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

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

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

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

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

Fresh Eyes

Today, I knew my usual instructor wasn't going to be there but one of the girls who has worked with me in the past took our ride out which was good. The really useful thing for me was the fact she hadn't seen me ride in around 4 or 5 months so it would be interesting to get her point of view on things. My instructor always says I'm far too harsh on myself and I know, being the perfectionist that I am, she's possibly right most of the time. I was given the chance to ride my tall, cheeky, bay friend today. I took that chance. That meant this weekend I'd ridden three rather different kinds of horses with all varying gaits. I guess in some way, this was my own test for myself. Shadow is probably the horse I've ridden the most. He's the one I expect to get the best out of myself on as I'm more familiar with him and have built up a strong bond with him over the time at our yard. I'm still amazed that yesterday, after so long out of Bella's saddle, that I managed to just fall back into her rhythm. And today, after not riding my lovely, cheeky, tall, bay friend, I relaxed into his saddle too and was able to quickly adapt myself and my aids to how we work together. I never thought I'd learn this adaptability and am glad even I'm noticing it but more so the girls who work with us. So, I walked into his stable, or should I say his new stable. He's been moved recently and was giving him a lovely stroke. Once mounted, we took the road route again. I can just imagine how boggy the field on the farm is and so was rather relieved by this. We were in lead today and I had a walker. I appreciated this as we were in front today. My trots on him were good, forward and consistent. It's one of the most natural feelings in the world to me now, rising trot. And then we went into a mini woodland and tried for a canter. I was asked if I wanted to canter on my own with him today but asked if I could have someone running with me as he and I are still building our relationship and trust. This was OK and the canter was beautiful! He has a slight bounce to his gait and yet I adore his canter as much as Shadow's. He has lovely, long strides, being part thoroughbred and covers a lot of ground but isn't exactly fast for the size of him. I kept my seat so well and I only just realised that I'm no longer comparing lengths of canters. I guess its because I no longer count the strides we do as there are so many. We left the woodland and had a few more trots. He was very well behaved for me and the young lady walking with us was good with direction. On the back lane, we did another fabulous canter. I was so happy which was only made happier when the girl taking our ride said that she was really impressed on my progress. I can vividly remember her helping me with canters during the summer months and for what she said next, I was so pleased. She said that my seat was very neat and it looked good. That meant more than I think she knew as only several weeks ago, I thought I was horrible and couldn't ever progress past this point. Being in the saddle for me now feels like something I've done for ever. Like, every time I mount a horse and walk/trot/canter, I feel in control, stable and able to achieve. Even on the days I don't get quite what I was aiming for, it's OK because in the past two years, I've achieved more on and around horses than I ever thought possible. I never, in a million years thought I would be able to canter. But now, I'm getting told good things about it and I'm feeling good doing it. Relaxing really helps! And who knows where this journey will head next? But you can be rest assured, I'll always try something new. Once our ride was over, I lead my lovely friend to his stable, untacked him and put on his rug. The young lady who had walked with me commented on that too which made me smile. I've never wanted to be one of those people who shows up for a ride and doesn't help to tack up, untack, brush or take care of the horse and now I'm not. I do, where I can help out and will continue to learn in that department too. But before I leave you all for another week, I'll leave you with this, a beautiful photo of my tall, cheeky bay friend,. So Meet Topaz! Isn't he just gorgeous? He actually belongs to our school owner, as in, he's her baby. So you can imagine how scared I was the first time riding him. But he's a pleasure to know and he's a tall boy compared to our other school ponies. :) Until next time, Thanks, Marie

