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

Hand in Hoof, a partnership

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

Super Soggy Part 1

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

Beautiful Ride With Bella

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

SPEED!

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

Canter! canter!

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

Spring is Back

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

Riding Royalty and Foal update

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

A Blustery Ride

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

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

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

Emotional Happiness

Two years ago, when I began this journey with horses, after all the missed opportunities, I had limited expectations on what I would get out of learning to ride and take care of these magnificent creatures! I knew little about the horse's gaits, I knew even less about taking care of them. I had no idea what a bit was, what it was for and how to tack and untack a horse. I'd sat on a horse and had had a walk around an arena and I knew I liked it but was even apprehensive of upping a gear and going into trot. So when, almost two years ago, I showed up at the yard I am now a regular customer, on a very warm spring day, I was nervous and unsure what I would find. Walking into Harry's stable with a young lady who I found was very nice and helpful and not patronising in the least, I was firmly introduced to this lovely, pony. At the other place, we were just put on a mounting block and the horse was brought up. There seemed something family like about this yard and although it wasn't what I had expected, it surpassed those expectations. I felt safe, and even did a sitting trot. The young lady who took that first ride is the one person who has been a consistent part of my learning process. I wonder if, like me, she would have had any idea on that first day that nearly two years later she would be able to stand and hear me say, "I really enjoyed that canter, it was so collected and I was able to relax and love every minute of it." Because, those are words I spoke to her today. You heard from yesterday's post that I rode a coloured gelding friend of mine who I had previously been unnerved by with his bouncy gait, something two years ago I didn't even know horses had different styles of gaits but yesterday, I was able to ride this horse with such ease. Even a year ago, when I was struggling with my rising trots, thinking I'd never get it and I'd forever be stuck learning and hearing, "up! Down! Up! Down!" And now, on each horse I ride, I can just fall into their rhythm in forward and consistent trots. Today, after the amazing, yet somewhat challenging ride I had, I had something of an epiphany. I was walking away from the familiar yard, feeling tears form in my eyes and a lump in my throat. Not because I had had a bad lesson like I did two months ago and wanted to walk away but the complete contrary! The past two weekends, I've had nothing but positive feelings about my riding and have not only gained positive results but have also had three different individuals on separate occasions praise my riding ability. For someone who had, previous to taking up horse riding felt like I was useless and not having anything I was particularly good at, to be complimented on things that I actually believe I am getting better at is a huge stride forward not only for my riding progress but for my personal development. I've said it before and I will say it again, horses have saved my life both physically and emotionally. They have taught me so much about myself and about my strengths and weaknesses and how sometimes I have to take responsibility for my mistakes and how other times it is not my fault at all. They've taught me to keep fit and healthy as that helps me be a better rider. They've helped me see the beauty in myself and the world around me as their spirit is so beautiful and their nature so kind. I've especially learnt that not all sighted and able bodied people think I'm an incapable wreck and incompetent. Every time I'm asked to untack, brush, put a stable rug on, I feel that much happier that these people realise I'm not a health and safety hazard. And the horses; They have shown me nothing but kindness and openness. They see me as a rider and take me as I am. That makes me smile more than anything and knowing that they also see my progress is that bit more beautiful every time it happens. So today's ride was special for those reasons but also for the ride itself. It was the handsome, tall, Topaz I rode today. Another weekend of three different horses for me. We took the road route today which was fine with me as we'd done the farm hack twice yesterday. On the lane down from the yard, he was off in his own world so took a bit to get him to listen to me. Eventually he did and our trots were pretty good. We were following a smaller pony so my half halts came in very useful. But my usual instructor, who was back in charge today said she wanted me to do the route without a walker or leader. I was OK with this. There was always someone around to say if I wasn't going the right way as Topaz was sure he wanted to go anywhere but follow the pony in front. I did my best to keep following and remembered to use my arms for signals and turned him well with my legs. We approached one of the cantering grounds and my instructor asked if I felt comfortable trying to canter with him alone. She would stand at the set off point, as she has done countless times with Shadow in the past and just yell if I needed to stop/change direction. So the other ponies went off for a trot and I took a deep breath and tried to canter. Topaz on the other hand, was much too interested in what his friends were doing. Apparently I had given him enough but he was just not interested so she had me come back and try again. The result was amazing! The flying feeling was still there but so different on this horse! He has a slight bounce but his canter is much smoother and you really feel like you're flying on him. I felt so in control and like he was really listening to me. I'd always looked at this horse in admiration at the yard. I would often stand outside his stable and pet him and deliver some yummy treats but I had never, in a million years ever expected to ride him. He was the horse the experienced riders rode! He was the horse I daren't ever dream of riding. He was the horse I would never be good enough to ride. Only three months ago, I was introduced to this incredible horse. I'd been lead to believe, nice, ploddy, cobs would be the only type of horse I would ever be able to ride. I was happy with that. Some of the cobs we have are amazing and so beautiful like all breeds I've ever met. But a part thoroughbred? Forget it! I could never ride such a majestic horse with its fast pace and long strides. Sure, he's not pure but even part was beyond my own expectations as a rider. The shock when I was told I'd be riding him and the thrill I'd felt was indescribable. But to know, only three months on and not even riding him more than ten or so times, I'm comfortably, confidently and independently riding him. This is something I never expected to achieve! Carrying on with the ride, following the lead pony and doing some more fantastic trots, I really felt like, wow, I've actually done more than I ever expected to do. Two months ago, I would have laughed if you'd said I would be sitting on the back of my lovely, tall, cheeky bay friend, having had canters of such success in the past few weeks and finally doing it on my own with him too. We didn't get our final canter but you know something? I didn't even care. My sitting trot was pretty good anyway! As we were walking up to the yard, my instructor said that my canter on him was fantastic earlier in the lesson and my position is looking really good. Her feedback always means a lot to me. And when she doesn't need to correct me means I've finally got what I'm meant to be doing! This week's post on School your Horse helped too with my rein contact. I think my thumbs have probably been pointing to the horse's ears all this time so thumbs down is now making it easier on my hands too so thanks Lorraine! I dismounted and was asked to untack him and put on his rug which I did by myself today. Another step forward and another personal achievement. They seem like little things, I'm sure but to me they're a huge step forward and not just in completing the task but merely to be asked to do it on my own. He got several polos, a huge hug and kiss and I left the yard feeling like I'd accomplished so much! Sometimes we look at ourselves and see the mistakes and downfalls we're having and other times we see how far we've really come. The latter is definitely what I felt today. And although this has turned into an incredibly long post, I'm sorry, I'd still like to just thank some people. Some you all may know and others you may not. Firstly, my mum and my mum's best friend who I have considered a second mum for most of my life. You both always had faith that I'd get to this point. To Lorraine Jennings, who's blog I refer to frequently, you have been one of my biggest supporters in the past year and your words mean so much to me. Thank you for always being honest, seeing the funny side of things and making me see I have more to offer horses than just a polo or two. To Maddi Naish. You are one of the biggest reasons I didn't quit in the beginning of this year. Your upbeat attitude and your ability to see past my visual impairment and to make me realise I'm not a terrible rider made me think twice about quitting. You have become a great friend and I love the banter on twitter. :) To Hay net admin and all the people who have ever commented on my blogs, thanks for the support and feedback guys. You've restored my faith in the non-disabled world. Not everyone sees me for an incapable blind person. To many of you, I'm just another horse rider! Thank you for that. And lastly, to the school owner and the young lady who instructs me the most at our yard and the girls who help out there, thank you to all of you! You've made me feel welcome and not like a nuisance at the yard. I'm accepted by all and without the continued support and belief I can do it, I'd never have had the confidence to even try to canter. I feel, it was necessary to thank everyone as I've come to a point in riding that I never thought possible and without all these people, I don't think I would have persevered and made it. The journey's not over but I can look back at this day and say, whenever I have another bad period, you came through it once, you have to try because the results are well worth the tears, frustration and self doubt! Thanks, if you made it to the end of this post, you're a fabulous person. Until next week and a shorter post hopefully, ;) 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

