Older Riders

[jonto]

Originally posted by jonto
Sotty I ment "rein" not "bit".:o

Oh dear, soRRy I meAnt, oh dear again.:mad:

[Bev Heron]

Jonto, et al,

I suggest the tidiest way to deal w/ typos and other errors is to hit the Edit button at the bottom of one's message, then go in and fix the text. I think, but am not sure, that if Joe edits his message after Jane has visited the thread, Jane will get another message notifying her that there is a "new" post on the thread.

[jonto]

Molly's bridle has three rings, diameters all in line, attached tangentialy, each off less radius, the bit attached to the largest ring. I asked tonight and was told its called a "bubble bit". Now for me a novice the reins should be attached to the largest ring, the one that has the bit hinged to it but on Sundays Molly goes out hacking with an experienced rider when the reins are attached to the smallest ring, the third and last forward from the bit. Hope this makes sense, I've still a lot to learn.:o Rode Molly tonight, she's a goer and she enjoys it to, wish I'd done this riding course years ago, its marvellous, such satisfaction, achievement and companionship.
Then there's the relationship with the horses, they love it to. I have the feeling that Molly likes me, we get on well, she's given me an insite into the pleasure of what we can do when I've progressed some more.:)

[chapsi]

I'm glad I read the last part of this thread. I ride my horse on a Pessoa bit (just like a Dutch Gag), with 3 rings. So far, I only used it as a snaffle. So, what you are saying, is that if we go hacking, the reins should be attatched to the lower smaller ring? That it makes it safer?

[jonto]

Hello Chapsi, I think it increases the leaverage, the pull of the reins. I would think a lot depends on the horse, how sensitive he is. Molly's off like a rocket the moment I leave the line up of the ride and I have to hold her back all the time.

[Steve.R]

The bottom ring of a bubble bit is the most severe. This can be used but it needs to be used very gently as it is like using the curb rein on a Pelham bit. The leverage can be quite severe. The alternative, which apparently is correct but I have never seen anyone doing it, is to use two sets of reins on this type of bit as you would on a Pelham. The top rein on the snaffle setting and the other rein on the second/bottom ring as an option for more delicate control.

As for safety, that depends on the horse - a strong horse might go better and therefore more safely on a lower setting - but others might set their neck and object to the severity of the lowest ring making them less safe.

I think that if you are managing in the snaffle setting Chapsi it is probably best to stay there. The only time I might think of going down a setting on this type of bit is at a competition or something if I know the horse will get really strong with me or needs more delicate control for precise moves.

hope this helps
Esther
:D

[jonto]

Hello Bev
Thanks for the tip about the edit button, I'd overlooked it, its a great let out.
Molly when out hacking on Sundays is I'm told very keen to go and is ridden by an experienced rider. The set up for the tack is therefore somewhat different.
I take another lesson tomorrow. Wednesday's class is a bit more advanced than Mondays, hope I can have Molly again. :)

[jonto]

Found a site with some good pictures of tack, www.ejeffries.co.uk/index.html
Nearest I can see to the type of bit Molly has is a"Dutch Gag". I will try to take a picture of it to night.

[jonto]

Here's Molly's bit.

[jonto]

....and here's the group assembled for last night's lesson.

[chapsi]

THe Pessoa bit differs a little from the Dutch Gag you showed, as it only has 1 little bottom ring instead of 2.
By the way, in the other picture, which person is Jonto?

[jonto]

Hello Chapsi
Jonto was behind the camera.

[Laetitia]

Lovely to hear you are getting on so well, Jonto.
Its amazing how one's horse picks up on one. My second lesson went very well and I was really positive. Last night was a no no. I was burglared last sat, whilst I was out, and a lot of stuff was taken. So having to cope with all that, thought - at least I can forget for a bit and have a good ride. Didn't happen, couldn't get it together very well, and naggie immediately responded to my negativity. He wasn't naughty, just didn't help. I'm just feeling sorry for myself, will do better next week. L


ps. jonto, have sent you message. L

[jonto]

Hello Laetitia
Well Iv'e had the burgulary experience, its horrid, it takes you down so far. You are very brave to go for your lesson and continue on. Lets hope some of your posessions are returned and the perpetrators receive there dues. A bit of retribution is way overdue.........westminster! Thank you for your encouragment with my riding, I'm still in my first year and seem to have done so much, trotting and now canter and there's still a lot to learn, but oh is it fun.
Do hope you recover some of your lost things soon.

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Just back from my monday's lesson and boy was it cold up on Biddulph Moor, east wind Brrrrr.... Rode Molly, nothing much new to report, she's as good as ever, spent some time in sitting trott developing leg aids and a little with canter to. The hour went to quickly for me, thats the penalty you pay for enjoyment! :)

[lizzy]

I always think that whatever the weather, you never really notice it when you get on and get out there even if you ride in the outdoor school - even the rain has to be very bad to notice it - or is that because we're relatively new to this game and so we are concentrating so hard we don't notice the elements or that we're enjoying it too much to notice

Saying that the wind chill factor even here in Dorset is suppposed to be -7C tommorrow!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: Thermal vest time I think, poor old horses all clipped as well:(

[Laetitia]

There's me rushing about adding rugs to the old lady, heaping up the hay, phoning up the livery and being a nuisance - is she warm enough, do you neeed another rug?? is it cold? breaking the ice is the worst bit, hopping about on one leg with the other in the trough.
Thank you for your encouragement Jonto, its horrid isn't it. Still find coming home a bit of a trial, mental replays! its going to cost an arm and a leg to have security lights and an alarm fitted, not to mention having to up the insurance for contents.Shouldn't really grumble, at least no physical harm done. Bit alarming as apparantly they come back after about 3 weeks for another go !Apparantly they come down from London to try their luck.
Sounds as though you had a really good session, hope mine will be as good this week, apparantly am having a different nag, so will be interesting. Cheers. L

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Merry Christmas. Have been confined indoors for the past week or so, have a chest cold, bit nasty, had to cancel lessons last week. Bit disappionted really as last monday there was only three of us booked, all that space and only three riders, was expecting to have a whale of a time. Still a lot better now and going to night.

[lizzy]

And a Merry Christmas to you to - I have missed your posts lately and wondered what you were up too.

Two bad lessons lately - one on Miranda who was being lazy and one on Meghann who was being nappy - never mind its all in the learning curve.

I will try and post a picture of Miranda (20ish) mare after coming third in a jumping competition with her dad.

[FRED]

A very Happy xmass John. Hope you are fully recovered and had good lesson.
Well I hoped you could get over to the Chase Boxing day afternoon, but it has been perishing cold and murky.
Im off North soon. :)

[jonto]

Lessons resumed OK. A week off seems an awfully long time. Molly my little super sports model was rearing to go as usual, but we had to spend all the time in half-halt gear. The previous group had been doing diagonal jumps and these were left in place for us but with the poles on the floor, hence obstuctions and no speed work. So after warming up we spent all the lesson trotting poles, figure of eight's, changing rein, every way it could be done. Want to get together a small group for Cannock Chase for about the middle of January if I can Fred. I'll begin to ask the others next week.

[Laetitia]

Hello, I'm still going for lessons. My instructor is upping the pace a bit and its embarrassing(sp) whose wheezing the most, me or the horse ! Hadn't realised how unfit I've become since I haven't continued those boxexercise classes. New Year res.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New year.
Don't forget -driving in the Spring. L

[jonto]

Thank you and a happy new year to. Rode on Cannock Chase today, boxing day, just lucky, a rare interval in the gloom. Blue sky and quite warm to for December. A lot of fun a little buffee and party. Here's fred enjoying a tipple before setting off.

