OK with me but I did think to myself, gotta put extra work into little Miss this morning. She can be a stubborn mare at times and only do what she wants to. But how pleasantly surprised I was to ride up hill on her with forward steps and very little of my asking today. Our first trot started well then she decided we were done. I kicked on but nothing else was going to happen. I virtually was on my own with her today as I've often been. Another nice walk and a further trot then down the cobbles where she can be a pain. She wasn't. Tried to do her own thing, put my legs on and she realised we were not playing games. At the bottom of the cobbles, a great trot that lasted all the distance. I was so happy as she had been a pure dream for me today in the sunshine. On the back lane, I seriously was not expecting to canter. If you remember, she's the one horse famous at our yard to be difficult to get into canter. I rode by myself, as I have on most of that ride and canter we did. Admittedly only for two strides but this is only the second time I have gotten beautiful Bella to canter for me at all. I was mighty proud and gave her lots of cuddles when we got to the yard. I was going to ride again but plans changed so hopefully riding twice tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it as the weather has given good again tomorrow. Happy hacking! Marie

SPEED!

I was very close to not going to the yard today. I did feel a little dispirited this morning over my riding. I didn't think yesterday had got to me but it really had. I just felt a pure lack of out of control yesterday and with my recent escapades with some of the other horses, I've felt a pure lack of confidence. But sitting in my kitchen, eating crunchy nut cornflakes, I gave myself a good talking to. "You are not giving up! You're better than that! You get back on that horse and show them you're in charge." A good few words from some great horsey people reminded me down times have to exist in order to appreciate the good and having a bad day is normal along with learning many different horses. Without all of my experiences, good and bad, I'd never become an all rounded rider. So I went and dressed and headed up to the yard with a positive attitude. I asked if I could ride Kenny, despite having a mixture of choice. Kenny's the lovely coloured gelding that I felt very unnerved on for some time. His bouncy gait used to make me feel unsafe. I put on his bridle and lead him to the mounting block. Once mounted, and off on the ride, following beautiful Bella. His walk and trot were lovely. Forward. The first trot was a little ploddy but I quickly got him forward which was nice. He wasn't leaning on my hands and despite a few failed canters, I got one eventually and I was so in my seat which pleased me greatly!!!! We headed back and I felt my spirits lifted and decided to get back on the lovely Magic and see if I could get her more together and listening to me today. She was a live wire today. Her walks and trots were collected and forward. I do love her trots so much. I had someone on hand but for a lot of the walk and trotting I just had someone around or running alongside which was a huge improvement. She can be very fidgety and something I learnt today was to relax my hands more with her as she is very soft in the mouth and my tensing was not helping her in the least. Once I got that in my head she was a little more calm and collected and not trying to go wherever she wanted. Yesterday, she tried to follow the girl I was with but without someone walking alongside us for some of this route, she was listening to me more and we were following another horse to begin with until later on when she decided it would be better to head in front which the RI okayed. The canters you ask? Oh well, they were speedy. At some points, I wasn't sure she was going to stop despite me putting the breaks on. Dude, where's my breaks kept popping into my head. But feeling bad for the girl running with us, I loved the speed and the feeling of her canters. I was so in my seat and I think that was part of the reason we kept going and going. That was a nice feeling but obviously her lack of listening during canter was not so great. My RI told me to use half halts as she was rushing herself. I swear a slight nudge may have made her go into gallop, that was one mighty fast canter, and I'll safely say the fastest canter I've ever experienced. The tough thing I found, was told today to keep hands relaxed and I know she's soft in the mouth and despite using my knees and thighs to try and stop her, she just wasn't willing to stop. Do others find this happens if the horse is in a particular mood? Anyway, our second canter, I was doing on, off,on off, with my half halts and yet she was still going, going, going, at some incredible speed. Another rider who was walking today with her sister who was riding, told me she didn't know how I stayed on. But I do. I stayed on because I kept going with her, stayed in my seat and kept my balance. After we got off of the field, we went for another trot and then just walked where we were now in front. The girl walking with me wandered to talk to our RI I think and the girl behind me who often leads but was on horse back today was chatting to me and directed me to turn right down the cobbles. I managed the horse much better today and she was listening to me more even when our walker was alongside me. Another great trot and then to the back lane where until yesterday this gorgeous mare had never cantered for me. But today was different. And the canter was collected and no where near as fast as before. We had a break into a trot, then back to canter which was amazing! I loved it!!!! Today just proved to me, push through it and you'll get there. I reeked the rewards and despite losing the breaks, it was a good experience. I need to work on the control in canter with her and work on my breaking technique with a horse that's sensitive in her mouth as she is. Too much tension on the reins and she gets narky and dances around understandably. I had fun though today and felt like despite our breaking issues I made some progress on this pony and even on the lovely Kenny who we all nicknamed King Kenny today as I have ridden him much less than the others at the yard. So a totally different feel today. Thanks for reading, Marie

Shaky Start

Last weekend was tipping seriously toward me being very unhappy with my riding progress again. I probably focussed on more negative things than I should have but I am admittedly, a perfectionist. Today, I had the choice of any horse I'd normally ride except Shadow. He's sadly still lame. So I chose to ride Magic. The ride overall was not my best but I think I've discovered my problem. I've been feeling really low on energy since my operation and then the lack of eating properly so that coupled with a variety of things has made me just not very energetic. This morning started off feeling too much like last weekend in the saddle. The horse was following the girl who walked with us today which didn't help me much and my first trot was abysmal. I was being reminded of things I should know so well. The second trot was better and she was more collected but lacked some speed. Some of my issues on this lovely girl is I'm a little afraid to put too much pressure on for trot as it was windy today and I didn't fancy her taking off into canter like she did on my last windy ride with her. So I lacked some zest which emulated in her, quite understandably. I truly believe I've had a confidence knock so bossy me tomorrow is coming back with a vengeance. Our third trot was great and I kept her going. The attempt at canter was rubbish and I know this is a total self fulfilling prophesy thing. I know she hasn't cantered on the back lane for me ever, so in my head, I give her nothing because I expect nothing. After a lecture from my RI, I did it again and got a nice canter out of her. I was more in my seat but not as seamless as I would like yet. But definitely getting there considering how tense I was by the end. I'm getting tense because I'm getting annoyed with myself. I'll definitely be working harder tomorrow with much more confidence and energy. We did have a moment when we got back to the yard and waiting to dismount, A piece of plastic flew, scaring Topaz who Magic saw getting worked up so then she started dancing around so a quick dismount from me. Phew, that could have ended badly. After the ride, I asked if I could go and see Shadow. I miss him so much. I was allowed to and then asked to brush him. So I got to spend a whole 45 minutes just chilling with Shadow in his stable, giving him some TLC and lots of grooming. If anyone follows me on twitter, I did an audio boo of it. Thanks for reading guys, Marie