A relaxed and Productive ride

The yard was quiet again when I arrived this morning. Seems the cold has kept a few riders away. Not me though. ;) I was there early as I always like to get there early to help out a little if I can. I ended up brushing an old friend of mine. He'd been brushed down already but had been out so had some mud on the legs and tummy so I gave him a quick once over and worked on his legs and tummy. Once I'd done, I was asked who I wanted to ride. I took the opportunity to ride my tall, cheeky bay friend. So we all got ready and I mounted him and we went off on the road route today. My rein contact was nice and he was listening quite a bit to me. The last time I rode him, we had established he now thought I should be boss and was doing everything to make me assert my position. Today, I took that up instantly and we worked well together. My trotting with him was pretty good and forward today. I really feel the pushing up through my thighs is just working better and better every time I ride. For a lot of this ride, my walker was not running alongside me during trot and I handled it well. I just kept listening for the horses and people in front to know when to stop. There was a lovely boggy area which he tried to fight to go on. I managed to get him on it but he wanted to go with his friends. We didn't get a canter, wether because he didn't want to because his friends were leaving him, or because I wasn't bossy enough or because it was far too muddy for him. But I wasn't bothered by this. A moment later, we found another piece of grass and we cantered. I was in my seat, [not as much as I would have liked but I was]. I kept my heels down, elbows in and stayed in position. I'm hardly having to think about this now which is crazy. Two months ago, even a month ago I was constantly telling myself to do these things. Rarely do I now have to lecture myself on what needs to be done. I just needed to go with him more. A few more trots and then for the final canter of the ride. And it was pretty good. My squeezes and seat are getting better. My instructor commented on this saying I don't realise how much I've progressed and now I look better in the saddle, the movement is getting better. She also said, don't be afraid to give a kick if they refuse. I told her, I know why my squeezes have been held back like they have. The lack of confidence in my balance in canter has prevented me from giving it all in case I go off balance but now that's improving, I'm feeling better about giving the harder squeezes and soon, if I have to be bossy, I'll kick on and get going. :) I dismounted and was asked to untack him and put on the stable rug. I did and gave him a huge hug. I do miss the horses during the week. Roll on spring for so many reasons! Thanks for reading again, Marie

