Feels Like Flying!

Hurray for the spring like weather this week. Seemingly, Britain has enjoyed some rather spring like temperatures and so today's ride was set to be an ice free and snow free one. That is definitely a bonus for me. The sun was actually shining and the birds singing when I was walking to the yard this morning. Funny how a spring bird song can just put you in a great mood. I opted to ride Shadow today and was pleased on his forwardness and how much he was listening to me. My usual instructor was off riding duties today and we had another young lady. Incidentally, this very young lady had been my first leader with Harry on my first ride at this yard. She's taken only one other ride out that I can remember and so it was good again for me to get feedback from her if I needed it. We followed another horse on this ride and headed up to the farm route. We've not done this since the week I was wearing those horrible boots so I was rather looking forward to it. His walk was incredibly balanced and forward. It felt really nice sitting in that saddle this morning. Our trots were so forward and continuous. This has been an issue as I wouldn't always rise enough and frequent enough for him so he'd slow down but today we kept it going well. There is a lane that we refer to as the cobbles that is a sloping cobbled lane with trees on either side. Today, it wasn't the trees but a black bin bag that was the big scary monster. I was impressed. Shadow just walked on by like a big brave boy. A further trot took us to the back lane and there was a huge truck parked and a car unloading things. Forget the canter. Every horse trotted like there lives depended on it. But I wasn't disappointed. I knew it wasn't me or Shadow's partnership it was the big scary monster, AKA the car. I had considered doing two rides today as it was so dry and beautiful and once we got back to the yard, I concluded that would be what I did. The lovely, coloured gelding was my next choice. I haven't rode him in a few months and decided, despite how he leans heavy in your hands, I was going to see how I would adapt to his very bouncy gait. Most of the horses I ride, have a lovely smooth gait but this lovely chap has a much bouncier one. It used to unnerve me but I'm feeling much more confident in the saddle these days so decided to give it a go. I loved this horse in walk. I had forgotten how comfortable his walk is. He was full of energy today and we took the same route up. My rein contact seemed good although I've struggled in the past getting good rein contact as he is so heavy in your hands. We trotted relatively nicely. The adjustment to the bounce was relatively easy. I couldn't keep him going as much as I usually can with other horses but I suspect that is because our working partnership is not that solid. He was also a brave boy past the scary monster, [the bin bag] and our last trot was nice. We did this last part of the route slightly different which meant manoeuvring the horses 180 degrees to turn back and head another direction. This was good to check my leg directions on this handsome boy. He responded very well which was a relief to me. Always nice to see what you've learnt is very transferrable. On the back lane, where we often do our last canters, I remembered how much leg and seat this fellow needs. I guess that didn't bother me and so the young lady taking the ride said, lots of leg, and that's what he got and to my ultimate surprise, off we went, flying! I had never truly appreciated how lovely his canter was until today. And the best thing, when the young lady shouted for me to lean back a little, instead of tensing, my body adjusted accordingly and the canter was the entire length of the back lane. I've had that happen only on Shadow and Topaz before so this was a great feat for me. And today, I actually could enjoy and appreciate this horse's canter instead of worrying what I'm doing or not doing. I wasn't thinking, we're going to stop, I was enjoying it and felt my heels down, my elbows in and shoulders back and relaxed. It was amazing! I truly felt like I was flying along and when we came to a stop and walked a few paces which I was amazed to see we were near the leading pony, and the young lady running with that pony during its canter complimented me on my canter on this pony. I was shocked and somewhat pleased. Two weeks in a row I have been told my canters are looking good and a little bubble of pride did erupt inside of me. I have to be honest. I dismounted and gave a lot of the big horses some carrots I'd brought for them. So this early spring like day turned out to be a pretty lovely one for me. So until tomorrow where I shall bore you all some more with my riding, thanks, Marie