[Tessa1]

Hi, I have been riding now on and off for 45 years, I started off at a riding school then had an aged mare, went from there to riding an ex Circus horse geat fun and then on to a Grade 'A' showjumper and have now bought on 3 youngster,s from yearlings to backing and so on and so forth. It has been immense fun taking away the hard work the old bones creak and rumble about a bit and the ground does not look quite so inviting as it used too everbody thinks I am mad but what else would I do with my time and money Ha!!! Ha!!!:D :D :D :cool:

[Laetitia]

Hoping to have some days holiday soon and will try refreshed ! riding skills on my nag. Be interesting to see if she takes any notice of me, having been schooled properly. She is up to doing a little dressage test now, grief. had I'd better bow out. L

[jonto]

Just about got over m' flue or whatever it was over Christmas and have attended two lessons again this week, although Wednesday was off went along last night, Thursday. There was only three of us, so had a whale of a time flying around with all that room to ride in. It is hard a stuggle though at this time of the year and best indoors if you can. Dont overdo it Tessa and laetitia its a bit cold yet for old bones!

[Laetitia]

Funny you should mention old bones, my hips must have heard you. Do they ache. Must be all this sitting around ! L

[jonto]

I'm aching a bit to, all the damp and now its gone really cold.:(

[Laetitia]

Just going out to do b'fast, always late on Sundays as don't like to disturb the village too much when I let the geese out - the gander announces his presence very loudly, tearing about shrieking his head off. Everything is white - frozen solid.
Will go out for a drive later, have managed to unearth my padded trousers. Great excitement, have a new nag arriving (not mine ) as companion. So shall stick around to see her in. L

[jonto]

Well L don the padded cardy too and another on top of that if you can, enjoy your drive. The countryside looks lovely here now with the frost and sunshine. New nag, my feild's still empty, I feel a bit lost.

[FRED]

The Chase is frozen solid too,brrr
Well John, I could have abliged getting a lovely horse over to your fields, but he's way North and now a good field companion. looking to have a very good future. He's only 3.5 yrs, Bay coloured Clydesdale X Hanouvarian.{I never stop thinking about him, but some things are just ment to be }
There is another who is 2, but I think he needs experience well beyond ours.
tis a shame for so many young horse,so many basatar**out there who call themselves horse owner and here's us?
Maybe if you are looking for a share?, after all your only 30 minutes away.
:)

[Tumbleweed]

I think that is a good idea Fred.

There is a lot of experience on this board that will help you out and there are so many books on the market, as well as the riding schools that you both go to.

Margaret

[jonto]

Was toying with the idea of a purchase or a share. been looking up the prices of field shelter's.

[Laetitia]

They are quite pricey but the mobile ones mean you don't need planning. I've got two, one for the nags and one with doors for the hay/straw.They are brilliant. Three nags +two sheep all get in together with plenty of room.
The new mare is a great success, very laid back, very pretty, lovely floaty trot. She's 21yrs, ex- eventer, sound as a bell, casualty of a divorce. So modest plans afoot for her, once they've got a saddle fitted. I might get brave enough to pair up for a bash at Le Trec. L

[FRED]

Don't forget the horse/horses , John, maybe for starters a Black mare with long mane and well schooled, or dapple grey mare even better!
Will send you e mail latter in the week.
Fred
:)

[LindaAd]

Laetitia, what size is your three-horse shelter? I need one for our three, and I have no idea of what size to be looking at. (No sheep, unfortunately).

[jonto]

Forgot to mention, last Thursday with Isis I experienced my first spook! There was only three in the group. The exercise we were doing was rising trott down a three quarter line through two cones three quarters ot the way down, then legg yield to the right corner and canter round large. We managed this quite successfuly untill about the forth attempt when aproaching the cones she took of to the left, I managed to halt her helped by the aproaching side wall no dought, turned her left and carried on. It did'nt happen again, strange.
Lessons back to normal now after the holls. Went last night and I think it was the coldest night here so far this winter. My fingers were frozen, my toes were frozen, Isis was "on a mission", she seemed to want to get it over with. Went round with great activity, would'nt go into the corners, had to hold her back, hope its a bit warmer Wednesday. Molly's lame so she's tucked up in bed for a day or to!:(

[alexa]

I really envy you all as you seem to be living in the same area and can go out together. I like to go out with other people but where my horse is kept there are very few people or they are very young (16 yrs or so) and though it's fine going out with them occasionally we don't really have that much in common, could nearly be my grandchildren. I plan to move my horse to a new place in springtime , this is a bigger place but much further away and hope to meet some people so that sometimes I could go out with others in a group. I enjoy reading all your Channock Chase stores, where is this actually ? when I come back to England for vacation I am in the Northampton area.

[Laetitia]

LindaAd, I will go and pace out the shelter and let you know tomorrow. Can't for the life of me remeber the size, but have had it at least 10yrs, and no sign of deterioration.
I haven't resumed my lessons as feel that I now need to be riding my own nag. Time is the biggest constraint. Perhaps I'm a little premature on this, having had four lessons in total.What do you think ? L

[jonto]

"I enjoy reading all your Channock Chase stores,
where is this actually ? when I come back to
England for vacation I am in the Northampton area."


Hello Alexa
Cannocks west side, Follow the M6 to Birmingham, then look north about twenty miles.

[Laetitia]

Typical, having actually managed to organise a lesson on my own nag, had to cancel - work !
LindaAd, forgive me haven't measured my shelter for you yet, will try tomorrow if I get home in daylight. L

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Took my two lessons again this week. Molly is still off form, poor thing, so rode Isis on both occasions. Mondays lesson I've been moved up one from beginers to another lesson and there is a new group of beginners starting . Tonight there were nine of us so things were a little crowded, Kate our insructor
commented that we had coped very well. We did conbinations of transitions, walk to trott, trott to canter, canter down to walk then halt on the centre line then upwards again rejoining the ride going large. Alltogether a busy evening and so satisfying. :)

[Laetitia]

Bravo Jonto, up into intermediate now, that's really great. When are you going to do a dressage test, or have I missed it?
Did actually manage to take my nag out on a hack at the w/e. That is an achievement, haven't been on her since Aug. Naughty girl remembered I'm a wimp about her napping, so she thought lets stop here and see what prat does. Unfortunately for her I had a companion who forged ahead, so she decided it was more interesting to follow and see where we were going - its all new ground. So had a nice fairly peaceful hack, too icy to do more than walk, with a short trot. Just a weensy bounce at a double trailer full of sheep all bellowing their heads off.
Still peeved about missing my lesson. L

[jonto]

Hello L
I'm still in a novice class, dressage what's that? Think I've seen it on the box. Actually have had a little exercise on a mare that does some dressage, just tried a bit of leg yield. It was jolly cold last week good that you got out, dont seem to feel the cold so much in the saddle, refreshing really.

[LindaAd]

I do like this rambling thread - hope it never stops...

Laetitia, thanks for remembering about measuring the shelter for me. No rush - we're all so short of time now, and I feel as if the worst of the winter is over...That can't be right, can it... But I only feed hay when it's actually freezing, and Barney's as fat as ever and the mare's are fine. So it's not urgent, although it would be nice to have a dry place to put the hay.

Jonto, you're doing dressage already, you know, all those transitions and halt on the centre line. I don't know when they start leg yield, but certainly not in the the two lowest, Prelim and Novice. That's as far as I go.

[jonto]

Hello Linda
Hav'nt done any dressage in a lesson, just had a ride on a friends mare that can do some dressage. My clumsy leg aids were producing yeilds! Here she is with "crissy"on a lunge. She's a lovely ride for a novice, her name is Melony.