Mucky Pony and A Question

I was very worried I wouldn't be seeing my beloved equine friends this weekend as we had some snow fall yesterday. However, luckily for me, it seems our little town had the snow, which melted fast and we were left with just ice. So instead of catching the bus to the yard, I had to get a taxi to prevent my bum getting injured on some slippy spot. I got to the yard, sun shining on the frozen landscape, and one of the girls informed me my tall, white, friend was really muddy so I could brush him if I wanted. I love brushing and getting the horses clean so I walked into the stable he was in which wasn't his own, it was my tall, cheeky, bay's stable and got my brushes out of my grooming bag and started to brush him. I found it easier to brush him in this stable as his usual stable is actually a foaling stable and obviously bigger than the others. This means less room for him to wander if he's on a circling mission which might sound strange but less room to look for him. I've brushed this horse more than any other at the yard and he's a sweetheart really and behaves well really for me. He hates having his face brushed so I decided to leave that to one of the other girls and tackle the rest of the mud. I can only imagine how discoloured my lovely white friend was today. Clumps of mud on the neck and legs. Mane and tail a muddy mess. So I started with the neck, as he was munching some hay and worked hard on brushing him well. I tackled his muddy legs with renewed knowledge. I did have sight as a child and remember what animals look like but learning the shapes of the legs and all the places, like the angle between the shoulder and chest where mud can hide, is something that has taken time to get familiar with. I never brushed right back under the tummy, in fear of going too far back. But my confidence and familiarity of the horse's physical form is growing and I apparently did a very good job today. After mounting on an icy mounting block, I was quite amazed on my instant position in the saddle once I had my stirrups. I've been reading a Pilates book and although I only started the exercises properly yesterday, I've been practicing the starting positions all week. This apparently helped me to unconsciously sit better in the saddle. We walked up the hill initially behind another horse but we were told to overtake and go in lead file. I had a walker today as there was a lot of ice and I totally appreciated that. My first trot was ploddy and lacked energy. I knew this would happen. Our first trot always seems to be a wake up trot. I patted him nonetheless and we arrived at the field. The mud was unbelievable and I doubted highly I'd get him into a canter. I was right! I squeezed hard and pushed with my seat but nope, forward trotting was all I got. My walker, or runner at this point was not surprised either and I don't even know if any other horses cantered. That was a bouncy trot too! He's a smooth gaited horse usually so when I felt the bounce in the saddle, I was a bit shocked. But I know he was pulling his hooves harder out of that mud so it makes sense. Despite not getting a canter, I have to say there were a few points I was pleased about at this point. As soon as I felt the bounce, my heels went straight down, elbows stayed in and I was square even in the saddle. I felt more in my seat, despite the extra bounce. I wasn't over balanced or anything which a few months ago, I would have been. So I'm not disappointed that we didn't get a canter because I noticed a progress. And not only with my ability to solve a problem while riding, which shows my balance is being controlled as I'm able to think about other things but my squeeze was harder today and more definite. Instead of telling me she wants more leg, and I'm not giving him enough, my instructor said I needed to be bossier as he didn't want to canter on the field because of the mud so he was doing what he liked. I took from that, that under normal riding circumstances, that level of squeeze would have worked fine but under today's conditions, he needed to be bossed rather than asked. This is where a question comes in. We talk about pushing on with the seat in horse riding. I mentioned last week that this horse responds more to a seat than leg. He'll take a combination but responds best to seat. But see, when I was told, push with the seat, and I asked for clarification, I'm not sure the answer I got is working in my head. So, here's my interpretation. Move legs back to squeeze with heels and roll hips forward so the front point of your sitting bones, [pubic bone if we must be specific], pushes into the saddle. Am I missing anything? I don't know if I am or not but if anyone has any further tips or better explanation, or another way of thinking about pushing into the saddle, I'd appreciate it. I feel the Pilates will help make the action more pronounced in time and maybe it's just a need to get muscles stronger. I also think, that now my ability to reposition without feeling wobbly and losing balance from giving a canter command and sitting relaxed to move into the canter will enable me to give a stronger squeeze and if need, a kick on. I've been holding back on the harder squeezes because when I tried to do it, I'd fall forward in the saddle. But now the balance and seating is stronger, I feel more capable of moving my legs independent of the rest of me to keep balanced and go with the horse. We walked off the field and had to walk rather quickly to get past something. I managed to keep him in a lovely forward walk and felt my arms relaxed but elastic with his mouth, my attempt with the seat to keep him forward and think I'm getting a hang of this whole riding thing. ;) We carried on and met the, biggest, scariest monster in the world! A trailer. As if he hasn't seen a fair few of those but this one was so big, and so scary, he just abruptly stopped. This is the second time he's spooked in a week with me. Poor baby. Why are the biggest horses the wimps? Got him past and had a lovely trot with him. It was much more forward as we were both awake now. A side note, I took off my gloves today as his reins kept slipping under them. I had a very wonky horse at some stages and he was certainly trying to make me be boss today. I finally got the reins under control. Think if I had my own horse and tack, I'd put little markers on the place my finger and thumb were meant to be to make it easier to pick them up and know they're right. Well, we got back to the yard, after moving off the road a few times for cars going up to the farm and I dismounted and took off his bridle. He did give me a huge hug while we were standing waiting to go back into his stable. It was so nice. His head resting heavily on my shoulder, him letting out long sighs of something. I reached up and his ears were forward as I spoke to him. Lets hope there's no snow tomorrow as I'm scheduled to head up again in the morning. Thanks for reading, Marie

Extraordinary

Extraordinary! That is the only word I can think of to describe today. And for a multiple of reasons.

I chose to ride my tall white friend again today. We'd had a productive ride yesterday and so I intended on making sure today was as fun and as progressive. I learnt a lot, lets just say that.

I helped to brush him as he munched happily on his hay and put his bridle on while the other girl who was helping put on his saddle. I'd managed to get it on but someone hadn't untied the nose band and so the bridle was in a pickle. [note to self, always check tack before attempting to put on horse in case someone forgets to untie the nose band of your horse's bridle].

I mounted and gave him a nice pat as we headed toward the road route. I felt strangely wobbly in the saddle today. Not sure if my immense stomach exercises I've been doing all week, and have made my abs feel like they're on fire had something to do with it. So I took a deep breath, composed myself and concentrated on being central. It's a part of Pilates, I've read and also a part of my old memories from my dancing days. Central balance helps with a lot of things and by my third trot it had helped.

