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