My first driving lesson

[laura jeanne]

First we put the lunge line on the horse and she taught me to lunge. We went in both directions, walk and trot, and also letting the line in and out and how to hold and use the whip.

Then we put the long reins on. First I had the horse go in a circle as if we were lunging and I had to let the line in and out. This was all in walk. Then we zig zagged across the arena. Then, I had to walk down the arena straight towards a certain point and have the horse ziz zag in front of me.

I would say I was only fair at the circle part as I need to get used to letting the outside rein out and keep hold of the inside rein so the horse doesn't just walk off straight. Also, the reins were over my shoulder but kept slipping off because of my jacket, and being so short, I had to keep my hands up a bit high whereas the RI said I should have a straight line from elbow to bit. She also showed me how I need to keep my elbows and knees bent so if the horse pulls, I would not get pulled off balance. Of course this was a well-trained horse and did not pull at all.

Anyway that was my first lesson! It was lots of fun and I can't wait to go back next Sunday!!

I have looked on the web but can't find any beginning driver web sites so if anyone know of one, please let me know.

[Wally]

Have a look at the sticky thread at the top of the "other Disciplines" forum.. There's a lot od stuff there.

[Wally]

http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81915

[KarinUS]

LJ,

what a life! LOL. You are a such a well-rounded horsewoman nowadays! :D

[laura jeanne]

Karin, Heh, that's just what Wanabe said! I figured that I will never be that great a rider so I might as well just have fun. I need to get in shape for running behind the horse. I have been a real slacker in my exercise program.

Wally, I will take a look at all the links, thanks!

My target date for quitting my job is March 30 - so - short timer!!! I will have lots of time for everything I want to do.

[Wally]

Make a rein board for you to practice with, all you need is some cord, a couple of old horseshoes, or sand bags, and a couple of pulleys.

Use a set of riding reins attached to the cords.

[wanabe]

Hey, you're not QUITTING your job -- you're RETIRING. You will no longer be one of us working stiffs! :)

[laura jeanne]

Quibble quibble - Just think of all the FREE TIME. Shopping without traffic and crowds, time to cook a nice meal every day, getting exercise vs. sitting at a desk all day, not to mention flexibility in scheduling my riding lessons! Also, no standing in line for the bus downtown after 20 years of doing it!