My first few trots, I just couldn't seem to keep him going. My thighs were not helping pushing up from the saddle but again, this improved by the last two trots and they were beautiful and rhythmic and forward.

I had a walker with me today as it was a fairly sized group and we were on the road and in lead so it makes sense, first and foremost safety wise and also I had no one to follow.

The first cantering ground and my first attempts were pretty rubbish. This was OK. I've been away from this horse for a while and had forgotten how much he needs from me to get him to move. My wobbliness and lack of boom was not helping. But my position and feel of control was good so I was not at all dismayed. It just made what happened later so much more beautiful!

As we were walking along a path, and coming to the end of it, by a grassy area, a dog ran around a corner and stopped dead in front of my lovely, tall, white, friend who then proceeded to stop dead. The sudden stop made me fall forward a little but I stayed in my seat and instantly reached a hand forward to comfort my lovely friend and reassure him. I didn't know what had frightened him, but I felt his fear, if that is possible through my position on his back. That was before even the girl walking with us said a word as the dog had startled all the girls on the ride too. I was so proud of my friend because when I asked him to walk on, he did, even though he still felt a little tense. The worst thing was, the dog walker didn't even apologise as the dog was off lead which I do believe, in a public place is actually illegal in the UK. This was my first official spook to such a degree. I'm so relieved he wasn't too frightened by the dog and the dog didn't seem to be vicious which is always my fear whether on horseback or when I'm out with my own guide dog. He was a brave boy and stayed where he was until we said it was OK and he could carry on.

After a lovely further trot where we were forward and consistent, we headed toward the back lane for a canter.

The girl instructing us told the girl who was walking with me to let me go off and canter down the back lane by myself. I wasn't sure I'd get a canter but pushed on good with my seat and gave him a big squeeze. I'm noticing more, what aids different horses respond to best. He responds to the leg but responds better and more efficiently to the seat too. And we moved into a smooth, forward, rhythmic canter. I kept thinking, "Don't pull back on your hands! Don't tense, keep moving with him. Go with him. Heels down! Elbows in!" And it worked!!!!!! I had the most seated canter and beautiful rhythm with him. I know I've probably said I felt with one before with a horse and I'm not saying that again because this time it was even better. I'm so pleased we ended on such a high! And it wasn't three or four strides, it was a good length of a canter. Then we smoothed to a trot and then a walk with my instruction. He's never had so much praise from me and a huge, huge, hug!!!!!

Once we arrived at the yard again, I dismounted and lead him into his stable and took off his bridle! He got a fair helping of polos and a huge cuddle from me. I felt today was not a regular ride but I felt we were on a much deeper journey than just a regular ride. That possibly sounds silly but I felt it.

So, until next time, again too far away, I'll leave you with this thought, I continually see a glimpse of something magical when I'm with horses. Bravery, kindness, and today, I felt his fear. It wasn't a silly old plastic bag or a funny looking bush, today, it shocked him and made him grind to a halt and this horse is usually really level headed. But he was happy to take reassurance from us and didn't act crazy, just stood there, waiting for reassurance. And I helped deliver that through my position on his back and my friendly words and pats.

