I thought it would be a good idea to try Rinaldo in a private lesson. Less pressure to keep up with the ride if I couldn't make him go, with the added benefit [or greater pressure, depending on your point of view] of undivided attention from the instructor. I went to mount, just about got …
Do Ya, Do Ya, Do Ya, Do Ya!
YES, SHE ABSOLUTELY DOES Once it was decided that our Saturday lesson would take place in the lower arena, I went to fetch Rebel out of his stable. Beautiful day, the kind of day that finds us cantering up the fields. I wasn't sure enough abut my thumb to countenance a ride out. There was …
Philosophy
So, what kind of horse should I be riding? If the horse is difficult, as Rebel has been difficult, should I then continue to ride difficult horses? But if the horse is difficult, as Rebel has been difficult, how many habits do I get into that will not translate happily to another mount? I'm not …
Brain Freeze
My bum still hurts. Last Saturday, we took the horses out into the field. I was on Rebel. It didn't feel like a good idea. He kept breaking out of the ride, cantering off, upwards. I immediately reactivated all my fears about riding out, and I know I ought to have just gotten off him …
Starting Over
It feels like that, every time I ride a new horse. I'd mounted Reb, only to be told to get down and take Rinaldo. Rinaldo. A livery chestnut now doing some duty in the school, the girls had alerted me to his presence last week. Long and lean, about 15.3, 16hh, I watched him jump …
Goodbye to the Comfort Zone
On Thursday, I asked Ruth who she thought I ought to be riding next. 'Ruby,' she said, 'Or Bounty.' Gulp. Both mares, which I don't mind. I like mares. I loved Delilah. I also remember what she put me through, the first several lessons with her. I managed, and she was the perfect bridge from …
Look, Ma!
We did the thing with the reins on one hand again. But without stirrups. That was pretty cool. Then, for the last two minutes, we played chase. Four adults on horseback trying to avoid getting tagged, whilst the fifth tried their best to make someone else 'it'. Despite the long stick, I was 'it' forever, …
Cowboy Logic
The indoor arena is still under construction, but luckily, the weather held. Windy, though— and we were in the upper outdoor arena. It's big, and heavy with sand, it's where the polocrosse happens, and the jumping competitions. I had watched Rebel in the previous lesson, and he was particularly stroppy, running out from jumps and …
Owies and Ouchies
My back. It's not killing me, but when I deviate from the posture I would assume in the saddle, it kind of— it goes a bit twangy. I can move, it's not like I've thrown it out, but if I move in a certain way, it lets me know it's there. The thing I can't …
Mr Sociability
We were making our way to the bottom arena— the indoor is getting new kickboards, and besides, it was a glorious evening, one of the first of the nights slowly making their way towards the midsummer height, and not one of us would have wanted to stay inside. Not even the horses, perhaps especially the …
MANY BRAVE FOOLS 