Future for Disabled Riders

I usually leave my controversial discussions and opinions on my other blogs. I'm sadly known for being rather outspoken but when I feel something is wrong, I cannot help but get slightly worked up about it. The barriers that are put up in our society for disabled people is mostly misconstrued ideas about the capabilities of the disabled. Unless you know someone who is wheel chair bound, deaf, blind, or suffering ffrom a vast amount of other disabilities, you are reasonably not aware of what that individual can and cannot do. At 15, I sat in an office at my high school, being asked what I wanted from my future. I told the careers advisor, I wanted to be in performing arts and live in America for a time. They literally laughed in my face. I, as a blind 15 year old should get my act together and think about realistic goals. Career wise, I sort of accepted that. Acting, singing and dancing are very hard areas to get in and stay in but the America dream just wouldn't die. At 19 that dream came true when I went on an exchange programme, by myself, having never flown anywhere with family let alone by myself before. I didn't know who would be at the other end, I had no idea what I would find and the level of support I would receive. There were a lot of unknowns, but I did it anyway. It was a risk, but one I was willing to take. Why am I telling you all this? And what does that have to do with the equine world? Well, I've told you all before, I was refused lessons as a child to learn to ride despite me truly wanting it. I walked away from that dream once but finally came back around to it with some amazing people who've brought me farther than I ever thought possible. If anyone had ever told me I would be cantering, by myself with nothing but shouted stops or directions, I would have laughed in their face. No way, I a blind person, could be left in charge of a huge horse and go at a fair speed without doing myself some major injury. That brings me to my outburst of frustration. When I started riding, I searched the internet for information on blind riders. I learnt there were a fair few around in the national and international arenas from various countries in several disciplines. I found dressage to be the most popular, naturally with it being the main para equestrian sport at the Olympics. But I also discovered that there was a definite chance to learn to jump. A girl in my region had come second place in the European championships and she was totally blind. She was featured in our newspaper and my thoughts were, you go girl and wow, I could maybe do that if I ever got good enough. I was researching online today about blind riders again, seeing if any early events would indicate how the para riders were doing in light of the olympics this year. I stumbled across the British Para Show Jumping Association's website and I knew of their existence but had kept away due to my own focus on my own riding. But what I found there today angered and saddened me. Here's the link and I'll insert the text below for you guys. British Para Show Jumping association BPSJA has finally given in to the bullying, smears and general nasty tactics of people involved with the Governing bodies in this sport, we have fought for many years to bring Para Show Jumping to everyone that is disabled and capable of jumping designated heights. We were heavily involved and the first to set up an organisation catering solely for physically disabled riders, we took many riders to France, for there first International Jumping experience. We took pride in producing shows where you had the ability to jump against your peers and learn from each other against fellow International riders who have had many years of experience. The comradery that came out of these shows has given us a fantastic reputation around the world. But at what price, I am fed up with the constant smears, obstacles, personal attacks, and attitudes of a lot of the old-fashioned beliefs about disabled people. They have a right to compete as much as an able bodied person. Seven years I have battled and have made some great friends in the England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Spain, USA, Canada, Sweden, France, Australia and New Zealand. This may not seem professional and I apologise to all those riders and future disabled riders for not being strong enough to carry on on your behalf. One can only take so much crap and I have reached my limit the latest was an anonymous warning: " Andy please be careful and on guard you are planning a show for the summer and various organisations are not happy!! I understand certain people are trying to discredit you and the BPSJA. I'm afraid I cannot intervene. That is all I can tell you. Good luck" Just one of many I get. This web site will be wiped and I will be posting more of the above at the end of the month including minutes of meetings slating the BPSJA. Andy Lawes This saddens me that other people's ignorances are laying bear to an organisation that supports disabled people in show jumping having to give in and stop supporting and promoting the sport. Clearly, with their levels of successes and the recent adoption by the Riding For the Disabled Association introducing show jumping, the sport could have been successful. They were hoping to get it to FEI level eventually and add another Equestrian sport to the international levels. I know what some people will think, jumping is just far too dangerous for a disabled rider. But riding is a dangerous sport for anyone. Show jumping is a dangerous sport for sighted and abled bodied riders. You fall off! as long as you're physically able to withstand a fall, and have been medically proven fit to take part, why not allow disabled riders to compete? I read about an endurance rider a few months ago, Carl De Campos and I was blown away. Every time I read about someone with a disability doing a different horse related sport, I'm like awesome. I used to think I could only hack out but through chatting to others and seeing what is possible, I think there are many doors open to me if I can find the right horse and work hard to achieve something toward establishing the knowledge of the different disciplines. I don't know what they are yet, I don't even know if I'm good enough to compete but I think I, like any disabled rider who has the drive and ability, should be given half the chance. Do I think eventing should be included? I don't know. Do I think we could play polo? I have no idea. Do I think the disabled should be given the chance to prove what they can do as individuals? Absolutely! If someone's already set the president , and clearly BPSJA already has, then why shouldn't it be allowed to take para equestrianism to the next level? I'd love all of your thoughts on this and I'm open to anything. I accept there are risks, but there always is. Isn't there? If you want to know more about carl De Campos click on the link below Info on Carl De Campos

