11 days. That’s how many days went by where my area didn’t see the sun. Grey clouds, rain & snow, no sun. All week leading up to this weekend the forecast said the sun would come out. But you know, the ones that forecast the weather are the only people who can be wrong and still have a job. So when I woke up yesterday morning and saw the bright sun. I knew it was going to be a great day.🌞
I am happy to report that I am back to riding twice a week. I’ve already noticed an improvement with my stamina and strength, and I’m much less sore in the days following my rides.💪🏻
On Saturday’s I ride with 2 other adults. Both of these adults have more experience than I do, and I sometimes feel like I’m in over my head. Copper and I were not on the same page for a good chunk of our lesson on Saturday. I had issues getting him to move forward, then we had some disagreements about walking straight and staying against the rail or wall of the arena for my non horsey friends. But I stuck with it and adjusted all my cues until he finally stopped walking like a drunkin sailor lol.
On Sunday I ride with 1 other adult, and this lesson for me, is where I can fine tune what I didn’t do well on Saturday. Today’s lesson was much better. I did a much better job at keeping him straight and forward and that resulted in some beautiful moments of cantering that we did.
Both rides were learning experiences and were fun. But I haven’t told you the best parts. So….I know the suspense is killing you 😉
In the beginning of January I told my trainer that my goal for this year was to be confident enough to ride around the property alone with Copper. I’ve had some lovely times with riding him outside but I usually have someone walk next to me or I’m with another person on horseback – but there’s usually a person walking next to me. So it’s basically a pony ride. She told me that goal was something we can achieve.
What better way to get used to riding alone than in the safety of the arena. For the last 3 weeks I’ve ridden in the arena alone before my Sunday lesson. It helps Copper get an extra long warmup and it’s giving me the confidence to get comfortable riding alone. So while my trainer is finishing up with the previous lesson, Copper and I work on whatever issues we are having. Today we worked on leg yielding to help keep him more straight than yesterday..
Being alone in the arena with him is quite comical at times. Anyone walking by or sitting in the viewing room will hear me have a full on conversation with him. Talking to him helps keep me focused and keeps my nerves in check. I can’t be nervous if I’m telling him step by step what we are doing lol.
Oh but there’s more. My new found independence has also led to me getting on my horse without needing anyone to hold him for me. I will admit, I have a lot of mounting block PTSD from Alfie. Alfie had dramatic mounting block issues for all the years we were riding. Copper has always stood perfectly still for me, it was me that had to get over it. And this weekend, I did. Both days, I got him lined up, climbed those mounting block steps, and got on. No issues.🙌🏻
I also managed to squeeze in time with both Alfie and Flame this weekend. Both boys are doing FABULOUS. Alfie has had no issues with his feet since his shoes were removed a few months ago. And little Flame is getting used to hoof oil and hugs & selfies. Interesting combo right??
My mother is still with us, although she has started to really decline. I’m not sure how much longer she has, so every chance I get I tell her how much I love her and how she and my father did a fantastic job of raising me. I know I’ve made her proud in all areas of my life, but especially with the horses. ❤️🐴❤️🐴❤️🐴
Confessions of an Equestrianoholic 