Take care,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

You Left Me

Today was a good ride overall. It was hard, but it was rewarding in so many ways. My tall white friend was my chosen horse today and I helped brush and tack him up. Not sure why the white horses seem to attract the most mud. I suspect they have magnets in their fur that attracts every ounce of mud or it could just be the fact he loves rolling in the stuff. So I mounted him, in the windy air and was definitely blinded in more than my usual way today. I always use my ears as they're my best sense but I did struggle a little today although my distance was never corrected so I must have managed it; and behind the smallest pony at the yard too. We walked up the farm hill and did a rather ploddy trot. I haven't ridden my tall white friend since possibly before Christmas. I seriously think I might have been getting a bit of punishment today as he was really testing me. On the field, we tried for a canter, with a girl running alongside us. It didn't happen but the field was mush and I didn't feel as confident giving the instruction on the first canter. Stayed nicely in the fast trot though which I'm finding is helping my seat. So, we did a few more trots and these were lovely and forward. It was nice being back on him. I'm so familiar with that fast trot. It was like coming home. He has a smooth but fast gait in trot and I really enjoy him in trot. The wind still howling, and him doing his usual toss of the head which pulls on your hands and such, [I did ask if it was something I was doing but apparently it wasn't me, he does that to everyone], and being very bossy with the legs, he kept trying to walk off while I was wanting him to stand but I did it. I need to remember to lean back more but it's not always that easy when a horse is yanking his head down and pulling my hands forward. If there's any tips to help me as a rider, remembering he's a school horse, please pass on the info. So we reached the back lane and I was told I should canter by myself, as this horse doesn't like a leader. So I leaned back, gave a big squeeze, trot, then another, still leaning back, canter. I was amazed. The whole not putting pressure thing on myself meant that I didn't expect to canter on him today as it'd been a while and my tall, cheeky, bay friend is lighter on the leg so he doesn't need as much. It wasn't huge but it was good and I felt confident, comfortable and relaxed! I've been thinking about how to get bigger squeezes too. I know someone suggested on a previous post about fitness. I use an exercise bike which has helped a little but I think someone said something about core fitness. Well, I did core stability at the blind college when I was studying my holistic massage therapy course and I don't mind telling you, I hated it. First of all, we had to do it on the gym floor, no mats and I always felt stressed and drained afterward. But when I was watching getting to Greenwich on Monday on Horse and Country, the dressage rider was saying she has Pilates twice a week to help with her core fitness. It's an exercise I've often considered but never undertook because of the incredible difficulty I find following most home DVDs and the lack of instruction at classes. However, this week I decided I'd buy a DVD, get mum to help show me the exercises and all that. Ordered a mat and some basic Pilates equipment like ball, bands, etc. Then I think I saw someone mention a Pilates book on here for equestrians. I usually read iBooks or listen to audio books so I looked on both just for Pilates books, not thinking I'd find any. Found a few and bought them and then out of curiosity searched "Pilates Equestrian" and found the book someone mentioned on here. Have bought that too and it says all about the seat and such from what I've read so far. So it'll help with my core stability and fitness that will only contribute to my riding and more importantly life. Longer post than I'd anticipated. so once my mat comes and I've read more of the book, I'll be hopefully starting properly Monday/Tuesday and lets give it until the end of February, and I'll review my progress in the saddle. ;)

Winter Sunshine and conversations in the Stable

I'm still astounded how some people get this utter amazement factor when they hear I've done certain things. I'm no one special. Sure, I can't see and I understand why those with no sensory impairments can think, wow, she did that but to me, it's just another challenge that I've accomplished. I've been lucky with my parents, family and friends who have always kept me grounded and my mum especially who never wrapped me up in cotton wool. Guess that's why I'm so determined to do well, especially with horses. If I told you half the things mum allowed me to do, without thinking twice about my blindness, many of you would be shocked. Not to say she was irresponsible, but she wanted me to have the courage to tackle anything. Why am I babbling on about this? Just a conversation that took place yesterday after my ride. It wasn't even a long conversation but let me explain.

The tall, cheeky bay, who I've been riding for the past few weeks, is the tallest of our horses at the yard. He stands at 16.1 HH which is just less than a hand bigger than my Tall, white friend. He's also part thoroughbred. When one of the girls came in, to ask how the ride had gone, I replied it had gone well and she asked if we had had a canter today and I replied two nice ones. One of the other girls remarked, "You cantered? On *****?" The girl who had been having the conversation with me and the girl who had been running with me in canter replied, quite indignantly, "Yes, she always canters on him." The fact these two had defended the fact that I do canter, without issue, despite my sight just showed that they've seen what I do and have no issue with it. I've long known, the lady who runs the riding school, and the young lady who often takes us out and has helped me progress to this level already have little issue with my riding and being around the horses. Then, smiling, the girl who had been shocked at my willingness to canter said, "Well, I would be too scared to canter on *****". I laughed, and we all did, realising that she had been shocked, partly because of my vision but partly because of her own reservations of this gorgeous, tall bay.