One Step Forward and Three steps back

I was determined today would be the day I cantered with a good seat on the lovely Welsh section D if I was able to ride her. When I arrived at the yard though, I was asked why there wasn't a brush in my hand to brush a pony. I got one and headed toward Harry and gave him a good brush. His mane was totally out of control and he looked like he had had a rough night on the town. I attempted to tame it but alas, it was not for taming so Harry had a bad hair day. I had hoped to ride Shadow also today as I was doing two rides but he became lame again yesterday. So I asked if I could ride Magic and I could. She wasn't as fast today but she apparently has lost a shoe. I don't know if she had lost it yesterday or not but she was walking fine and we cantered on the field pretty good. I was amazed how well I stayed in my seat. A fellow horse rider had suggested I open my knees slightly during cantering on her as she'd felt it helped in her riding of this particular breed. I tried that today and it really worked so thanks Debz. :) When we trotted she wasn't as smooth as she kept dipping slightly on the foot with no shoe. But managed to keep her in rhythm and she did fantastically. I was pleased how well this ride had gone. My aim to canter her and have a good seat really came together today. I wished I'd had her second today. I chose to ride Topaz second and this did not start off so badly. I'm probably actually making more of a thing about this than altogether necessary. He was slightly ploddy on his trots. Nothing like he was last week so my RI said she wanted him more forward. I got that with him. Sadly, cantering was just not happening. He was ploddy because I wasn't giving him enough spark. My legs were non existent, according to my RI after the ride I was tense and not relaxed. I was pulling back on his reins and all the things I should have left behind a long time ago. You cannot believe the level of frustration I felt after this ride today. All I thought I'd got past has come back to haunt me. Even my RI gave me a slight talking to after the ride and said that I should stop worrying about it and relax. I've been riding horses, I.E., the Welsh Section D who need much less from me to get them going and with all this tension I'm not even going to get a slight anything. I guess it's true what they say, never get complacent. I'm just so annoyed that a horse I've ridden five times, and has a slightly bouncier canter than most I ride is getting a better performance out of me than a horse I've ridden more. It isn't like i've not ridden Topaz in a while, I rode him last week. True, he was better behaved today it was just me having the terrible time of it. Poor pony! I'm starting to wonder what I'm doing here? Seriously don't think I'll ever get past this point. Thanks for reading guys, Marie

Canter! canter!

I ordered some new long riding boots this week from the UK Equestrian shop, Robinson's. I've been wanting some long boots for a while now since I new this equestrian dream was panning out but I'm reluctant to buy some gorgeous leather ones online as I have big calves and struggle getting into knee length boots at the best of times. So I'd physically need to try them on before buying. While on the website though, I came across some long boots that have knitted tops so they accommodate the bigger calf so I decided to invest a whole £8.99 as they were on sale. They arrived this morning and so I wore them to the yard today. Verdict? I love them! The sun was sort of shining but there was a chilly wind today so coat was kept on. I arrived to the yard to discover that Shadow is doing much better and is getting there and was allowed out on rides today. I did not choose to ride him though as I made the decision to work on my seat on bouncier horses. I opted for the pretty, Welsh Section D. I've started to fall in love with. And although I was expecting a routine ride today, I did not get one. We walked up the hill then our incredibly huge ride was split into two. The more capable riders who are slightly more advanced and the riders who still need much more. I had a leader today as the pretty mare I ride is a lot of work and not being a school pony is much more lively. We lead the group and on the field were asked to canter. No trots to warm up, straight from the walk up the hill to a canter. I'd asked Hay Net's agony aunt for advice as you guys know last week and today really put the advice into practice. I attempted to feel like my legs weren't on the end of my body and my first canter was beautiful! I really kept in my seat and went with her so well. Our RI today decided today would be the day we cantered, cantered and cantered some more. And we did. Some of my next canters started off rocky then I got into the seat again. I now see what I'm doing so much more which is helping as I can correct it when I'm doing it. This ride today truly helped me conquer some of my cantering issues on bouncier ponies. I seem to tense up my legs instead of loosening them and grip the saddle with my upper thighs which then pushes me up out of the seat. It makes sense now I had all that time to see what is going wrong. And as soon as I feel it, I let the legs go floppy and I can find my seat again. Its a great improvement! I just need to ensure the leg tensing doesn't happen at all but nice to know exactly what is going on so I can work on it. I'm not a crap rider after all, I just need to relax and love it more, just like I do on the smoother gaited horses. The one trick I did which I'm not sure is text book but worked, was stick my legs out a little to the side, away from the horse's side. This did enable me to be more in my seat and give me the ability to still keep my heels down and balance great. We did around six or seven canters today, one after the other and this truly gave me the insight I needed and gave me ample chance to find my seat so much more. On the last two canters, my RI said we were going to work on my trust. She had one of the other riders go in front and I had to canter after her. This excited me so much as yesterday I read about Peter Charles, a British International show jumper leading a blind rider around a show jumping course and that is how it is done. That makes me so excited! When we were walking back to the yard, I told my RI about it and she said, that'll be you one day. I laughed but knowing she thinks its possible, not necessarily competitively but knowing she didn't dismiss it made me smile. On our last attempt at an independent canter, my seat was awesome, but we were veering a little and pretty little miss decided that she was going another way. But I managed to stop her and turn her around. The peg like grip with knees and thighs helped with the reins to stop her today and she realised I wasn't playing games. Its good I'm being given challenging ponies as it means I can learn how to handle anything. :) So all in all, my normally predictable ride turned out to be anything but predictable. Thanks for reading as always, Marie