[Laetitia]

What a lovely looking mare, is she the one you ride.? Wish I was that good with a camera.Hopefully going out again for a hack tomorrow, might be able to drive on Sun. if I can sort out her tail, she has got a very sore tail and the breeching rubs against it. Thought I might try padding and wrapping it. Have to see whether that hurts her or not.
The daffs are up, and snowdrops, AND its lighter each end of the day- Spring !. L

[LindaAd]

Originally posted by jonto

We did conbinations of transitions, walk to trott, trott to canter, canter down to walk then halt on the centre line then upwards again rejoining the ride going large.satisfying. :) [/B]

That *is* dressage, jonto! Only in a test you do the transitions etc. at particular places, and if it's in a test you might wear a smart jacket...

Laetitia - we haven't seen snowdrops yet, and the first daffodil is only just thinking of coming out: I'm further south than you, to - you must have a wonderful garden! But we had a primrose flowering on Christmas day - and yes, the days are definitely getting longer:) :) :)

[jonto]

Oh, mmmmm, your inflating my ego Linda, hope it does'nt go bang on Monday when I join my new class!:D

[Laetitia]

Be a doddle, Jonto.
No, up not out, LindaAd, sorry. and no my garden is an absolute tip. I did pace one of the shelters today, 12 large strides by 6. I prefer this one as it has a skirt of heavy duty rubber type stuff to stop draughts around the bottom. I see that sort advertised in Horse, but can't remember if I've got a Farndon. It was so long ago. I could have a scrabble and see if I have the original invoice with the manufactors name if you want. The only problem is the opening is very wide, so rain gets in and leaves little dry each end. Solved that one by rigging up interlocking pallets to shorten the entrance. Three + sheep still get in and no squabbles. I also fitted gutters. I bought a Redmire one 2 yrs ago, and have it with a door, so use it for hay /straw storage. Not as robust, also I don't fancy these skid things as they leave a biggish gap to the ground which might be a potential hazard. Did mention it and chap said they'd never heard of any probs. Needs a big deep straw bed to protect from draughts and block the gap. It has gutters. They are both mobiles.
I will go measure them properly if you want. Cheers. L

[Bev Heron]

"doddle"
"tip"
"Farndon"
"scrabble"
"Redmire"
"mobiles"

???

Can someone supply a British-American glossary?:)

I finally got that Polos are mints...

[lizzy]

I'll give this one a try - if you have seen my earlier post I think it's probably all I can do today!

I think Farndon and Redmire are brand names of types of shelters

It's a doddle means that something is easy

A tip in this case means a it's a mess.

Scrabble in this case means to search around.

Mobiles mean that a thing is not a permanent fixture, so these shelters can be moved around if necassary.

If you don't have Polos what do you're horses eat -saying that I offered a polo to a German horse on holiday and it spat it out! They don't have them over there either I don't think!

[Laetitia]

BevHeron, you are absolutely right, didn't realise my English is so lazy. I can write a very posh letter with lots of long impressive words in it when I feel like it, not often, depends how cross I'm feeling.
to translate,
doddle - piece of cake- easy
tip - untidy
Farndon and Redmire are are two seperate makes of field shelter.
mobiles - the field shelters are either on wheels, or skids and can be towed around. Therefore one doesn't need planning permission.
scrabble - as it implies, looking through heaps of things in this case. It can mean and correctly does, if your climbing something and you loose your balance your feet scrabble ( move around frantically ) to find a purchase.
posh - port out, starboard home originated from the fishing fleet that used to go out to India ( unmarried girls who, usually, had had their season and hadn't found a husband ), they went out to find a husband. The sun on the side of the ship, and if you were rich enough and influential enough, and aristocratic, that is where your cabin would be. We are talking pre W.W2 here. Cheers L

[Bev Heron]

Thanks for the translation! My husband did his graduate work in linguistics, speaks about 11 human languages and double that computer languages. Words fascinate us. I especially liked the explanation of "posh". (And see: I put the "period" (full stop?) outside the quotation marks in the last sentence, not inside as in American usage.)

I feed "our" horses (the ones I ride and the therapy horses--I don't own one yet) Mrs. Pasture's cookies--2" x 3/4" (~ 5 x 2 cm) wafers made of oats, alfalfa, molasses, and bran. The horseys go bonkers for them, and they can smell (and nibble) a pocket that held a cookie as remotely as a week ago. :)

After one horse went bonkers smelling some mint gum on my fingers, after I had taken it out of my mouth, I'm currently looking for a Polo substitute. How big are they? Do they have holes in them like our Life Savers (tm)? Are they completely hard, and if so, aren't you concerned the horses might choke on them?

[Laetitia]

Glad to be of use. Fancy knowing all those languages, that's amazing.
Never known a horse choke on a Polo yet. One of the brewery shires sucks his Polo, with great sucky gusto.
My old lady, just to be contrary adores the extra Strong Trebor mints, the other nag insists on her Werthers butterscotch.
Me? I'll eat either. L

[LindaAd]

Laetitia, thanks for that - no don't bother to measure more precisely. I reckon that's about 36' x 18' or a bit less, which is about three times as long as your average stable, which would be about right for three horses (with or without sheep). No?

About polos - they are exactly like Lifesavers, but they crumble quite quickly. I don't think there's any way a horse could choke on one.

I think the posh ladies would have preferred the shady side. And they were going east, coming home west, so port out, starboard home, would have been on the north side of the ship.

Bev, if this isn't too off topic, what area of linguistics was your husband involved in? I did linguistics too, under- and post-graduate, but I really only know two languages .... unless you count Horse. And a bit of Dog...

[Peace]

Hi, Bev-

At "our" barn, we give the horses just plain old peppermint candy. They love Christmas, as they get all the leftover candy canes! We just break them into pieces - I never thought about whether they'd choke on them (hard to believe, as I'm generally the original over-protective mama:) ). The mare I used to lease loved peppermints - she'd open her eyes and nostrils very wide and make a sound like "whooo" as she popped them into her mouth.:D

My goodness, periods outside the quotation marks!:) The folks on the Law Review will faint when I tell them!:p

[Bev Heron]

I wonder if peppermint acts as a "stomachic" in horses the way it does in people. I further wonder if anyone has any data on peppermint, and possibly spearmint, being good for preventing colic.

In humans, these mints are antispasmodics for the colon. Got a belly ache? Get Celestial Seasonings "Grandma's Tummy Mint Tea." Or chew some mint leaves.

I think I'll hop on the alternative vet list and ask...

[jonto]

Hello again, at my school I have a walk around the loose box's and all the nags I ride get a love and a polo mint and they expect it too, then after the lesson when I untack my mount he has a carrot, also at the end of the lesson when I'm off the first thing I do is let down the girth a hole. I think this all helps to strenghten the bond with my friends.
Last night I started my new lesson and straight away everything went up a gear. Gone was the helpfull tips, more a case of "that won't do, start again", it's a very active lesson, hard work and gives a sense of acheivement I hav'nt felt before. I had Isis who performed with great activity, no of the stubborness, all the stopping and standing that she used to do a few months ago, she got on with it. About five minutes before the end trotting down the outside at quite a lick, we did a half ten metre circle on to the three quarter line and Isis stumbled...........and I fell auf ........rolled down her right shoulder and there I was sitting on my bum, looking at Isis standing there with great composure. Now I'm a member of the " floor club", all a part of the learning curve. :)

[FRED]

Hi John, I bet your sure glad you hadn't gone dressed in that suit of armour! saved you having to do a bit of panel beating things back into shape;)
Did you have a tipple of something strong after;)
Good luck in your new group.