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

Back in Rhythm

I didn't have the best ride last week due to those evil boots and the horrible ice. This week, the ice has gone so Jodhpur boots were able to be worn again. Hurray! My dad was being very kind this morning and gave me a lift to the yard. Well, not exactly the yard, he's precious about his car and dropped me at the bottom of the lane and I walked the rest of the way up. I was early and decided to ride Shadow today, AKA, my tall white friend. I hadn't had a great ride on him last Saturday and I felt I needed to get on him again so I could remember the last ride on him if I switched horses was a good one. He was very forward in walk and I just knew that the energy levels were good enough to have a really good ride. My first trot was amazing! My legs stayed in position and I was rising up through the thighs in a lovely, forward trot. Sometimes, he gets a little complacent in the way he'll stop because he thinks he's done what you've asked but I rarely needed to keep him going today. His trots were wonderful and I was in a good position on him on all of them. On the back lane, we attempted a canter but got a very forward trot instead. I didn't give enough to get him going. So my instructor yelled for me to come back and try again. He was being very awkward. He wanted to go with his friends and he kept trying to turn but my instructor firmly told me not to let him and I didn't. He lost the battle. So we tried again and I was on my own as we both agreed he's better in canter without a leader and I have enough control over him to be by myself. I gave the biggest squeeze and off we went. It was a beautiful and rhythmic canter. I was told I was very much in my seat and it looked great. This is a huge thing for me as you all know I was freaking out about not getting the canters a few months ago but here I am, able to say, especially on the horses I'm used to riding in canter, I feel more confident about getting them going. It's been a few weeks since we've actually done cantering so I was really pleased about this. My position is feeling more and more improved. Its like, I hardly have to think about sitting up and back and staying balanced, heels down and hands forward anymore. It's just happening. Guess muscle memory has a lot to do with it. As we were walking back to the yard, I asked if I could ride on another ride today. I'll still be going tomorrow and wanted to ride again as I'd missed a ride last week due to my scary boots situation. I decided to ride the bay beauty, AKA, Bella. Here's a photo. She's a sweet mare who I learnt to rise trot on and she's also a stubborn mare at times. I therefore, of course, love her to pieces. She was on rest for a while late last year and it's been a long while since I rode her so decided to take the opportunity to ride her today while I was on a high. We followed another horse on this ride but it was a smaller pony so in some places wasn't always easy to follow but as on the first ride, I didn't have a leader/walker today. She walked lovely. I had forgotten how slow she was in her gait. But the trotting, wow! That's all I can say! It was instant. I just rose and fell with her like I'd ridden her in the previous ride. For a long while, it had taken me a few trots to get into a new horse's rhythm or even a horse I hadn't ridden for a while. But there I was today, just feeling her rhythm and going with her in a lovely forward trot. She has a slower gait but her trots are so smooth. It was so lovely to be finally reunited with her. I realised today too, how far I've come since I last rode her. I'd never felt confident about getting a horse into canter when I'd last rode her but I am confident of trying now so I have definitely progressed as a rider. I think she sensed this too. We did try for a canter, I wasn't expecting one and I didn't quite get one. Because I've never actually cantered on Bella before, my instructor ran with me so she could take over if I couldn't keep control. It was the fastest trot this lovely mare has ever done and I felt on a few occasions, she was almost there. Even my instructor said that she was impressed that I'd almost got her there. I will happily tell you, the day I get Bella to canter for me, will probably be one of the happiest days in my riding journey so far. She's notorious for riders to get her to do something for them initially but once she knows you can get her to do it, she becomes easier. I did struggle on one trot during this ride. It was my second and it was all my fault. Who knows where my hands were going, I didn't know and neither did my poor horse. But every trot after that was amazing. We did take a little adventure. On the way back to the yard, I was still following the other horse but there was running water down the lane and I lost my hearing for a while. So Missy thought we'd go another way. She was definitely testing me on keeping her straight but it was good. I like being challenged and it just gives me another tool to add to my horse rider's kit to work with the horse. So, even though I've had two rides today, I'll be up tomorrow for a third so wish me luck. 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