Spring is Back

What a beautifully sunny day it was here this morning. I even stripped off my coat to ride in a thin hooded sweat shirt. I opted to ride Topaz. I've not ridden him since our rain incident a few weeks ago and I knew I should get on him to ensure I wasn't feeling nervous or anything. Nerves were non existent as was Topaz's energy this morning. I tried going but he was not giving me much at all today. I felt really unbalanced in his trots as they were so ploddy. Cantering was almost non existent but got a small one eventually. I just felt I was putting so much in and getting nothing back. Maybe he wanted Sunday off work, who knows? By the end of this ride I felt depleted and was in pretty low spirits. When asked who I wanted to ride I said a faster horse. Shadow and Bella and Kenny are all lame so fingers crossed they get better soon so the choices were limited. I rode the pretty mare that I've only ridden twice before. She was full of beans but I had her in good control. My trots on her were amazing today. The girl walking with me as we were in lead file said I look good in trot on her which was a lovely compliment. She is very light on the leg so a little squeeze and off we went into canter. Unlike on Topaz today where I felt I was flying around in the saddle, on this pretty girl, I was mostly in my seat and the crazy part is she's much bouncier than Topaz is. Go figure right? On my first canter, my RI said I was going with her in the beginning, then lost it in the middle and got it back again. So on the next canter she wanted me in my seat and going with her from the start to the finish. I posted a post on Lorraine's agony aunt's page yesterday as I'm struggling keeping my seat on bouncier ponies at the minute. I thought about what her advice was, making it feel like I had no legs. Amazingly, my weight just seemed to fall into my heels even though I was trying not to do anything with my legs, just sitting deeper into the saddle. I leaned consciously further back as Maddi had suggested and this all seemed to help. Wasn't even holding my saddle today as I felt a little more confident with her. Maybe the horse I rode yesterday, I might try the holding the saddle and pushing away rather than pulling towards me as Lorraine suggested but we'll see who I ride next week. My second canter was absolutely in sync and it felt a lot better. Only third time riding this pretty girl and so I was pleased with my progress. I love her trots, so quick and prancy. She was a good ride after the hard work I had to do with the gorgeous Topaz this morning. She's actually becoming really comfortable for me to ride. Who knew, a Welsh section D would make it onto my maybe the breed of pony I might want to look into getting. Back at the yard, I untacked and gave Topaz and Magic their polos. Then I went to visit the stable bound ponies. Bella seemed a bit down today whereas Shadow was all over me. He finished off the polos and got lots of nice cuddles and kisses from him. All under a lovely sunny sky this morning. Thanks for reading guys, Marie

Riding Royalty and Foal update

Sadly, my gorgeous Shadow is still lame, visited him after my ride today and boy was he sulking. A few cuddles and a few polos seemed to cheer him up though. Another of my favourite ponies is also lame, the lovely bay beauty, AKA Bella had a nasty accident with a wire this week and so is all bandaged and on rest. She got cuddles today too bless her. So pony choice was slightly limited today, understandably. I was given the options of the pretty mare I've ridden for the past two Saturdays, the tall, handsome Topaz or another new pony. Yes, another unfamiliar steed. I did ask for Topaz as I haven't ridden him since our rain episode and I figured I should get on him and have a positive ride sooner rather than later. But due to one thing and another, I ended up riding the new pony. This is a horse who lives with the pretty mare who is owned by one of the girls at our yard so not a school pony. He's 14.2 and very quick. I say royalty as his name is a very royal title. He's lovely but very light in the mouth so contact took a bit to adjust. He was also quite fidgety so I had to be very bossy with him. We followed another horse on this ride and I was amazed I didn't have a leader or walker even, just me and the new pony. His trots are very quick, like his walk is quick too but I really got into his stride so quickly. A bit of playing on his bit made him listen. My RI had told me he's very bouncy and although I didn't find this too much in walk and trot, canter was a different issue. I bounced out of my saddle. His gait is very bouncy in canter and so on the second try of canter, my RI ran with me and told me to hold my saddle instead of holding both reins with my hand. I said I felt I was taking a step back to which she reassured me and said I was just adjusting to a new horse's very bouncy canter. Most of the horses I choose to ride have very smooth gaits and so I find it easier to go with them but this horse, along with a few others, I really need to go with so much more. I know I'll get it as I never used to be able to go with horses like Shadow or Topaz but now I can. My RI, says no more Mr nice guy, bouncy horses are in my future to get me solely used to the bounce especially in canter. First ride on this lovely boy and she was on our second trot yelling, "which diagonal are you on," to which I responded the right and she yelled "correct". That pleased me a lot. He was a little hard work, and really testing me. I'd ask him to halt and then he'd fidget but not sure if that was because he knew I was a new rider and was testing me or something else. My RI told me to really move my legs off of his side during halt but even this didn't work sometimes. It was definitely a very interesting and productive ride. News on our foal, as promised. His name. Drum roll please? ________________ SAMSON! I think he's going to grow into such a handsome and regal and wise horse. That's what that name sums up to me. Anyway, providing no horrific weather tomorrow, I'll be back to tell you how that all goes. Off to a party at my house now so hope everyone has a fab Saturday with their horses. Thanks Marie

A Blustery Ride

The wind seemed to come from absolutely no where this morning. I woke up and the winds had descended. Dad gave me a ride to the yard and I arrived to learn that my lovely Shadow was lame so I couldn't ride him today. I asked if he was in his stable, he was so I went and gave him many cuddles. He seemed a little down in the dumps bless him. I'd chosen to ride the pretty mare I'd rode last Saturday. I mounted her and had her owner with me again today. We took the farm hack this week and I wasn't sure how I'd handle the ride as I was in hospital for a wisdom tooth being removed on Monday so have had anaesthetic and lots of pain relief. I was pleasantly surprised though and managed to sit in the saddle with little issue. I felt very comfortable and in sync with this quick, prancing pony. We were in lead today as she's quite a fast horse and was full of beans. I asked for a trot and got more than I bargained for. Canter! On the path, nooooo! Slowed her to a trot and then halt. Everyone was concerned but I was just like, is she OK? She was fine, standing there like it was the most normal thing in the world, didn't even ask that much for a trot either but Missy thought it was fun to canter on and stood there like butter wouldn't melt. We went onto the field and got another good canter, this time I asked for it. I need to go with her a lot more as her gait is so short and fast but I've only ridden her twice and need to relax into her gait a lot more. We did another trot and this was much more in control and my rhythm was spot on on this trot. Down the cobbles and had a chat with her owner. She asked if her horse was the fastest I'd ridden, I said she probably was and she asked if I liked fast or slow horses, I said I liked fast horses as crazy as that must sound not being able to see. She laughed and said yes but if that's what I liked. It was nice to chat about which horses I liked to ride and why, it gave me a clearer idea of what I like in a horse and what I would be looking for when I eventually loan or buy my own horse. I concluded I like fast horses but don't mind horses with long yet slower gaits. I don't particularly enjoy slow, ploddy horses, as I feel I'm forever getting them to go. This may sound crazy to you guys but I can't help what I like. I also said I like horses that are lighter on the leg aids and light in the mouth. But not too light. Fussy? Maybe. After the cobbles which this particular horse handles nicely as she walks so prancy, you hardly know you're on the cobbles as some of our riding school horses drag their hooves and you have to push on harder with your legs to stop them tripping by keeping them in a forward walk. A last trot which was beautiful! I was totally in her rhythm and I really enjoy her trot now I have mastered the rhythm of it. On the back lane and got her into a canter. My RI asked to lean back and go with her a bit more, I did this and we had about 3 or 4 strides and then she trotted and I lost a stirrup. Her owner thinks the caravan that is parked along the back lane is not to her taste and spooks her a little. Apparently,she doesn't like the back lane oh so much so I didn't really mind that we hadn't got a good canter. I did feel a little unseated after losing that stirrup but didn't fall. The wind made it tough today hearing much so I was glad of someone with me not just because I'm riding an unfamiliar pony but to assist me a little too. We arrived back to the yard and I helped to untack her and gave her a polo. She is such a sweet horse. I really enjoy riding her. Thanks for reading and until tomorrow, Marie