avoiding Skating and A New Technique for Me

I called our school owner this morning to see if we would be riding on account of the immense amount of ice still hanging around. She said, the lane, where we ride was OK but the yard was like a skating rink but yes, riding would be on. I arrived and asked to ride Shadow, you guys may have met this tall, white friend of mine on a video I posted here last week. He was eventually led out and the mounting block had been moved to outside our yard so we and the horses remained safe. There had been a path cleared and salt put down by the horses stables so all the horses were being led along there. I did have visions of mounting off of the ground and even though the tallest horse I've ever got on from the ground was 14.2 HH, I was actually not concerned by this at all. I know at some point, I'm going to have to learn to mount all kinds of horses from the ground in case I fall off at some point. We rode up the lane, along the farm route with another horse in front of us. She's being broken in I think and wouldn't go a few times so Shadow and I went in front. There was patches of ice but overall it was pretty clear. We did a first trot and I'd been a very sensible girl today and wore my winter riding boots that are a cross between a riding boot and a wellington boot. They're very nice boots, with a fur inlining but for riding, I find them too heavy and can't feel my legs on the horse properly. I don't know whether i'm depending far too much on feeling my legs through my jodhpurs on the horse's side but I really just don't feel comfortable in these boots at all but knew with the ice rink of a yard, I would have to endure them. I did find them clunky though and not as in tune with my horse today. My seat contact was good but I kind of felt my legs were flailing for some of the time. On our second trots, my instructor asked me to demonstrate trot transitions. I've missed doing these so much and was happy to try. My lovely pony wasn't as responsive but I had felt I wasn't able to give him what I usually can either today. Those hideous boots! At one point he decided he was going to turn around in walk and go home. I managed to win that fight but again felt little contact on my leg and I guess wasn't able to deliver the precision I'm used to being able to give when using leg aids. After our haphazard trot transitions, we had to try something new. Ask our ponies to walk on without giving any leg aids. Yes, a new challenge. I thought this would have been pretty hard but when I think about my lovely friend, he's quite responsive to the seat so I shouldn't have been all that surprised. I used my seat and only after one ask through the seat did we walk on at a lovely pace. That was definitely my highlight of today's lesson. As our second set of trot transitions were even more appalling than the first. I enjoyed our little walk home and just kept him at a nice steady walk, keeping my ears out for the new pony in front. I don't feel stressed or disheartened, probably because I know what part, if not all of the problem was today. I'll be heading up in the morning so lets hope tomorrow is a better lesson, although those dreaded winter riding boots will be on my feet to avoid doing a spectacular impression of a baby penguin. Until next time, Thanks for reading, Marie