A Horsey Tail for You

I thought I'd share some of my fictional writing with you today. it's a work in progress and this is just the first chapter but enjoy! Hello, there! Welcome to Hummingbird Farm. And more importantly, welcome to my stables. My name’s Kihanna and I own the farm. It’s a beautiful place set in the middle of the English countryside near one of our most treasured natural landscapes of the Lake District. I live here with my two children, Jasmine who is fifteen and Danny who is eleven along with our two crazy labradors, Amber and Topaz, a bunch of nutty chickens and a cockerel who can’t tell the time, but I’m guessing you’re not interested in any of that, are you? You’ve come to visit my nine horses and one fat pony, haven’t you? Well, yes, I don’t blame you. Although you may run into the other animals and some of the human occupants along your journey here. But I’m sure you all don’t mind that. I’ve wanted the world to know my precious horses tales for such a long time. But I can only give you half that tale. For as you know, horses hold many secrets from us, not intentionally . In fact, it’s more like they tell us their secrets, but most people never hear them. So now is your chance to open your ears and listen to the story from the horse’s mouth. Enter Diamond, my treasured mare. Isn’t she sweet? Kihanna, I mean. I have to say, she knows a lot about us horses as she does indeed listen. as does Jasmine, her foal? No, that’s not right is it? Humans have children, not foals, silly me! Well, as Kihanna kindly said, I am one of her favourites. a horse does tend to hold her head high when she hears her mistress say such lovely things to strangers and, Miss Jasmine and Miss Kihanna do say many lovely things about me. Always of how my coat is gleaming and shiny, while my gait is smooth and forward, and my temperament is kind and gentle but let me tell you something, good horses exist because of good owners. The kinder your master or mistress is to you, the happier your life will be. We at Hummingbird Farm are always taken care of, treated well, given a gentle guiding hand, and never beaten or hurt. The worst thing to happen to a horse around these parts are only things that will in the long run, be the better for we horses. Now I’ve praised my owners, let me tell you something about good old Hummingbird. As Kihanna rightly said, the farm is in the Lake District, and I know this as we have been to see these beautiful lakes and Ebony and I once swam in them much to Mistress Jasmine’s delight. There are many trees and hills surrounding us and the air is oh so very clean. To reach our farm you enter through a bumpy road, up a small hillside. Once you reach the gate, you continue straight on, past the farm house and the chicken coup to another set of gates, one to your right and the other to your left. The right gate leads into the stable yard and the left into a training arena or a school. You can guess which we like best for different reasons. The yard is always clean and has a paddock to the south with a stream running to the west of the stables. The grass is so green and fresh, as though an artist just painted it that morning. The summer days show off its true beauty with a pearlescent, deep, blue sky with cotton wool balls of clouds. The apple trees in the orchard to the east give off their sweet, crisp perfume and the stacks of hay always make us feel joyful! My stall in the stable yard is in the first block, second door along, next door to Phoenix to my left and Ebony to my right. I love this place and all my friends here in it. And I did know two other places before Hummingbird, one was a good place like this, but my second place was somewhere I can never call home. Kihanna brought me here when I was six years old, as the humans would say, and I’ve been here ever since, thankfully. So I’m guessing you want to meet everyone, right? Come along, lets go and meet my friends and family. The sun is bright in a sapphire blue summer sky as a gleaming white mare grazes by the fence in a green field surrounded by trees. She lifts her head and a knowing look in her eye lets you know she’s waiting. Tossing her elegant neck and allowing her flaxen mane to fly about in the warm summer morning air, she lets out a long, meaningful whinney. At once a huge stallion gallops from the other side of the field to stand beside her. His chestnut coat glittering in the sunshine and his tail swishing with delight and affection. “Diamond,” He nuzzles her, “What is it?” “Nothing, my dear Phoenix, except, look!” She tilts her bright eyes down the track leading to their paddock and the gelding turns his handsome head to look to where her gaze falls. a pretty young girl opens the gate leading into the stable yard. Her long, strawberry blond hair, tied up in a messy pony tail while her soft blue eyes display the sheer devotion she feels toward the animals she’s come to care for. “Jasmine’s here!” exclaims ebony, a playful mare as rich in colour as her name. The three friends watch the young girl as she pulls off her jacket, no doubt only put on when her mother had insisted on the cool air outdoors. She walked to the water pump and began to run it into one of the huge buckets that were lined up along the fence. It had rained the previous night, and the multicoloured rugs that the horses wore had kept them all warm. Diamond stretched her neck as Ebony began to greet Jasmine with zeal. “Morning, ebby,” Jasmine’s quick and quiet hands ran over the Ebony coloured horse. Her eyes bright with happiness