Drenched and testy Ponies

I picked today to do two rides. And it definitely felt like April today with the sharp showers we experienced. I asked to ride Topaz at first and helped to brush and tack him up. I was having bridle issues today. Not sure how I got it backwards but there you go. I mounted him and we were in lead file so had someone walking with me. He was full of energy and our trots were fabulous and my diagonals were bang on! I'm so pleased these are coming along nicely. It felt slightly strange having ridden a horse with a short stride and then riding my lovely long strided friend today but a different stride and gait is always good to get used to in my opinion. Our canters were good today. RI just advised I use seat to keep him going more but I was pleased on the two I got. Then, something bad happened! It started raining! And I don't mean drops of it, it poured. Poor pony got soaked as we didn't foresee such a down pour and had neglected to put an exercise sheet on. This started to give me trouble. Horse did not want to stand still. Wanted to do backing up, fidgeting and then walk into some trees. I did get rescued this time as I had no way of turning him. I never felt unsafe or scared during the time, felt weird going backwards but did manage to get him forward but then he wouldn't stop and we ended up in the trees. She backed him up for me and I was lead the rest of the way as he just was not listening and was in a pure rush to get home. Being part thoroughbred, his blood gets colder quicker I was told and once we got back, I helped untacking him and putting on coolers and a thin rug to dry him and help him warm up. He was shivering to get his body warm. I felt so bad for him. Poor Topaz's mane was dripping wet. I did ask after my second ride how he was and he was doing much better, in his stable rug and much warmer and happier again. This incident didn't put me off. I kept calm and knew that I would have to deal with this kind of thing at some point. And I have a lot of trust in the girl who was taking our ride, my usual instructor so I felt no need to worry or panic which I know if I had, would have only made the situation worse. I rode Shadow next. This horse has been out with me on countless occasions in the rain so I knew he would be fine. He had his exercise sheet on during our ride so he was much happier than poor Topaz had been. I decided, being a big brave girl today there was something I needed to attempt. I needed to mount my lovely white friend from the ground instead of a mounting block. If I was out hacking, and fell off, providing I could locate my horse again, I'd have to get back on without a mounting block so I figured I should try it. They lowered his stirrup to the lowest one, I only have little legs standing at 5,4 and even though it did make it slightly harder, I couldn't have reached the stirrup otherwise. I put my left hand on my reins and the front of the saddle, Right one on the back, and jumped up with a little push from my RI. Swung the leg over and in the saddle I went on this huge 15,3 horse. I swear he's bigger after today heehee. We lead again so had a leader, well walker. Trots started lovely and got my diagonals bang on again with him which is pleasing. Ground wasn't as great today and he wasn't as fond of going into canters on it either but got a short but nice one. After that canter though, and we had done about 4 trots too, he started to lose interest. Our last two trots were filled with effort and by that point, I felt the same way. Nearly time to head home? Yes,! No canter on the back lane so RI made me go back and try again. Got a few strides, he had had enough and at that point, I was so wet and cold, so had I. Time for him to go get some hay and for me to go home and change clothes. It was an interesting and yet cold ride today. I wish I could have done something more to help Topaz during my first ride but not sure, I did everything I was asked to do. Kind of feel, my sight let me down here as a sighted rider wouldn't have allowed him to go into the trees. So slightly disappointed there. Just glad he got home and got warm and Shadow was good overall too. I know I was slightly lacking in energy by that point too being so cold and wet but glad I had all those experiences. It really makes you think. So until next time, Thanks, Marie

New Horse

I arrived at the yard, in not a very pleasant mood. Been stressed out by the incompetence of our NHS but that aside, I was really looking forward to getting to the yard and seeing the horses! I got there and was given a choice of riding a familiar horse or riding an unfamiliar one. I opted to go for a new challenge. This particular horse belongs to one of the girls who helps out at our yard and she would be walking with me today whilst I rode her horse. I was obviously quite nervous of this fact but mounted the lovely mare and we lead the ride which seemed to be a very busy one this morning. The farm hack was our chosen route today and as soon as I asked her to walk on, the quick and prancy gait surprised me. She is a 15.3 HH of Welsh Section D and she has a really different gait to any horse I have ridden before. It feels like she really picks her hooves up and our RI said she's like a prancing pony. She really does feel that way. The first trot shocked me. She has a small gait and this took a while to get used to. By our last trot today I had her rhythm pretty accustomed. Onto the field and one of the other girls ran with me as this was the first time I'd ridden this horse and I got into a lovely canter. She has a bounce but a small stride so its quite unusual as its not like anything I've experienced so far but I really like her canter. Another canter which I didn't seem as in synch with her but it was OK. She was a very good girl and the second canter was longer. More trots and onto the back lane where they were lighting a fire and we just got a fast trot. I really enjoyed riding this horse and received a lovely compliment from her owner and regular rider, she commented on how she thinks I'm a good rider and that really makes me feel proud. I was riding her personal horse and she said she'd be happy for me to ride her again. How nice is that? I only did one ride today but it was a really amazing one. A great change and another kind of gait and horse to get used to. I'm loving it! :) Thanks for reading, Marie

