Today's been a glorious Autumn day. Started cool clear and misty, with a hint of Winter to come. By mid morning the Sun had warmed everything and reminded me of the Summer we didn't really have! The leaves are turning all colours, so in a way I wish I'd made the effort to go up to the Lakes for the day. A couple of things have kept me anchored closer to home ..either side of which it's been a very horsey day!
Had Heather tacked and ready by half nine. Into the school we marched. Unfortunately all that followed was one huge argument. Little progress on yesterdays session. She is so determined not to work. I'm equally hard about making her go. She is ignoring my leg. She gets a crack! Once is not enough with this horse. Only on the third whack, with leg of course, do I get any sort of positive forward response. Maybe she's got me, because I'm not sure how long I can keep taking her into the school and basically flogging her round. So after a sweaty half hour we head off out. I think this one was a draw...oh and I've broken another crop! We had a really nice little hack. Out and about she's now going off the leg. She gets a smack now and then to remind her...I don't want to, but this is one hard horse. I ask plenty of questions. Walk, trot, canter, all near perfect. I even turn her round halfway home and head back out. No protest. In so many ways she's doing really well. Despite our arguments earlier she still whinnies to me.
A friend, Mel has booked her first lesson in five weeks. She's been riding at the school through the Summer and progressing well. I was concerned that she'd not been in a while and may be at that stage where it's as easy to give up, than get on and feel like you're just standing still! How wrong was I. She rode well. I cast an eye over now and then, pretending to do some chores around the yard. She looks good...her balance and position are so much better than a while ago. I can see and appreciate everything so much myself, I've only been riding over a couple of years. I know how it feels to be in her place. Riding is not easy...but so rewarding. Ange thinks Mel is good enough to hack out. This was Mels goal, how happy am I going to be if I escort her on her first hack!!
Had Heather tacked and ready by half nine. Into the school we marched. Unfortunately all that followed was one huge argument. Little progress on yesterdays session. She is so determined not to work. I'm equally hard about making her go. She is ignoring my leg. She gets a crack! Once is not enough with this horse. Only on the third whack, with leg of course, do I get any sort of positive forward response. Maybe she's got me, because I'm not sure how long I can keep taking her into the school and basically flogging her round. So after a sweaty half hour we head off out. I think this one was a draw...oh and I've broken another crop! We had a really nice little hack. Out and about she's now going off the leg. She gets a smack now and then to remind her...I don't want to, but this is one hard horse. I ask plenty of questions. Walk, trot, canter, all near perfect. I even turn her round halfway home and head back out. No protest. In so many ways she's doing really well. Despite our arguments earlier she still whinnies to me.
A friend, Mel has booked her first lesson in five weeks. She's been riding at the school through the Summer and progressing well. I was concerned that she'd not been in a while and may be at that stage where it's as easy to give up, than get on and feel like you're just standing still! How wrong was I. She rode well. I cast an eye over now and then, pretending to do some chores around the yard. She looks good...her balance and position are so much better than a while ago. I can see and appreciate everything so much myself, I've only been riding over a couple of years. I know how it feels to be in her place. Riding is not easy...but so rewarding. Ange thinks Mel is good enough to hack out. This was Mels goal, how happy am I going to be if I escort her on her first hack!!
To my Thursday night group lesson. Last week I rode Garfield for the first time. Proved to be a very good experience, despite my nerves and reservations. This week, Ange has paired me with Roscoe. He's a big chestnut gelding. Big as in bulldozer! This horse has a huge body, deep and full. His neck is rippling with muscle. Looks like he picks up cars with his teeth for a laugh! He has his issues and I've been in company with him on a hack, when he's decided to ditch his rider.. I'm ready for the challenge. So it turns out to be a really good lesson for me. He falls into and effortless outline. Difficult to turn..he's so big and a bit stiff in his body. There's no doubting his power and his walk to canter is so fluid and smooth, with his body tucked up and head held vertical. With all that muscle though, can't help feeling I'm riding a bull! Beautiful horse, can't help squeezing his neck again as I put him to bed. Not an ounce of fat. He is just oozing topline muscle. I feel really privileged to have been able to ride such an animal. A great day...again!
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