Dice had a terrible trip on Saturday, to this moment I still don't know how we stayed upright, I can't help but think seat saver is best ridding accessory I ever bought.
:)

[Laetitia]

Never mind Jonto, you're safer off than on! Its whats known as a worms eye view !
Bev Heron, now I will give up the extra strong mints if thats what they do. All nag seems to be concerned about is the yumminess and ' no, I won't eat my tea until I've had my extra strong mint' She won't either, they are obviously addictive. Now I've made my nag a mint junkie, perhaps I can wean her off onto candyfloss ! L

[Laetitia]

An aside-sorry forgot to ask, Fred do tell , whatever were you doing to make you bless your seat saver ? Did Dice fall down a hole ? amazing where they find a fifth leg. Not very comfy tho' is it ? L

[jonto]

Fortunatley the armour's been scrapped! Never been any good at panel beating anyway, nice too be able to knock something in to shape. Been a bit sore today, been shuffling around rather flat-footedly, still probably better tomorrow. Obvious I'll not get any sympathy, have to mend myself. :)

[FRED]

Hi Laetitia, we had just set off in trot and it was like he lost all his legs, it was amazing recovery.But im lost why it happened.
I kept still and sat tall ready to take feet out of stirups.
I learnt from Heathers book{they don't teach this at ridding school} to sit tall like you are being lifted by peice off thread from your head, hope it makes sense, but it doe's really help you to stay on horses back and know doubt help horse too.

:) I ment to add I would never be without seat saver.

[FRED]

Maybe listen to some nice music and a strong tipple will do the trick! :)

Tomorrows another day, already!:)

[GypsyIrishCob]

Hi Fred,
Hate to sound ignorant, but what's a seat saver....only my boy stumbles a heck of a lot:eek:

[jonto]

Hello
Just back from my Wednesday lesson, was given Isis again. After all the activity of Monday till the little problem, but then that was right at the end of the lesson. Isis was back to her old stubbornes, just kept stopping and getting in everyone's way. dispite sqeezing, kicking, taps with crop, vocals, nothing doing. Well I dont know, really...disappionting.....
A bad night!

PS She still got her carrot afterwards.;)

[Laetitia]

A seat saver is a piece of (usually) sheepskin that is shaped to fit over the saddle and you sit on it, helps give you a sticky bum.
My mare falls over her feet at the slightest excuse, have now discovered its because she is not confident, and also not concentrating. Having being doing extensive schooling work under saddle she is suddenly learning to hold herself and not lean on the bit, and that she can balance herself without the support of the rein. So the stumbling is becoming a thing of the past. Its wonderful, she is becoming more confident, concentrating on the job in hand, and really enjoying herself in the process.
Its very alarming when nag keeps on falling over, I became quite paranoid about it. She did it driving some time back, right down. I just waited and she got herself organised and stood up. No damage luckily. but I always exercise in knee boots. That is now a thing of the past, due solely to her ridden schooling.
Jonto, you'll be even sorer tomorrow. All in a good cause! L

[FRED]

Hi John, I bet you feel worn out.
Better luck next lesson.

GypsyIrishCob
I use the HM seat saver, you can see it on the main forum or in the NR shop where I bought mine. It won't {oops, Will not}stop horse tripping, but will help rider have better seat and position.I find if you sit tall it helps you to stay still, not tipping forward when horse trips. Hope you don't mind me being nosey, but is your horse coloured cob:)

To be honest, I find the subject balancing horse on the bit , interesting.There clearly is divide in opinion about this at some ridding centres..
On some horse in lessons I was told by instructor that I must do this, but I just feel its not right, so don't. I think it would be another good topic in training of the horse section, but I guess it would get 'heated disscusion' rather than constructive why not, for newer riders anyway. Well done Laetita with your horse:)
Continual tripping is no fun for horse too .
:)

[GypsyIrishCob]

Hi Fred,
Feel free to be as nosy as you like. Yes Danny is a coloured cob. Piebald. He is only five and clumsy and green, and as a novice rider, I worry a lot about him stumbling. But I'm about to go now and look in the NR shop to view this seat saver.:( :eek: :mad:

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Brr... from Michigan.
Hello To All
Oh before I forget, Fred, I rode at Cannock Chase on June 15, 2002. I was near the end of the group. It was a Saturday morning trek. Did anyone ride that day??

I had an excellent ride yesterday and I am still on a high. I rode my friend 'Zues' and he was an angel, even though it took four different people to get his tack on. When I went to his stall to get him ready. I slid open the door his ears went back and he was acting like he was going to bite me. I think he was protecting his domain.
I went to get help and we took him to the grooming stall where we tied him to both sides off his halter. Is that called 'T' tying ?? It took four different people to get his bridle on. A girl came up to him gave him a slap on his cheek and said "NO" and he stood there really well. I don't know if I could slap him like that but it did do the trick. I walked him back to the arena and mounted him. If you remember he spooked the last time I rode him, a while back. I was a little nervous because of the spill last month. I remembered, how, as a young girl that was the type of horse I loved to ride. So I relaxed and the lesson went great and I have gone on to the next round. Whatever that is. It was too cold to hang around in the stables so I didn't find out. Come on Spring!!!!!
My instructor shortened my sturips a notch. Does anyone know why? I didn't ask because the class had already started and I didn't want to hold it up. We cool our horses off while the next class warms up so there was no time then either.

Keep warm and happy riding. I love to read your messages.
Sandi

[Bev Heron]

Sandi,

Brrrr! I can feel those Midwest winds howling down. I guess I can't complain about all the mud here in California, especially now that the weather is in the 60s and the wild iris is coming up and the Magnolia's are in full bloom.

With regard to slapping the horse, I too am learning the bounds and balances of respect, personal space, discipline, "command vs. control," and compassion for horses. It must be a lifelong practice, and one you have to re-establish with each horse and each time you encounter that horse. I got 2 valuable lessons yesterday from visiting a friends ranch: 1) Although she is a lifelong horsewoman, she is now training her first foal, a large, frisky champion blood line Analusian stallion whom she intends to keep "entire". She is working out some fear and boundary issues in his training. 2) We took her dominant-in-the-herd gelding out for a while and when he went back into pasture, the first thing he did was re-establish his position. They do that even if they're gone a minute, my friend said. Sometimes they have to nip pretty hard to maintain leadership status, tho outright fighting is rare to nonexistent in an established herd. So those little slaps don't really hurt and might be necessary.

Wrt the stirrups, your instructor probably made them shorter so that your feet won't slip out. Or for jumping. Did you jump? Are you fairly new to riding? When I was green-broke :) I rode with shorter stirrups so my feet wouldn't bounce out at the trot. As I developed a deeper seat and learned to keep my calves stretched out (effectively, heels down), I rode with longer stirrups. I've let them down 1 full hole now. Bareback riding helped a lot to open my hip joints and lengthen my legs. (I've been riding 9 mos--so what's that?--"yellow" broke?) :)

I'm concerned that you don't think you could ask that question in class. I think it's important to assert your needs (like asserting one's self w/ the horse) on general principle and specifically because that's what you're paying for. (Conversely, you have to be patient with other people's questions.) Most questions, in fact, benefit the class, or at least more than just the person who's asking. When I was the greenest person in class, I would find time in the lineup to at least sneak in a question to a more experienced rider. Also, if you can see your way to taking a private lesson or two, you may feel you get triple your money's worth.

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hi Bev.

Send some mud this way and the 60 degee temps. It was below zero last night. It was cold riding yesterday but the only thing really cold were my toes. once in a while we would take our feet out of the sturrips and wiggle them to get the blood circulating.