Sunday's Ride: Back To Hard Work

I got my usual instructor back on Sunday and boy do my muscles know about it today? I'm not complaining, I loved every minute of it. And boy did those horses test me yesterday. I rode Topaz first, and he was being a very good boy. Lovely forward trots and the diagonals were back yesterday. I was sincerely out of practice having not done them on the past four or five rides but she had me back into the swing of them soon enough, keep yelling, "which diagonal are you on?" I eventually got them back. After our first trot, we had to turn around to go on the field on our first canter, The pony in front of us turned and then I put my right leg on and brought him round on it to turn him 180 degrees. The girl walking with me was amazed and said I'd turned him on a very small circle and she was pretty impressed. I think that's a good thing, right? I literally felt him turning around on my leg, it was a cool feeling. We went on the farm hacks on both rides on Sunday which I enjoyed. The first canter was lovely on him, so smooth and forward. I definitely prefer the smooth gait with a slight bounce like Topaz's or Shadow's very smooth gait. I had someone walking with me on this ride but she didn't need to do much in all honesty. Just was there, just in case. More trotting and another canter on the field which was more prolonged and energetic. Down the cobbles and along to the back lane where the hard work began. He was not cantering, he'd got it into his pretty head that he was the king of the world and was not cantering for me. So as the other pony had basically had the same idea, our instructor made us come back and try again. Go back? Forget that, Topaz thought to himself and so he and I got into our biggest battle. He was not turning, he was going home to his hay. Yes, Topaz, you are turning, I will make sure of it. My instructor didn't come to assist, just told me to keep being bossy, don't let him win. And he didn't. I have to say, a 16.1 HH of half a ton of horse beneath me, refusing to do what I asked was slightly unnerving, all that fidgeting, all that, no, no, don't make me go, and then the ultimate feeling of whoohoo, he did what I asked made me smile. So we tried again, fast, fast, trot, oooh, maybe I'll canter, nah, I won't and we were done. I was not at all disappointed, he tested me today and I did win the biggest battle. I did a second ride on Sunday on the gorgeous gelding called Kenny who I rarely ride. He has a very bouncy gait and he's my instructor's favourite. He's the lovely one who likes to lean on your hands if you let him. I'm glad to say, he doesn't do it with me now as he's realised that he can't. I mounted him and was waiting around in the sunshine a while as we were waiting for some other riders. We were so short of leaders yesterday, my instructor even had to lead. I was on the ride with two adults who needed leaders and a little girl who my instructor was leading. I was basically told I'd be on my own completely on this ride. I was not bothered by this in the least! After chilling on a very impatient pony after around twenty minutes, in the glorious spring sunshine, we set off. I was bringing up the rear to begin with but Kenny decided Bella, who was in lead who we call his girlfriend was better to be behind. My instructor allowed this as I could hear Bella's hooves better anyway. A lovely walk up the hill and then a nice forward trot, still being asked, "which diagonal?" I found it slightly easier on him, maybe because he has a bouncier gait and its more pronounced, I'm not sure. Then onto the field for a canter. Another horse that decided it was the day to test me. We didn't get one but I wasn't altogether surprised. This was the first time I'd ridden him without a walker or leader at all so the trust must have taken a slight dip. I patted him all the same and continued to test my diagonals on some trots. On some dirt track, I found it slightly harder to hear Bella's hooves and was asked to watch my distance so I slowed him up. My contact did feel slightly different. As I have said, he leans, and so when you pick up contact, it seems hard to me to judge if I've got good contact initially or he's leaning. Onto the last field and a squeeze, trot, another squeeze and canter. It was a good one but I really had forgot how bouncy he was and needed to go with him more. But after this, as its the first canter I've done independently on this horse, and with it being my instructor's favourite one, she gave me the best compliment. She said, I'm really a confident rider and I'm improving every time she sees me ride and she's very pleased with me. I did beam a little inside. This is a horse I have probably rode much less than Shadow, Bella and Topaz and with it being her favourite too, that just meant so much more. Lots of nice pats and some lovely chats, I feel more like I'm on autopilot in walk these days, keeping an ear to the horse in front but being able to enjoy the rides out. I guess I should enjoy them as when I start lessons, I know that's going to be a pure half an hour of solid hard work. :) Thanks for reading. Marie

Saturday's Ride

Saturday's ride was uneventful and part of me was considering not going at all. I've been full of the evil cold all week and if it had been raining when I'd left the house, I might have not left at all. But went to the yard anyway. So I chose to ride Shadow yesterday. The weather was such a mixed bag and I was not feeling as energised so my lovely, trusted, white companion was just what I needed. We didn't have our usual instructor again but it was still a very good ride. Managed to get in two canters. My trots were forward and he really was giving me an easy time of it. I felt slightly off balance in my first trot and canter yesterday but considering my left ear has been gunged up all week, I wasn't overly surprised by this. So the first canter was pretty abysmal to be honest. My second canter was lovely on him. He was so good and forward. The level of confidence I have on him is just so incredible to me. The girl who took us out had a walker with me but even the girl walking with me was insistent I didn't need anyone holding onto Shadow in walk, trot, or canter. A horse in front of us spooked a little and Shadow obviously reacted but I had it under control. The girl taking the ride asked the younger girl walking with me to hold onto him. She did and quickly discovered how much Shadow did not like this. It was almost like he was saying, "hey, she has it under control! We're a team, but out!" :) I was pleased I'd rode him and we even saw a rainbow as the rain and sunshine were in a batter yesterday. A nice quiet and yet jovial ride on one of my favourite ponies. Just what recovering from a cold needs. After a huge cuddle I left to get warm instead of doing two rides. But it was a good one and seriously felt the improvement again.

Contrasted Rides

This weekend was a true contrast. I rode Shadow on Saturday and had a reasonably good ride on him. Yesterday however, Sunday, was a different story. I won't say they were bad or even unproductive rides, they were just hard work! I rode Bella first who was being a bit of a moody mare. I had to be very bossy both with leg and vocally with her yesterday. Never even got her into a canter. Then i rode Harry who was in a very Harry like mood, ploddy and just simply hard work. My legs got a fantastic work out yesterday but Harry did surprise us all and got him from halt into a canter on the back lane. So despite all the hard work, it really paid off for me in the end. I have had a brief canter on Harry once before but this was a proper canter so was pleased with it. I hope next weekend brings more fun and games with the horses. Marie

More Diagonals

Riding was fun yesterday. I was on Topaz and he was in his own little world yesterday so took a bit to get him to listen and do as asked but we got there. We took the road route yesterday and followed another horse. My trots consisted of my instructor yelling, "which diagonal are you on?" And me yelling back, "Left" or "right". On all trots yesterday, got it right on. Only problem I had was on the last trot when she asked me to switch and Topaz decided because I was sitting in trot for two strides, we were not trotting anymore. Our canters were definite but short lived. I was impressed on the back lane though, he wasn't for cantering but I got him there twice,even though trotting was what he was wanting to do. Not much else to report. Was a good and uneventful ride yesterday. Thanks Marie

