Welcome!
I didn't start learning to ride until May 2010 and for the entire summer of that year was injured. My first year of riding was not that solid but since April last year, I've not missed a ride. I can walk, sit and rise trot, canter, and have started learning transitions and diagonals on a variety of horses. Come and join me on my adventures with my horsey friends all done with no sight on my part. don't feel afraid to ask me any questions. being blind and a horse rider is new, interesting and very exciting. So I hope you can gain something from reading this.
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Monday, 15 August 2011
My First Horse show
Having a fascination with horses from such a young age and being unable to do much about it makes me feel like I have a lot of catching up to do.
Yesterday, my mum, Bailey and I went along to a horse Show at Rochdale Riding club's ground which is about 15 minutes drive away from us. My dad dropped us and we met my mum's friend whom's daughter has a beautiful horse. She was showing him in two classes but before she did I got to pet him and chat a little to her and her mum.
I quickly realised that I couldn't imagine many other places I'd rather be than out doors at a horse event with my pup at my side. It's funny, many horse owners also seem to be dog owners too. I guess that's why horse and hound is such a popular magazine subscription here in the UK.
It poured for a little while so Bailey and I took shelter in the trailer; another first for me yesterday, being inside a horse trailer. I know for most this is probably no big deal but to have dreamed of such things for years and suddenly those things becoming reality is a nice feeling.
We walked down to the practice ring where the horses warm up and chatted a little about cost of upkeep. I knew horses cost but was pleasantly surprised about some of the costs they can incur. I didn't really have an idea about any cost, just assumed it was a lot of money but it seems if you find the right food provider and hay dealer with a good stable that doesn't cost through the nose, your day to day are pretty reasonable. Now, vets and farriers are another issue I don't doubt.
We watched the first of the classes the young lady we know was competing in and only waited a short while to watch the second.
The sun had appeared by this point and mum and I said goodbye to our friends and then watched a little bit of the show jumping. Mum used to show jump with her horse as a youngster and I love watching show jumping on TV so it was an awesome experience to stand ringside and hear the hooves and the commentator's announcements of scoring, which I understand perfectly on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Even with the rain, my first experience at a horse show only confirmed to me that I want to be a real part of the equestrian world and hope nothing will hold me back from achieving those dreams too.
Thanks for reading,
Marie
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You've brought back some memories! I still remember watching girls sitting on ponies at the ring side. My only ambition was to be able to do that!
ReplyDeleteI never considered I'd make a career out of it nor write about it. As my friend always says "There's nothing you can't do" It might not be the best English grammar but he has a point.
I look forward to next year when it's you and your horse going to your first show. Olympics here we come?!
Lorraine