I rode all the time as a young girl but haven't ridden English for over twenty years. I owned an Exmore pony when I was 11 and living in Staffordshire. I rode at the Stonewall Riding School near Lichfield in the 50's. So long ago. There was a beautiful hunter named 'Golden Pleasure' I just loved him and would ride him when ever I could. If we rode in the streets I would ride 'Quick Step' and 'Sparkle' they were smaller.

I am going to be 60 in June and thought I was too old to ride but my instructor assured me I was not so have been taking lessons with my granddaughter since October. Things are coming back the more I ride. My grandaughter has been riding over a year and wants to jump one day. I am thinking maybe I will try it but not very high. I have jumped logs but that was soooo long ago.

I haven't lost my sturrips very much. I found yesterday with the shorter sturrips I could do the two point very well and kept my balance all the time and it was a great lesson. I also remembered as a youngster I liked the shorter sturrips. Yes, I know I should speak up and ask questions. She is very good at answering me but I have to ask, Right?

Thank you for the tips and your suggestions.

Sandi

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Sandra,

You are a year younger than me, and I look on myself as a geriatric teenager and not a senior citizen.:rolleyes:

When I was 46 I went to college to become a riding instructor, but I had to do a BTEC in Business and Finance to do the Instruction.

You are as old or as young as you feel, and all those on here will not get old because of the lives they lead. :D

[FRED]

Always have something to look forward too
thats a good motto in life.

Hi Sandi, I do some morning rides in the summer, was there in the afternoon that day, may have seen you though because I'm over the Chase with my Labrador in the mornings..
Appart from John and ShirleyG I don't know if any one else goe's there often from the message board.Sometimes I organised a get together, but sadly people didn't turn up, so I don't bother now. Im hoping to find a good trekking centre up near Hadrians wall too so I can go ridding up there with my neice who owns a lovely Clyd x hanovarion not yet backed, his brother is amazing horse too :D

Did you ever do the ride around Lichfield, the Sheriffs ride, they still do it each year.The riders and horse look very very smart indeed.Some of the horse from the trekking centre do it.They are very handy at rounding up wayward TB's so I have been told ;)
Those welshies are no fools!
Good luck with your lessons.

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello Fred

You are not going to believe it but I was born on Trent Valley Road and the sheriffs ride went down the lane two houses from my house. That was always a dream of mine to ride the sheriff's ride but it never came to pass. When I was in Lichfield I went to the spot where they use to ride. The road is still there but the horse chestnut tree is gone. I remember my mother on horseback going down the old lane and I was crying because I wanted to ride. That is where my obsession with horses began when I was only three.

When I was on the Chase we stopped and spoke to a lady and gentleman with two dogs but I thought they were setter's. I can't remember seeing any Labs. I love dogs too! I have two, a Norweigan Elkhound and a German Shepherd.

I am back riding every Sunday. I lost my nerve for a while after I was thrown. I kept pulling on the reins but I am over that and enjoying myself again. I rode Zeus because they sold Rocket. He was the one who threw me. I wish I could ride Zeus all the time because he has such a smooth gait. I can't wait for Sunday. I just wish it would warm up a bit. Now we are expecting 4 to 6 inches of snow on Wednesday. At least it will be warmer because it can't snow when it is so cold.

Happy riding,

Sandi

[jonto]

Hello, mondays lesson in the bag again, second one now in this group. Tumbling off last week has'nt been a problem at all, rather added to my experience, I know it could have hurt but I got away with it and now everybody say's "y' can't ride till y've fell off". Had Molly last night and we worked in open order doing sitting trott to canter transitions. Molly gives me a good ride, she's so sensitive to the aids but does like to move forward and I have to half halt all the time, gives me a wonderfull feeling of control I like her a lot. Trouble is the hour goes, well I dont know where, but its not long enough. Off for another session tomorrow, think I might have Isis again, bit lazey remember. Now I have different instructors Mondays and Wednesdays, last Monday untill I came a cropper I had no trouble with Isis, allthough I dont remember we did any twenty metre circles, mostly large, centre and threequarter lines. Now Wednesday last week, which was not a happy session, with Isis I did a lot of twenty metre circles from which we broke every other and cantered large. Now to get back to the trouble, on the circle when Isis crosses the centre line on point nearest the inside she stops. I tried prep and a good sqeeze as we came up to the piont but it does'nt work, what can I do? Once she's stopped its realy urgent to get her moving again, you can imagine what it does to the rest of the ride. I am beginning to think that maybe Isis has a bit more respect for Mondays instructor than she does for Wednesday's!
Like the idea of the sherrif's ride, but its gone jolly cold here now and were told its going to snow tommorrow. still the days are getting a bit longer.

[Laetitia]

That can be really irritating, when the horse is listening to the instructor rather than the rider. Sounds as though you are really making the grade, bravo.
Out driving at the w/end, and I made a hash of something, and my instructor said ' you needed to leg yield there', I did my yokel bit 'you what '. Not to worry,we'll teach her under saddle first.That will be interesting, and then I can learn it too.
Having my first ever riding lesson on my nag tomorrow, bag of nerves. L

[FRED]

:) The Sheriffs Ride, the ride starts at Lichfield Cathedral and then heads off along road and bridelways following the City boundry.
Its a long day I guess for horse and rider, im sure Tom, Hattie & Pemba have done the Sheriffs ride. One year I think 16 horse and rider took part from the ridding centre, we helped cheer them off:) and very smart they all looked. Sophie has done it for sure, she looked so proud trotting off from the start :D
Maybe one day we could be up for it, though I have heard horse get very quick galloping across fields:) and you must dress very smart!

Anyway, I think thats an interesting observation about Isis and different instructor's John.

[lizzy]

Be sure to let us know how you get on Laetitia - Good Luck and think of Nellie the Elephant!

[jonto]

Hello, it was jolly cold at the school last night, even indoors, uuuh, brrrr. Was given Molly again much to my supprise and pleasure. Think she must have been feeling the cold too, as unusually she was a bit lethargic. We worked on canter again, but maintaining rather than transitions as we did on Monday. After warming up we formed a twenty metre circle in walk, then broke out when called into trott and then cantered a few twenty metre circles at the other end before rejoining the ride again. It went very well, no one seemed to have any problems. Kept an eye on Isis who behaved well, did'nt see her stop once, but then while circling with the ride the pace was walk. Will keep a watch on this , mybe she's only difficult when we are in trott.
Hope you were indoors to L!

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello Fred and Other Horse Lovers

Fred is the sheriff's ride ridden in September? The next Cope reunion is September 2004 and I was wondering if I will be in England then?

The cathedral is beautiful and spent a lot of time there last spring and as a child. I even got to video the bell tower. My grandfather and great grandfather were 'Captain of the Bells'. I had two uncles and a cousin who also rang the bells.

The weather is warming up a bit so Sunday's lesson will be great. The instructors all had red noses last week. I thought I was in a the big top and not in a riding arena.