Good Feelings and Excellent Feedback

The weather was a pretty big change today when I went to the yard. The wind was cold and instead of taking off a light hoodie today as I'd done on both days last week, I had a thick hoodie and my winter coat on. When I arrived at the yard, I was met with some exciting news. I'd felt excited about going to the yard this morning but didn't know why. So when I was told, our foal had arrived, I was super excited. He was born, yes, a little colt early hours of yesterday morning. Both mum and baby are doing well. So that's some very good news. Today is the anniversary of my grandma's passing. She died nineteen years ago so I honestly didn't think I'd be in a very good frame of mind today. I know its been a long time but I was very close to her and often think, what would she think of me as an adult. That aside, I chose Shadow to ride as he's the one I have the deepest bond with so a nice ride on my gorgeous, tall white friend was just what I needed to make me feel better. I mounted him and we followed another horse so didn't have anyone with me on the ride. Shadow was very responsive and I used my seat during walk and trot more than leg which pleased me. It just proved I could do it on several different horses. We took the farm route today and had two attempts at cantering. Our first started as a fast trot but got him into a lovely canter, , he had just had a jumping lesson, but then on the second, had a beautiful canter with him. He was forward and so beautiful. More trotting that was forward and collected and we followed the horse in front rather well. On the back lane, we got a fast trot only with a few moments that might have gone into a canter. He got a giant pat and cuddle. He'd made my day. I was really thinking I might only do the one ride today but decided I'd have another ride on Topaz. My instructor had been surprised that I hadn't chose him first but I had my reasons as I had said before. I put on his bridle and lead him out. My stirrups were far too short as I realised on the first trot. So on the field, someone lengthened them. I felt much better and not like a squatting jockey. The canters on the field on Topaz were amazing! I felt so forward with him. It still amazes me how much I've progressed on this horse in such a short time. Cantering alone, not even having someone running alongside me still astounds me. So after two fabulous canters and my stirrups now in the comfortable position, we did a lovely collected trot. He had decided however, on the cobbles that we were walking into the left so had to be really bossy with him. I managed to get him and keep in the middle which was awesome. On the way down, was chatting to my instructor and she asked why I was so quiet, I told her I was just in a contemplative mood and she asked what was wrong so I said it was my grandma's anniversary and I wondered what she'd think if she could see me now. My instructor said she could and I'd had two of my best rides so she would be very proud. I managed not to burst into tears and finished the ride with a fabulous trot and great canter. Not only my instructor complimented me several times today on my canters but one of the leaders too who was in front and saw me canter on Topaz and Shadow today. She said how good I look on Topaz and that's been said by someone else. I guess I fit his cantering style nicely or something but I came away smiling either way. :) So riding was awesome and we have a cute baby on the yard now. He's not yet been named so stay tuned. Thanks for reading, Marie

Progress and Sweaty Ponies

I did ride Sunday but with one thing and another, only just getting around to blogging about it. It was warm spring, almost summer like weather on Sunday and the clocks had gone forward so I was super tired. I opted to ride Topaz. We did the road route and follow for a short time then I had someone walking with me in lead file as Topaz's strides are so long. We had some awesome collected trots and I was being tested again on my diagonals. Got them all correct so I was very pleased. On our first attempt at a canter, as I think he was tired after his lesson he'd just had, we only got a few strides but with another ask he did go back into canter. I'm noticing more and more how collected and together I feel in the saddle. Even with small things like turning. On my next trots, not only did she want me doing my diagonals but she wanted me to get him into trot without using my lower legs and just my seat. I wasn't sure he'd do it for me. I've got Shadow before to go into walk without using my leg but into trot on Topaz who I have ridden much less than Shadow, I wasn't sure I'd get him to do it. But I did. Not just once either. On all our remaining trots, I got him into a good forward trot without using my legs at all. We did three canters today and my second was much better. The third and last was amazing. I did need to stay in my seat slightly more but I kept him going. Overall, it was a lovely ride and I couldn't believe how sweaty the horses had got. I guess with their winter coats just starting to shed, the temperatures we had over the weekend were too warm for our poor ponies. I rode both Saturday and Sunday in just my jodhpurs and T-shirt. It was amazing! So until next week. Marie

Beautiful Sunshine and Wonderful Ride

We've been enjoying very beautiful spring weather here in Britain for most of the week. Needless to say, every day my mum's had to suffer me complaining its beautiful weather for riding. Today, my dad gave me a ride to the yard and it was already 63 degreesF at 10:30 in the morning and the sunshine was bright and lovely. Who could have a horrible ride after that? I chose to ride Shadow first today. Was nice to get on a pony that was so mudless instead of having a pony that no amount of brushing could rid him of mud. He looked his gorgeous, handsome self today in the pretty sunshine. We were in a varied group today and I was following another pony and had to utilise my half halts a bit as the other pony was being a little slow. My instructor was trying to get me on my diagonals today but I seemed to get all the opposites for what she asked but was able to correct myself easily enough. We did the farm hack and were all delighted to discover the field had some decent cantering ground today. It won't be long until they're using this field for hay cutting so we're making the most of it while its not a mud heap and we can still use it. My first canter was OK but had him shorter on my left rein so we didn't go all the way. Walking on the field a little more, was asked to do another and got a fabulous one. My instructor said to give him another squeeze to keep him going and with upmost confidence I did push on and we did keep going in a beautiful, forward canter. More great trots and opposite diagonals and down the cobbles. I felt so alive today! The sun beating down, a nice, light breeze and birds twittering in the trees and me and one of my favourite ponies riding along. On the back lane, got an even better canter than my first and probably as good as my second. It amazes me how consistent my canters are getting. I know, three months ago I was complaining about my lack of consistency, and now I'm extremely happy about being able to canter good and strong. Huge pats for the handsome, white friend and then I rode Bella. I didn't have a walker on either ride again today but my instructor and other walkers were on the ground. We did the road route on this ride which was incredibly busy. I did feel a little nervous at one point but I know my instructor is always watching. I tried her with a canter again today and got only one stride but believe me, that is more than what I had got a few months ago with her. I was slightly off balanced or else I think it might have been a little better but the fact she listened and we got into one was a huge achievement again and only the fourth time since my cantering confidence has built with a mare that is notoriously difficult in canter. My trots on her were beautiful today and she was listening all the time. I had some lovely chats with her as the other riders and leaders were chatting to each other. We did have a very unnerving incident today when a bus pulled up along side our group and my instructor was telling him to stop so she could get all the horses by so what did he do? Speed up and come very close to us. Bella was a good girl though and didn't react. I was so proud of her and I think first bus will be getting a complaint. This is not the first time this has happened to people from our riding school. Some bus drivers need to learn some manners. We didn't have time to go on the back lane for another canter but I was so pleased with my lovely bay beauty that I was just happy to be out in the sunshine with her. We had some fabulously forward trots considering she started off in a very ploddy mood. That made me happier than a few strides in a canter could have today and there is always tomorrow. When I was chatting with our school owner who has said I'm almost there now for riding in the school alone, she said I'm getting the "Bella Knack". Now what does that tell you? :) :) It's meant to be as beautiful tomorrow weather wise, I hope the ride is just as lovely. :) Thanks for reading, Marie