and enjoyment. “Diamond, Phoenix, come here. Let me have a look at you.” Diamond trotted elegantly across the field toward the young mistress. Her mane and tail flying out as she sped up. “Whoa, girl!” Jasmine nuzzled the brilliantly white coloured horse. “You silly mare. Did you miss me?” Phoenix strolled up dignity evident in his pretty brown eyes. He and Diamond had been together for years. It was here where he’d began to love his fellow creatures and the humans that took care of him. Diamond nickered her response and Jasmine stroked the white nose and returned to her bucket. Onyx cantered over to stand near Ebony as Gypsy stayed in the far corner. Pippa wobbled over to the gate, waiting to be brought in for her breakfast as Sandy and Molly played a frequent game of roll in the grass. As Jasmine started to fill another bucket, she opened the tack room and came out with a small head collar. “It’s me! It’s me!” Pippa danced on her legs and whinnied her approval of being brought in first. “Now, now, Pippa,” Phoenix nudged her. “Wait patiently. You know Jasmine won’t open the gate while you’re behaving like that”. at the older horse’s words, Pippa calmed and stood back from the gate so Jasmine could open it safely and waited. “Hey Jazz!” another girl’s voice called. “It’s Jess!” diamond tossed her head happily. Ebony poked her way to the fence to watch Jess walk up the lane and open the stable yard gate. “Wanna help me get some of these crazies in?” Jasmine called, knowing her friend’s voice without turning around. They seem eager this morning, which will be good if we’re hacking today. You remembered your hat, didn’t you?” “ooooh,” Ebony nudged Onyx. “I bet I go. Wish you’d let Jess ride you. You know Jasmine would take Phoenix!” He didn’t respond and just pawed the ground with his hooves. Onyx and Ebony were as black as they come. Ebony had a star white blaze on her head and Onyx was black from nose to tail. They’d been with each other from foals, although not blood related but they were as close as Sandy and Molly were. Ebony nuzzled his sleek, dark neck in understanding. It had been hard for him to trust new people after losing their good owner. and so much guilt weighed on his heart as she’d been leading him in out of the field when it happened. He just stood there, over her body, hoping for human help but no one came. Ebony knew he was so faithful and loved their owner so much that he would never have done anything else but the guilt of it still remained heavy on his shoulders. “Ebony!” Jess called, her sweet, kind voice ringing out and Ebony immediately trotted toward her. “Good morning, my beautiful friend. How are you?” She spoke quietly and her hands were quick and efficient on the head collar’s buckles and yet her hand confident as she led Ebony out of the field and into her stable. Pippa and Onyx were next. Followed by Phoenix and Sandy with Molly. Jasmine opened the gate and smiled sadly as she saw gypsy grazing in the far off corner of the paddock. “She’ll never learn to trust, will she?” Jess’s voice was beside Jazmine then and she shrugged, uncertainly. “Is she the last?” “Ebby, Onyx, Diamond, Phoenix, Sandy, Molly, Pippa, and Gypsy is over there, but where is Luna?” Jasmine looked worried as she scanned the paddock. “If that pony is hiding again, I’ll make her work all day in the school!” “No, you won’t,” Jess laughed as they closed the gate and walked into the paddock together. Each held a head collar, one that fit a sad horse who would do anything to avoid trusting and one that fit a cheeky little bay horse. “Luna!” Jasmine called. “Luna,loo?” At that very moment, a rustling from the far end, where some trees grew high above the paddock, giving natural shelter when it was too hot or wet, a pony, as tall as Jasmine, came cantering along the field. Jess and Jasmine ran aside allowing the light bay pony with the cheekiest face gallop to the gate and turn to look at them as though she’d been waiting her lifetime for them to open the gate and feed her her breakfast. “You’re such a diva,” Jess laughed, walking to fetch Luna into her stable to begin the munch. As she opened the gate to lead the pony, who was behaving relatively well, for such an early morning walk with a human, a crunch of tyres was heard and all the horses, hay in mouths, poked their heads around the opened doors to see who was here. But they already knew who it was. “Kihanna!” Diamond whinnied her greeting as Kihanna, warm faced and with kind eyes opened the yard gate and came in as luna’s door was shut behind her. “Everyone in, then?” Kihanna asked Jess as she unlocked the office that was next to the gate. “Jasmine’s trying to get Gypsy in, now,” Jess replied, filling Luna’s bucket with clear water. “I’m going to have to work with her today while you girls are out hacking and before the lessons start this afternoon. can you make sure she’s got fresh water before Jazz gets her in?” Jess nodded as Kihanna walked into her office and looked in her bookings book for the day’s clients. “Think she’ll ever trust them?” Diamond asked Phoenix as she munched her hay over the stable door. He was looking out sadly over the field to where Jasmine, patiently tried to put the head collar on the dark bay horse who’d been so badly treated by humans, she couldn’t believe these ones were any different. “If she can’t learn to trust Kihanna and Jasmine, she’ll never trust anyone,” Phoenix commented sadly. “They’re the best humans possible!” Diamond nodded her elegant head and they both went back to their hay bars.