Have fun riding this weekend

Sandi

[Laetitia]

Done it, first lesson ever on nag. Outdoors, not too cold tho'. Brilliant instructor, she said I'm primarily going to concentrate on teaching you to ride YOUR horse, with all her little foibles and evasions. Kept the pace slowish and did correct squares at walk and trot ( don't forget I'm not very fit, and fat and wheeze ! ) and,and, and have learnt to leg yield, YAY. Nag behaved and listened - thats a first - she thinks I'm the biggest prat out.
So, lots to practice, roll on next week. Without being too ambitious, will ask driving instructor how to apply leg yield in the cart. See my big head. L

[jonto]

Hello L
I think that about the only way to achieve leg yeild in the cart is to take out the floor boards and use y' leggs to brake! :D

[Laetitia]

Nah, you have a false leg that you lay along the horse's side.
Now, don't tell me you didn't know that ! tut. L

[jonto]

Oh! Did'nt know you had a wooden legg, have to look for a parrot. He he hee, what fun, love t' see it!:D
Winds turned round to the west again, getting warmer, mount up again Monday night. Its a long time from Wednesday till Monday's, have to see if I can find something in between. :(

[lizzy]

That's the only problem with riding - I not booked to ride until Tuesday now, but I'm wondering whether Miranda would like to go into tomorrow's 10 o'clock lesson - I'm sure she will if there is some jumping to be had.:D

[FRED]

Not sure on what day, but the Sheriffs ride is in September.
No pirates allowed, wooden leg and parotts indeed:) we are in for a treat eh, come spring. I havn't forgot about carriage driving....
Shame you could not be with us today John, it was quick pace day.
Lots of long run trotting:) :) and Brodie was in supercharge mode for canters, was unbelivable quick for such a big chap,lots of mud about too.Was so sunny for a change,ace.
To think 12 months ago I doubted that I would ever get to be comfortable at canter without hand on the pomel, theres hope for all.
Good luck Monday.

[jonto]

Will try to join you on the chase soon Fred. Now the suns climbing a little higher in the sky, the afternoon light's nice now I bet, lighting the bare tree's with the winter colours and the shadows. I know Chrissy wants to come again, will see what I can fix for soon. :)

[jonto]

Hello Everyone
Monday's flown by again and another lesson. Its gone quite cold here again. About 6-30 last night there was a flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder over in the west, then it began to hail, buckets of it, fine white stuff, soon built up a layer on the ground, made the journey to the school a bit hazardous. Once there sat in for a while whatching the previous class, a beginners group. They were doing well learning to rise to the trott, when, donner und blitzen, a flash and a huge bang, must have stuck something, the lights went out. The horses cried out, the instuctor was trying to keep everyone calm. She said later, she did not dare move as she could'nt see where anybody was, she was in the centre of the floor by the stacked up jump wings and her torch was by the light switches on the wall near the entrance. Another spectator had a torch in the car, I drove mine nearer and turned on the headlights, but by then the power returned, everybody had regained control and we were very lucky there was no damage at all to life or property. The schooling resumed, later I rode Molly, inspite of the scare, we had a fine time in open order. The instructor said "take a few stides of canter when you can find the space", so we did lotts of it. We finished the lesson practicing walk to canter transitions including a twenty metre circle, then rise and forward to walk again. By home time it was snowing steadily, a carefull drive home, made it in one pice. An eventfull evening, looking forward to wednesday.

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello To Horse Lovers Everywhere:

My Sunday lesson went well even though my instructor wasn't teaching. She was judging a horse show, so Lizz gave the lesson. It was mostly review. We were moving all the time and the only time we walked was at the beginning and end of the lesson. T
My calves were tired when I did the two point. I think I should try and lose some weight. The horses shyed (?) a couple of times and my grandaughter went off but landed on her feet. She was riding Cotton who is a lot smaller than Tonto so she was close to the ground. I managed to stay on and I am getting my nerve back more each week.

Zues was a good boy and he is smart. He knows me now because I give him mints. He sniffs my pockets even though I double wrap them. I had his blanket in my hands. I was holding it up so the neck hole was open. I said to him, "How and the heck am I going to get this thing on you?" Then he stuck his head right though the hole. I am timidated when I am in the stall with him because he is so big and the stalls seem small. One good push and he would have me against the wall. Hahaha. When I dismount I slide down his neck and chest.

That is all from this end.

Sandi

[jonto]

Hello Sandra
Some say you sould'nt "*** bit", but I think its OK in moderation, do it as a reward, also when your regular mount gets to know you, when you meet and your about to start a session. It seems to have worked for me, I think when you have a bond your horse expects you to see to his needs and look after him. My mounts at the school are very respectfull in the stall after the session being untacked and rugged even though they are eating their supper, I can pull them away from the bucket to remove the bridle with no trouble at all. As to falling off, its a risk you have to accept, I said so, when it did happen I was supprised, you don't expect it to hapen to you, only the younger more adventurous. It has'nt left a mark, it was so easy, I slid down Isis's shoulder, a bit controlled really, probably lucky getting away with no bruises, it was so easy. You get more aches from practising trott!

[Laetitia]

Sandra, try not to be intimidated with your mount in his stall. He'll tell you. ears back, if you are encroaching on his space. If he's a well mannered nag he won't object. I would only caution, some horses take great exception to being disturbed when they are eating. If you put yourself where the horse is, how would you react if someone threw a smelly rug over your head as you were eating your favourite meal ? Just a thought. L

Had another lesson today. Brilliant. Actually managed to persuade nag to listen and stop pratting around. Magic. L

[jonto]

Took my second weekly lesson too last night. It was jolly cold at the school, its located on Biddulph Moor, south west Pennines, very exposed. At least last night the lights stayed on! It was a very busy hour, getting harder now. Had Isis who was'nt to much trouble this time, got on with it quite well but was in a bit of a rush to get back to her box afterwards.

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Good Morning All

My Sunday lesson went great and my calves didn't hurt this weekend while I was doing the two point. I had Zeus and he was an angel. He was used for the lesson before so I didn't have to saddle him. Instead I saddled Tonto for my grandaughter he is a big horse too but a little sway back. He is an old guy and Alison loves him. She was happy when Nerice told her she had him for the lesson. Of courseI was happy when I got to ride Zeus.

At the end of the lesson, Alison and I both learned we are going on to the next level. We now have to be at the stable at 11:30 Sunday morning for the noon class. I hope I don't lose Zeus. I did notice some new faces (horse) yesterday.

A girl was thrown and lay there for a few minutes. She had the wind knocked out of her. She didn't want to get back on but was talked into going around the ring at a walk once. She was new to the precanter class and when she started to canter she was out of her saddle and flew off. It seems every week there is a mishap. Lucky for the riders, the ring has the soft cover.

That is all for now. Happy riding!

Sandi

[jonto]

Good Sandra, you'll have to work harder in your new class, its really satisfying to be getting on a bit, gives one a sence of acheivment. Hope the faller's alright. The floor's nice and soft in the ring, dread to fall outside were its maybe harder and perhaps not level ground, och! Am intending to buy some short boots and chaps soon, think I'll get a body protector to.
Took my Monday lesson last night, was a bit worried that I'd get through it as I have a cold, but it turned out fine, infact one of the better one's. Its milder now so you feel you've more energy to get going, Molly enjoyed it to. There were only five of us, plenty of room. We worked in open order, " freelance", is that an appropriate term? Doing as we wished, plenty of canter transitions as you can imagine, forhand turns too, (not to good yet, inside legg), then off in the other direction. We finished by cantering over a pole, Molly took a leap over it. Not yet a jump but it felt good, Molly seemed pleased as well.

[Laetitia]

Yay, Jonto, Jumping here we come.
This is where I bow out, too old to jump.
Hope your cold is better, have you been taking your echinenae(sp), works wonders. L

[FRED]

Well done John, now have you been influenced looking at that photo of Rocketman jumping in the cafe area, WOW check it out:cool:

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello Jonto

Are you going to take jumping lessons? I will be 60 in June and I thought I was too old to learn. There is a 75 year old man at the stable who jumps and never rode until he was 60. As you know I ride with my grandaughter and she wants to learn to jump one day. Maybe when that day comes I will try it. I like taking lessons with her and want to go as long as I can.

Are there any 60 year olds out there learning to jump? I did jump a little when I was young and took chances.

Happy riding to horse lovers everywhere.