Most of the girls at our yard are friendly and I think being around has shown them somewhat of how just because you might not be able to see, doesn't mean you can't achieve things like they can. It might take longer, you might have to learn in a different way but the playing field with horses in some ways, is somewhat level. I feel I can do most of what sighted people can do with horses. I'm not going to say all but I've achieved more than I ever thought myself capable of before starting this journey.

Anyhow, you heard I cantered and heard I had a good lesson but here are the details.

I was asked if I wanted to ride my tall, cheeky bay friend again. I agreed happily and went into his stable to brush him. This is the first time I've brushed him alone and he was a very good boy for me. I've become quicker and more efficient at brushing, took me long enough ;)

So one of the other girls tacked him up and off we went on the road route today. The sunshine was bright in the chilly, almost frozen morning air but there was a happy feeling and atmosphere on this ride.

Because there were patches of ice, my instructor had one of the girls run alongside me so if there were any on our path, she could tell me and prevent a horrible accident. I was following a smaller horse who only has front shoes on which is not that easy task to follow but somehow I managed it.

Rising trots are becoming so fluid and my position and legs were good on these yesterday. Practice makes more perfect every time. My hands were low and I felt the contact in his mouth was good.

We tried for a canter and got a lovely one where I was well in my seat and relaxed. Amazing now, after my huge pet talk to myself, how my hands are now staying forward. More trotting and a few on kerb moments. He's clearly now realising, ah, she's in charge, lets see how much I can get away with. Been there with another certain tall horse and he didn't get away with it either. I'm getting better about being in charge now and feel confident about telling them to do something.

My last canter was not as good, simply because my heels came up but I know why they did and that's an easy correction next time.

It was a lovely ride and I had a lot of fun. So until next weekend, wish it was sooner,

Marie

secure in The Saddle

I'm back, yes, oh, so soon? I had my second lesson/ride today in the chilly, drizzly morning air.

I decided to ride the same, tall, cheeky, bay I rode yesterday as I'd had a good ride yesterday and I hoped to repeat a lovely, enjoyable ride. Even this morning, I was all about enjoying it, relaxing and no pressure on myself. This has, so far, worked rather well for me.

I brushed my lovely, tall, bay friend with one of the other girls, even bringing along my own brushes that the parentals had given me as a Christmas gift. He was tacked up, with an exercise sheet, I put my hat on my head and mounted through the muddy puddle and sat lovely in the saddle again. I think it may have been the same saddle I had yesterday. It felt the same. I know some think this can have an affect on your ride and others think it is irrelevant, but I know how I felt yesterday and today in that saddle, it was good!

So we walked on the road route today which I was pretty OK with as we had done the farm hack yesterday. I used a lot of half halting as we were behind other horses today and my lovely, tall, bay friend has a long gait. He's not the fastest horse but he covers a lot of ground. So I felt like I was playing with elastics with my hands today which was fun and it worked well.

My first trot was OK, just needed to keep my heels down more but I got a lovely forward trot from him and felt on the second trot like I was pushing more from the saddle, hence keeping heels down more, elbows in and low, ETC.

There was a small grass area, I've told you we've cantered on grassy places on the road route before, I'm familiar with this one and the young lady walking with me today held on as I'm not as familiar with my tall, bay friend as my tall white one as he is not familiar with me much yet either. So I gave myself a little pet talk, if you don't canter, don't worry, just sit nice in trot, it'll be OK, but still squeeze and push with seat, keep hands forward, elbows in, shoulders back. Yes, that's a long pet talk but I did and we trotted for a few strides, but I stayed in that seat, despite the slight bounce, squeezed again, and off we went into a good canter. Today, I stayed well in my seat and went with him so nicely, it was the best canter I've had in a while. I didn't lose a stirrup, I stayed in position, hands were forward, I felt in control of all of my body and I did not tense and relaxed! Relaxation has been my new theme and it definitely has worked this weekend.