Three pairs of Socks Couldn't Save Me

Snow was forecast today and not just a flurry of the white stuff, big heap, sheets of it. I had checked the weather and it had said, snow flurries from 2 O'clock and then snow from 4 O'clock. I decided that if that much snow was going to fall that there would be very little chance of a second ride tomorrow. I asked when I got to the yard if I could have both rides today and it was absolutely fine. I decided to ride my tall white friend. He was raring to go this morning which didn't bother me in the slightest. I had a walker today because of the ice that was in patches along the road route but at this point ice was very sparse. We were following another horse in the beginning that was not one of our usual horses so a lady who owns one of our school horses was riding him to get him used to being ridden in a group like ours, I guess. He wasn't for going, no matter what so a crop was called for. My lovely tall, white, friend decided to back away from the crop but he was OK. We carried on for a walk until we'd got off the farm and onto some roads that were not patched with ice. We did some amazing trots. I really felt like I was pushing up through the thighs and keeping my heels down. During walk today, I noticed how stable I was in the saddle. I didn't feel floppy and could feel him more through the saddle than I ever had previously. There wasn't much good ground for cantering today but we had two possibilities on this ride. The first, all the horses seemed a little spooked or just crazy about something. It didn't happen but I wasn't surprised. Some more great trots were had and we got to the back lane to try for our last canter. I got a good solid one. I'm seeing more and more now that the canters are not just a few strides but lengthy and continuous. Just needed to stay in my seat a tiny bit more and relax but I'm blaming the cold. I was almost frozen by this point. I gave him a huge pat and was pleased by our result anyway. I did notice something today. The pulling down with his head and generally being a little fidgety with his head seems to have something to do with his reins. Apparently, our school owner says it is something to do with when his neck is hot, but I noticed as he was doing it today he's rubbing his reins along his neck which ties in to what she said. I know if I'm hot, we sometimes rub our necks or faces and can get a bit itchy so guess this is what he was doing. We got back to the yard, I took his bridle off and loosened his girth. Then decided to ride him again so I put the bridle on myself and lead him out. Neither I, nor the girl with me remembered to check the girth was tight again and when I put my foot in the stirrup, his saddle slipped. He was a good boy and stood waiting patiently while I untied it and we reset the saddle again. Poor thing must have thought, what silly humans these are today. And as I mounted, successfully, the first flakes of snow started to fall. We opted for the road route again but had a bit of a variation. Apparently my rising trots look pretty awesome now and I have fantastic posture while doing them. I feel as though this is true and my heels are down, my posture's good, elbows are in and shoulders are back. It's a good feeling. The snow by this point was sheeting down and we only managed a further few trots. My tall white friend had stopped itching his neck and was quite happy trying to catch the snow instead. He was amazing today and I felt amazing on his back. Because the snow was coming down so badly by this point we didn't even try for another canter but I know I could have got one if the weather had stayed stable until the end but the snow was coming down thick and fast so our priority was the horses and humans safety. After returning to the yard, I dismounted, my feet like blocks of ice and tied up his stirrups, took of his bridle once in his stable and put his exercise sheet over him and his stable rug. He did look funny with snow flakes in his mane. Lots of hugs and I went outside to wait for a taxi home. Even the three pairs of socks hadn't saved my feet from freezing! But it was well worth it. I'd be surprised if there were any rides tomorrow from our yard. It's still snowing now at gone five PM. So lets hope the evil white stuff has vanished by next weekend. I can't wait to see my lovely horsey friends again. 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

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

Relax!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you all have a good week,

Thanks for reading,

Marie

I Won't Be Put off!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading,

Marie

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