Sandi

[alexa]

Sorry Sandy, I am 60 but don't jump at least not on purpose. My horse when galloping(not when walking or trotting)will suddenly jump if he sees a change in the surface of the ground, I mean if the track was brownish and it suddenly gets darker due to being wet or something he will jump that as he is unsure of the surface and seems to think better safe than sorry, or any type of bank or ditch but I have got used to that now and the jumps are long but not high, he will also jump anything he perceives as being in the way, could be bracken in Summer hanging over into the path. No way I would now deliberately jump him in any sort of a ring though he jumps well and very high, I know this as one of the apprentices jumps him sometimes and it is quite impressive but not with me on board !!!
Good luck to you all the same and you are lucky to have a granddaughter to ride with, I have 5 of them and no one interested.
regards
Alexa

[jonto]

Excuse me L, but what is- echinenae(sp), does'nt sound very tasty!

[jonto]

Jumping is not an ambition, certainly nothing more than a hop, old bones, the risk factor needs to be kept in check! Doing a bit is part of the course and then the floor in the school is a relatively soft fall, that is compared to what it might be outdoors. I think a body protector's a must now. Anyone any advise as to what to buy? There seems to be a wide range of prices.

[lizzy]

A Happy Birthday to you Jonto - I hope you are celebrating it with a ride out somewhere.

Although a nervous rider myself, there is nothing like the adrenalin buzz that a couple of little jumps gives you - you must try a couple of 1 1/2 feet jumps sometime! You'll be hooked - you don't have to go onto anything more ambitious, but a couple in the school every now and again is very exciting for me the sad person that I am!

[Tumbleweed]

There is nothing nicer that popping over some logs when out hacking and you need to know how to jump properly to do that safely.

I was 60 last June and still love to jump the small fences, nothing above 2ft.:D

[jonto]

Thank you for your kind best wishes, I have celebrated with a ride, at the school on Molly. The group sang happy birthday for me. No jumps tonight, more control practice with turns on the hind quarters to change rein this time, finishing with trott- canter- trott transitions. Today's been a bit strange here, foggy dank and cold this morning, then tonight its cleared and been quite mild, made for a pleasant ride.

[FRED]

Happy birthday John{sorry to be a day late}
Anyway it looks like horse's have you hooked:) not even tempted for a spin on a classic bike or in a open top sports car.
Fred.

[Laetitia]

Jonto, Happy late Birthdays.
Echinacea is a herbal root that boosts the immune system. If you feel the scratchy back of nose, headache etc. that heralds the arrival of a cold, take echinacea immediately as per instructions on the bottle. It will either remove the cold or minimise it, brilliant stuff, and actually does work. ( says she who is very scathing about herbal stuff ) You only take it for a few days, not forever.
Had a lesson on my nag y'day. Instructor rode her first to get her brain in gear, then my turn. Actually managed to get her bouncing in the walk and trot and on the right bend,. her big evasion is not to bend, and dressage tests are a nightmare in falling in. So pleased, we are at last getting somewhere. Have to now put this into driving ! Think will leave jumping for awhile, I tend to jump the jump before the horse has even thought about it, result - chaos. L

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello All

I enjoyed reading your veiws on "old bones" jumping. I think I will probably give it a go. You only live once so why not.

I will be missing the next two lessons. My daughter and her family are going to be a their second home for a two week snow vacation. I like to take the same lessons as Alison so we will go on together.

Sandi

[janep]

Hello.
I started riding about six months ago. It's something I always wanted to do, and now I'm old enough not to care what anyone else thinks, I took the plunge. I now spend my week looking forward to my next lesson, and wonder why it took me so long to get started. No-one else in the family is at all interested, so I can enjoy myself without interference.
I have one to one lessons, but as the sand school is outdoors, there have been many times when my progress has been impeded by bad weather. However, I am on my way again and beginning to canter.
Hope to speak to some other aged, enthusiastic novice soon.:)

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello Horse Lovers Everywhere

I started my new class yesterday (TWC) and I loved it. I didn't ride my friend Zeus but had a lovely guy named Mason. His only fault is he tossed his head a lot and my arms are killing me today. I asked my instructor if I was holding him too tight and she said it is just a habit he has. I put on his tack and took Tonto's off, brushed him, cleaned his feet and rugged him. I am getting to be an expert at doing the tack. I have to stop helping Alison and make her do her own horse.

We had our lesson in a different arena than usual. There weren't any jumps or poles to hinder our lesson. Just open space. We did lots of canters and changes of rein, serpentines and up and down the center line.

We are going to cover the following things in this program: Canter leads, Tack/untack independently, introduction ring figures, introduction to lateral work and ride 3 gaits w/o stirrups. The last one I am kind of leary of. I would rather ride bare back at a canter than on a saddle and no stirrups. Anyone else out there feel the same as I do? Can someone give me some tips how to canter w/o irons??? I am afraid I will fly off. Hahaha.

Happy riding, Sandi

[jonto]

Hello again
Good going janep, why not try a group lesson? Its a lot of fun, I'm sure you'll look forward to it even more, they soon become your friends to and you help each other. I like doing the tacking and rugging Sandra, its fun and helps cement a bond with your horse, Molly and Isis enjoy a bit of fuss.
Made it for my lesson last night, chests a bit better. Molly was on a mission, realy going. Now that we can do our own thing I'm putting in lots of canter transitions. Problem with molly is that when cntering down the long sides of the school she falls in to the inside, (is that falling off the forhand?), then cuts across to the other side to rejoin her mates. So I have to hold her back in walk or trot and push her forward into the corner before moving up to canter to reach the end of the school. Then when trying to pull her round into a twenty metre circle she does the oposite and goes down a gear to trot. I am able to pull her round though and then achieve canter again from the top corner. So you see my steerings still faulty, but it will develop, I'm determined to do it!

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello

It is me again. I just had to tell you about Mason. I had given him a mint after I was through with my lesson. My instructor said he could do the next class because he was so full of pep. The next rider mounted him and she had tennis shoes on. Anyway to make a long story short she was told to put riding boots on. Nerice asked me if I would hold Mason while the girl went to get her boots. I went over to him to take his reins and he gave me a soft whinny and nudged my pocket where I had the mints. Horses are great aren't they. Each week I love them more.

There is another horse show next week so I will miss my lesson again, darn. I love to hear your interesting stories and how everyone feels about horses. I think it is great all the "old folks" learning to ride. It makes life so much fun. I was asked today why I am so happy because I was singing. I answered because I am riding again. Life is great in my 60th year!

Sandi

[Laetitia]

Wonderful to hear you are enjoying your riding so much Sandi. Its lovely when you get a whicker and a cuddle isn't it. Makes one feel really special.
Gosh, Jonto you're really going places, canter transitions, makes me feel very novice. Glad your chest is better, make sure you wrap up warm.
Had a dreadful day Sat. took nag for first ever hack out from the yard she's in, on our own. Had a big difference of opinion, and I'm afraid I took her home. Talked it through with my instructor when I next saw her, and she reckoned it was a culmination of several things. Nag was feeling very well and fresh, she was also cold ( it was perishing ), I allowed my attention to wander away from her for a split second ( I was enjoying the view) so she was taking the p. which then developed into a temper tantrum. Not being brave enough, I allowed her to behave in this rude fashion.When we arrived back in the yard, I took her into the manege and loose schooled her, boy did she take off. Once she had settled, we did some parelli and join up and were friends again.
Took her driving the next day and she was impeccable.
So, tomorrow, for my lesson I will either hack out with instructor, or go on my own on a circuit where she can see me all the way. Do feel a bit of a fool. L

[jonto]

Could do with some tips on riding canter, the steering bits the trouble for now. As I mentioned Molly falls off to the inside when riding down the long side of the school. I am able to apply inside legg but she still does it and she goes inside with her head and neck swinging outside as I'm half halting a bit harder than I'm happy with. Instructor says she's a tendancy to do this and its hard to push her forward, says my seat's ok, shoulders back untill Molly slows then I tend to lean forwards, have to work on this. But how to keep her going forward?