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

Big Freeze!

It seems to have rained constantly for the past few weeks and the temperature dived last night so there was ice on the lane up to the yard today. I arrived, after a few skates backward, and was told I would be probably riding my tall, cheeky, bay friend. I was happy about this as last weekend had been successful. So up I got on him and we all headed up to the farm. Today was a pretty good step forward. I was walking and trotting completely alone on him. In my previous rides with him, as our friendship is still very new, I've had someone walking along side me but today the girl who would lead me in canter would check on other riders. I just listened for the horse in front to follow where we were going and only had to be told about my distance once. Even when he stumbled a little, I kept in my rising trot. It was much more forward than it's been on previous occasions. I feel like I'm not holding back and giving good squeezes now. We all went onto the boggy field and I wasn't expecting him to canter. So all relaxed, the girl running with me in canter came over and I gave a big squeeze, and off we went in a very bouncy canter. Then trot which I sat in nicely and squeeze again and off we went in another canter. I didn't feel I was in my seat as he was very bouncy due to the bogginess of the field and my instructor said that I was in my seat but he was bouncier as he was pulling his feet out of the mud a bit and the part he trotted, she expected him to because of the conditions of the field. She also commented on how relaxed I look and how good my position is and my squeezes are better and said that the no pressure thing is really working. I was pleased about this as I feel it's helping in all areas and the trotting was much more forward today and the canters were good, just on the bouncy side. But despite that, I didn't even grab for my saddle which I have had a tendency to do in the past which is an improvement. Didn't even need to be told hands forward today and more importantly, didn't pull back on my reins. On one of the paths on the way back, we'd all pulled into the left side of the road and he'd got his feet stuck in some mud so he fidgeted a bit but he got calmer as we moved him off the mud and I stroked his neck to reassure him. So it was a lovely successful ride again today. Really enjoyed it and felt like I made a lot of progress with my tall, cheeky, bay friend. Getting to know a horse is always a lovely journey. I've enjoyed getting to know a lot of the horses at this yard and now I'm taking the pressure off of myself, I'm improving without even trying. Practice, practice and practice, right? Thanks for reading and fingers crossed the ground isn't as slippy tomorrow. 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