Worth Getting Up For

Around six months ago, I rode out with another rider without an instructor on the ground or anyone leading me. The idea was to follow the hoof sounds of the horse in front. At the time, I had stipulated to ride on the farm hack as it would mean less contact with roads. Today was a completely different story. I'd woken up feeling pretty rotten and was debating weather to even ride at all. When I went outside, the sun was shining and so I decided a ride was just what I'd need to make me feel better. How much truth would be in that thought, I could never have guessed. When I arrived, we had some of the younger riders choosing which horse I was going to ride. It was a toss up between Shadow and Topaz and Topaz won the vote. Then my usual instructor said to hang on a moment, she had an idea. She went to ask our school owner I guess and came back to say, I could either ride Topaz or go out on a ride with her and I would ride Bella so I didn't need anyone on the ground. I opted to ride Bella and go out on a ride with her. I have a lot of respect for this instructor and I've seen her ride once but never actually been on a ride with her. This meant, she rode Shadow, I was behind her, following with Bella and one of the other girls who helps out was behind us on a smaller pony. Instead of feeling fearful of the road route, I truly didn't mind which one we took today and as it happened, the road route was what we opted for. I actually felt confident, riding behind her, chatting away in walk and a part of me exploded with happiness that the trust I have with them and with the horses has got me to this point. I told her today that I never thought this possible but now I feel it is much more so. Even when cars are coming up, my hearing allows me to ensure the horse is far enough away. I'd never lead in a hack alone but following a horse with good sounding hooves is a definite prospect. As she'd informed me, I wouldn't be getting out of doing diagonals today and true to her word, on the first trot, she had me on my left diagonal. Throughout my trots today, I was concentrating on which diagonal I was on. I found it pretty easy to feel the difference in Bella's trot. We attempted a canter, following my instructor on Shadow but didn't get one. If you remember me telling you, Bella is probably the most difficult of our horses to get into canter. I've seen very experienced riders struggle with her. So I'm not disappointed when I don't get one from her. It has been my ambition to get a canter out of her. On our first attempt, she was almost there. On our third, as the second was as unsuccessful, my instructor said as well as seat and leg, be vocal with her. I often vocalise what I'm asking of the horses anyway but she wanted me to really be stern with my voice with her and I was astounded when after a few trotting strides and a big, "Huh!" from me we went into a three or four stride canter. She's a very smooth gaited horse and her canter is beautiful! I was pleased as punch, let me tell you. More walking and trotting on some busier roads and yet I still felt confident, following my instructor. On the back lane, I tried for another canter but she was just giving me a fast trot. My instructor did comment on how well I'd done and so I feel I leapt a few more steps forward today. I'm enjoying learning the diagonals and I especially enjoyed riding out with the person who has got me so far in my riding journey. :) Until next time, Marie

New Things

Topaz was my first ride of the day. He was half asleep but got him into some decent trots. We had someone walking with us as we were in lead today but for most of the ride she wasn't really walking with us. I was surprised how confident I felt doing this. While we were walking down the cobbles, my instructor told me she wanted me to try and do diagonals on my next trot with Topaz as he has such a long gait, it would be easier to feel. She asked if I knew what diagonals were, and I had an idea but wanted to be sure. So she explained that when you're on the right diagonal, you should be rising when your horse's right front leg is going forward with its rear left. And the opposite is true on the left diagonal. I asked, if the right one was the most comfortable as I know the right side is known as the outside and the left is the near side. She agreed and explained how she goes off of feel alone as to know which diagonal she is on so the test was for me to learn which diagonal I was on. I tried this in the next trot and felt I was on the right one but my instructor was distracted by another rider needing her help so we decided to work on my diagonals on the next ride. On the back lane, I gave a squeeze, got into a fast trot, another seat push and squeeze and off we went into canter. A few months ago, once I was in that fast trot with a horse, I'd never get them into canter but have managed to do so with both Topaz and Shadow on a few rides recently. My confidence and balance is clearly improving. my rein contact feels natural and legs and arms are staying where they're meant to be along with my posture being good. This really all does help in keeping balanced and control I've found. I untacked him and fed him some polos before mounting my lovely friend Shadow. He was very responsive today and didn't appear to have any itchiness which gave my arms a break. We did the road route with him today and there was only two horses on this ride today. So we followed the other horse and rider with my instructor just giving corrections where needs be. We worked a lot on diagonals today. I started off in a right diagonal and then she asked me to try for a left. I know in time, I'll get this much faster but she was pleased with my first attempts today. Only once I got the diagonal I was on wrong when asked and couldn't count when she asked me mid trot to switch and ended up on the same one I had before but then managed to switch quite effectively to the opposite diagonal. We did diagonal work on all the trots in this ride which was fun. Our first canter was pretty good. Just let my heels come up a little but it wasn't anything to knock my confidence. Another trot and then for our final canter that was amazing! He was forward and I remember why I love this horse so much! So fast in canter! I love a horse that moves at speed. Crazy? Probably! :) The canter went all the way until the end of the lane and I was so proud of him. Felt really good and as the spots of rain began to fall, I was happy I'd had two such dry rides without a coat. After cuddles with him, I left the yard feeling like I'm getting more and more prepared for what's to come next in my riding experience. Until tomorrow, Marie

Spring Sunshine and Scary Water Monsters

I did ride yesterday but really didn't have much to say. Briefly, I rode Shadow. He listened good and my trots were nice and had a fabulous canter on him. That's about it. Today I woke up to gorgeous spring sunshine and decent temperatures. Even to the point I was debating no winter coat. Mum, being a typical mum encouraged I wore a coat and off I went to the yard. I chose to ride Topaz today and on our small-ish group ride, he was ultimately perfect. We were in lead on this ride and I had a walker. My trots were consistent and collected on him. We went onto the field to canter and I didn't think we'd get one because of the bogginess but I was wrong. Nice canter until he spotted the water monster. Then to a fast trot but I was happy with the canter anyway. Down the cobbles, he spotted the other scary monster, a black bin bag. Wonder what was lurking in there today? Topaz clearly thought it was something big and scary! But I kept him walking all the same. Why are the biggest horses the biggest babies? A further trot and onto the back lane where we got a few strides and, low and behold, that water monster appeared again. He even swerved the puddle and went into trot. I was so impressed by the weather, that once I'd untacked him and had cuddles while feeding him polos, I decided to ride him again. The coat came off it was so warm so me, clad in jodhpurs and a pink hoodie mounted Topaz again and followed another horse with one of our helpers on the road route. More lovely trots from my gorgeous friend. The young lady walking with me said she was amazed how quickly he responds to me and how great my position is. My usual instructor was back at the yard for both of these rides as she was in charge while our school owner wasn't there today. We're still awaiting the birth of a foal so most of the older girls who help out and our school owner have been on foal watch all week. We headed for the bottom wood and off the first horse went into canter and then off we went. It was the best canter of today. There were no signs of those scary water monsters in the wood today. The girl with me commented how she was chasing rather than running with us today. :) I was sitting there, as the sunshine beamed down on us feeling mighty proud of us both. We'd had two pretty awesome rides today. And the back lane saw an improvement on the canter but still he ran into trot when he spotted that evil, water monster. I was proud of him today. He was a really good boy and listened well to me. I hope this weather lasts and that next weekend brings more of the same. :) Thanks for reading, Marie

