A Blustery Ride

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

Drenched and testy Ponies

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

New Horse

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

Sunday's Ride: Back To Hard Work

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

Saturday's Ride

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

Contrasted Rides

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

More Diagonals

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

Good Feelings and Excellent Feedback

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

Progress and Sweaty Ponies

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

Beautiful Sunshine and Wonderful Ride

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

Worth Getting Up For

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

New Things

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

Spring Sunshine and Scary Water Monsters

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

The Rules Changed

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

Exciting Stuff

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