We came off of the grass and the young lady who has been my instructor the most congratulated me on the canter and said my position was good, I went with him, she just wants to see a quicker into canter next time to which I replied, "I'll try but I'm not putting pressure on myself" and she said it was showing. Maybe I finally have unlocked the key to progress, stop getting frustrated and enjoy the rides and take the pressure away and things will happen without the stress. I know, it's a lesson we've all had to learn in life at some point. I just hope my pressure free attitude continues to assist me in future rides.

My last trot was the best I've done yet on my tall bay and my heels stayed down, and it felt amazing. Without realising it, I think my tension had transferred even into other aspects on my rides because walk and trot are also seemingly feeling better.

We got back to the yard and I untacked him, put his lovely rug on and handed over several polos. He was impressed I'd remembered them. I gave him a cuddle and went to put his tack back.

When I was retrieving my bag from outside his stable, I passed the lovely bay beauty who I proceeded to hug. I've missed her while she's been on rest so it was lovely to see her. I treated her to some polos too and then asked if I could brush one of the horses. I brushed an older horse who I've ridden a few times in the early days. It was nice to give his thick coat a nice brush. I'm getting better about walking around the yard to, some of the girls commented on this today. Makes me less dependent on them which feels good for me. So all in all, another successful and progressive ride.

Until next weekend,

Marie

New Year, New Start

So despite my feelings last week, I ventured back to the yard today and had decided, I was going for an enjoyable, pressure free ride. I'm happy to say, I achieved that goal, and more!

I arrived, in the chilly morning air, and was asked who I wanted to ride. Again, no pressure, I just said, I don't mind and was asked if I wanted to ride my cheeky, bay tall friend, to which I agreed. I brushed him and we went out on a big ride over the farm today.

I felt better in the saddle we used today and my walk and trot was pretty good. I was impressed with how smooth my walk and trot was. My heels were taking all of my weight, my shoulders were back and I really enjoyed the ride.

We went on the field but none of the horses cantered. I didn't expect a canter on the field before we even go on the field so when I didn't, I felt neither disappointment or pressure.

We headed down the cobbles and despite the problems I had, keeping having to put my legs on with my tall, cheeky, bay friend last week, he walked happily down the cobbles with ease. My second trot was as smooth and rhythmic as the first. I had to rise quicker to get him going faster and it worked like a treat.

And so, the back lane and our last attempt for the canter. I had said, I wouldn't canter today but I figured, lets go for it, if it doesn't work out, then oh, well, it wasn't meant to be. New attitude for the new year, and all that! So, I squeezed,… fast trot…. More seat and leg….CANTER!!!! A pretty lengthy one. And for about four strides, I was in my seat and going with it, then, was out of my seat, but still balanced and just going with it until we went into a trot. Crazy thing? I felt more confident today! So tomorrow, as i'm going up for my second ride, I'm going to have the same attitude, enjoy the ride, do what I can and whatever happens, I'll do my best and just get out of it, enjoyment and pleasure.

We got back to the yard, lots of pats and praise for my lovely horsey friend and dismounted, [without falling on my bum], and put up his stirrups, led him into his stable, took off his bridle, loosened his girth, and gave him a huge hug. It was strange today, when yelled at to put my hands forward, I did, with confidence. And my orientation to the yard was improved as I took back the bridle to the tack room without assistance, small feat but yeah, I did it.

So tomorrow will be enjoyable, ad I will just enjoy what I can do. And if I canter tomorrow, fantastic, if I don't, o well, there's always another ride. My confidence is growing about being in my seat and I really feel like I will be able to push more tomorrow. I was almost there today to stay in a lovely canter, I will do it and all the support I got on my very down day last weekend made me realise something, I'm not alone in this journey any more. I have a lot of people on my side, and many horses too. So lets hope 2012 brings all the best for us all and the horses we come into contact with. Whatever happens, happens. Lets jump on the horse and ride through it all, good or bad.

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Early christmas Presents

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

To the Ride this week!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!

Marie

Getting into The Stride

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

Amazing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marie

Oreintation to The Yard

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

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

Challenges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's all for now,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

Back on Horse back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's all until next time,

Thanks for reading,

Marie