The Rules Changed

It was like being transported back into winter today as the icy rain and sleet came down heavily on our yard. I decided that Shadow would be my chosen ride today and once mounted, we headed up the farm lane to do the farm hack. It was Shadow and I, Another rider and Bella and my instructor. Shadow and I followed Bella and not once needed any real guidance as I followed Bella's hooves sounds. No warm ups today. Straight onto a rather boggy field and a new notion for me. How many times when you're learning to canter do you get yelled at to lean back? More times than I care to remember right now. But today, it seemed we were going to canter up a hill. Yes, so what does that mean fellow horse riders? Lean forward. For a second, my mind was like, what? I have to canter, while leaning forward? How will that work? I guess I didn't even have time to think about it which is probably a good thing. I gave a big old squeeze, gave the signal with my seat and off we went. My seat with shadow is pretty perfect in canter now but I half expected it to all fall apart as I'm leaning forward up this small hill in canter. No! The complete opposite occurred. I got straight into a canter which has probably never happened on him before or at least I can't remember it doing and I stayed beautifully in my seat and cantered nicely up the hill. I was sort of blown away by that and my seat was apparently very neat once again. My God, is it actually true? Cantering is becoming as natural as the other two gaits? Feels like it to me! My first trot was complete chaos. But the second, my instructor insisted I get him collected. I think she's toughening me up for lessons now as she's becoming more demanding on what she wants to see. I guess she's always done that but the past two days has been adamant about getting my trots collected and controlled. The second was beautiful, I used my half halts to keep him in check. Down the cobbled lane we went in a lovely walk. He was behaving beautifully today and my instructor commented on how he was taking good care of me again. She was off in front with the other rider for some of the route down the cobbles which I enjoyed as it meant I got to spend some real time just riding and feeling the bond between this wonderful horse and me. Another trot that was collected, beautiful and forward and continuous with a few reminders that I wanted him to keep going was enjoyed. And onto the back lane for a final canter. He wanted to get home so fast, forget about cantering trots were had. She had me come back and work on my bossiness with him. On the third go, he was trotting like his life depended on it and a good kick and off he went into a canter. I was pleased as it meant, even when he was trying to defy me, I could, in a fast trot get him to listen and I won that battle. The dreary weather had no hindrance on my mood today. I was complimented on how well I'm doing without a walker/leader and my position is very neat. I'm excited for the future and I'm feeling my confidence building with every ride for different reasons. Back to the yard and I untacked him and enjoyed a lovely cuddle with him. He was the second horse I'd had a cuddle with today as a very cute pony was making friends with me over his stable door while I was waiting for our ride to get ready. Horsey cuddles have to be the best! So until next time, Thanks, Marie

Exciting Stuff

I had yet another two rides today as the sun was shining despite the rain falling on my way to the yard. Waterproofs on and everything and the sun decided to shine on down on us. I am not complaining. I rode Bella first today. She and I were having a tricky day. She was not for trotting for me. This was partly due to her own stubbornness and partly due to my crazy acrobats on her back. My whole upper body was doing a dance of its own today oddly enough. We attempted to canter but besides the almost moment I had with her, it was a crazy fast trot. I did try to canter without anyone leading today which was a step forward and I wasn't really disheartened by the fact that she and I didn't get the canter. To be honest, I know its going to take a lot to get there with her. On the back lane, we waited for horse traffic, having had a final lovely trot, and I banged my leg on a metal thing as we were walking back out from our side position on the road and then got attacked by a branch. My instructor and I were doubled up laughing. Again, no canter but there were moments I thought, she's going to go. A few more rides with her, I think I might actually crack it! For my second ride, I chose to ride Shadow. Getting on him always feels safe and I remarked today on how it sometimes feels he's taking care of me. No leader/walker again today and for a lot of this ride, like the previous, it was me and horse and I was pretty much left to it. The feeling of freedom is getting stronger with every ride I do. I'm becoming confident as a rider although Shadow gave me little trouble today unlike Miss Bella who was insisting we walk on the right hand side of the road. I did win that battle eventually with her but she can be one stubborn mare. My trots with Shadow at first were very all over the place so my instructor said, she wanted a more collected trot from us. That makes me smile, a year ago, I didn't know what a collected trot was, let alone how it felt or how to make it happen. On our second trot, we had a brilliant one. Down the cobbles we went and he was so in tune to me today, listening all the way and really working with me. The affection for this pony just keeps growing! A third trot saw a little bit of hey, lets run with it and not do as I'm told but I stopped him and tried again and it was much better. I started doing this thing with him today, as when he's following, he sees the pony friend in front and he'll start to move without me asking him. As a guide dog owner, I know the importance of making the animal do something when you ask and not until you ask. We worked well on this today and he really responded when I pulled him back and kept him there. I love how our relationship continues to improve. On the back lane, we went for a canter and I got a beautiful one! It was collected, forward and so smooth and I was so in my seat. I was so proud of him! My instructor was very pleased and I feel my confidence as a rider has boost a whole new level today just because I did both rides without someone walking alongside me and the ponies I was riding. I was in complete control on both routes and managed to keep both ponies on their best behaviour. One thing that annoyed me today on our first ride as Bella and I went on the road route was when a car sped up as he was passing my lovely Bay beauty! I patted her as we got by and said she was such a good girl! Ignorant drivers make me so mad! Good thing our horses are not easily spooked. I untacked Shadow by myself today and treated him, as I had with Bella to some polos. Big cuddles for the tall, white, handsome fella and something really cute happened today. As I was waiting to take him into his stable, I had hold of his reins and he rested his head on my shoulder. It made me smile so much! One piece of very exciting news, is that I asked our school owner today if, maybe, once the nights are lighter and she has more time, if I could possibly start lessons with her! I was expecting stunned silence and an awkward moment but it never came. She said yes, no problem and then joked on how she'd be shouting, no, Marie, this way! I guess I'd need a few walks around the school but I think she sees how much I've improved and come too and figures, lets see how much more we can go. After all, it was her idea to start trying the lead file and that has paid off, look at today's ride. So, hopefully, in a few weeks, I'll be starting to have real lessons in the school and advance my techniques. I was so sure I'd get a negative response but I should have known with this lady, she is up for the challenge as much as I am. Also, a certain tall, white, handsome friend of ours is being entered for horse of the week. I've been given the go ahead! So until tomorrow, Thanks for reading, Marie