[jonto]

Wednesday, second weekly lesson. Kate our regular instructor had a night off, someone else who we hav'nt had before stood in. She helped me a lot with my cantering problems. Molly who I rode again has a tendancy to hold her head outside a little when in canter so we worked on getting her to look straight ahead, took me a while but when I'd got it we managed to canter a circle, it was'nt very round and it went up and down a bit in pace, but we got back to where we started. That should count as a circle, I insist, I think I'm right in saying that ar'nt I? :D

[Laetitia]

Jonto, am afraid I don't have the knowledge to shed much light on why Molly sticks her neck outside whilst cantering. Is she corkscrewing? body in head out? You have obviously managed to correct this so you were possibly being a bit heavy on the outside rein ?? Don't know. At least you achieved a straight canter down the long side, and a 20m circle in canter is really something to write home about, well done. I'm still at trot and asking nag to listen and bend head only and not neck! and keep going forward at slow pace, but bouncy. There is so much to learn, feel can't get my head round it all at times. L

[jonto]

L, no not corksrew, she canters straight and true except that her head and neck tends to lean to the outside only a little, 2 or 3 degrees. The instructor said she's looking for her mates behind then she falls off to the inside to rejion them. She is very sensitive to aids and so you have to develop a carefull balance, if your to heavy with the reins the harder you pull the more she moves on, when she cuts to the inside its very sudden and at top whack to! Keeping her head straight overcame this, she must then look forward and we managed to reach the far end of the school, then made an attempt at a circle. Looking forward to Monday, hope I can have Molly again, there's been some talk of having me try Brigadier who's a bit strong willed and there's a battle for whose boss. Hope not, not for a few weeks.

[jonto]

Had a splendid lesson tonight, its not so cold now a lot more agreeable. Had Molly again, thats five or six times in succession now, arn't I fortunate at this level to have the same mount all the time. Did a lot more detail on control, did a fair few circles in canter and I'm sure some of them were quite round! Its all in sitting properly and encouraging Molly to look straight ahead. Very pleased.
There'd been an upset at the yard this morning, seeing the muddy state of some of the rugs I think to day's the first time they've been out for the day for a few weeks. There's been a fight, Quintessa has bitten Brigadier on the face, what a mess, right eyebrow's all stiched up and his eye is bright red, looks awfull. Its not sure yet if he will recover the sight in it, poor lad.:(

[FRED]

Thats a shame for horse John, it seems like a bit of 'spring in the air' gets some horse exited not for the better, its a puzzle.
I have been told my favourite horse has been very verey 'madame' like lately, I said I would take her home, but was turned down:(

[jonto]

Yes Fred I've offered to take several of the horses I ride home, told 'em "I'll be certain to have her back for next week", they don't seem to listen, don't get a reply, just a look. Spring certainly is in the air, I've noticed although Molly does'nt like to leave the ride and wants to fall of inside and rejoin her mates, when one passes close by her ears go sharply back and she gets a bit jumpy.

[jonto]

Just back from the school, Brigadier's eye is going to be allright. The tissue around the eyebrow and upper lid is where the inflamation is, now that the swelling is less, you can see his eye when he blinks, it looks ok. But his face is a mess.
Rode Isis tonight, she's slow compared to molly and the opposite in that you have to push her to go rather than hold back to slow. We did a super exercise, eight of us divided into two fours, each four standing in the centre of a twenty metre circle at opposite ends. Then in two's one from each end going large one eighty degree's appart in canter, circle, then large, circle at the other end, then large again, swap ends, circle and so one. Quite taxing and a lot of fun.

[Laetitia]

That sounds very complicated Jonto, don't think I could do that. Fun to do different things though. As my instructor is on her hols had a driving lesson instead, poor old nag didn't know what had hit her. She backs off the corners ( actually its me really ) so practiced going right into the corners before turning so she learnt that she can go that deep without anything awful happening.So we actually achieved a good corner bend, so pleased. Lots to improve on tho'. Hopefully have both next week. L

[jonto]

Corners L, Its not easy to take a proper line always needs a bit of effort. Its just the same when your in the saddle or even the car, if you take the centre line and go in deep as you approach the apex the radius widens and the turn is easier but if you cut inside on the entry you tend to enter to fast and the radius is shortened then you'r stuggling to turn get out of balance and leave the turn in a mess and below pace. Get it right and it really is fun. That canter exercise is super although you have to stand around waiting, when its your turn its a good long go. There's two performing at one time, going around the outside of the school and putting in a twenty metre circle at each end, Trick is each horse has a different pace and you have to judge when to put in an extra circle to kept the 180 degree spacing. If we good at it we could probably run four in each go, bet that would be a laugh as it often goes wrong with two! :o Now that springs on the way and I'll be stripping off my pullovers, shall have to watch I dont get my braces caught up in the saddle when I jump off. :D:)

[Laetitia]

I shall have to print that off to get my head round the radius thing. thank you for that.
Braces !! I bet you wear socks with your sandals!! L

[jonto]

Its what happens when you cut the corners dear, they become a mess.:o Take the right line and you'r the fastest out and in front.:D

[LindaAd]

I don't see why your age should make a difference for jumping.... mounting and dismounting maybe, but not jumping, as long as you're not going over 3'6" or so...Just ignore the little voice that says: You shouldn't be doing this at your age.

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello Jonto and All

I wish I could remove a layer of clothing when riding. As I type it is 3 below and is a record low for this date.

I had my lesson yesterday without my sidekick. Alison was still up north so the class had only two students.

I was told to saddle Zeus when I arrived. My instructor said to saddle him in his stall. Remember the last time it took about five people to get a bridle him. Well, I went with all the ammo for war. A halter, two ropes, brush, bridle, saddle blanket and saddle. I slid open his door and expected to see a big head with his ears back. To my surprise he was just standing there pawing the ground. I told him I am here to saddle you and you have to behave. I slowly approached him with the halter and he let me put it on. I clipped the ropes to the halter and tied them to each side of the stall. I removed his rug. Wow, I was pretty pleased with myself. I gave him a good brushing all the time speaking to him in a soft voice. I put on his saddle and blanket. I tightened the girth but not too tight. Then slipped his halter around his neck and fastened it. Just as I was putting on his bridle, Laura, a helper at the school appeared to help and was surprised to see him all ready saddled. When I got to the arena my instructor said he must like me because it was out of character to him to co-operate so well. I tightened his girth and climbed on.

The lesson was great. We did a lot af canters and small circles. I am having trouble making my circles round and they look more like eggs than balls. It will probably take me a while to master that one. I am a person who had trouble keeping my car between the lines when learning to drive years ago. Hahaha.

I took Zeus back to the stall and put his rug on and of course he got some mint. After all HE was a model horse. I gave him a hug and a kiss and left.

Good Luck with the lessons everyone. I am happy for another week. Sandi

[Laetitia]

No wonder my car tyres are threadbare.
Sounds as though you had a fabulous lesson, Sandi. Roll on next week. If its any help I was always taught to do a square in a circle, ie, bend , couple of paces straight then bend. Not sure if that applies to riding. L

[Tumbleweed]

When learning to ride a circle, start by riding a diamond. Start a 20 metre circle at A and look at a point halfway between the end of the school you are at and the letter B, and ride a straight line to it, then another straight line to X, then to halfway between E and the end of the arena, from there a straight line back to A.

As you go round when you make the turn, open your insite hand to the inside and let your horse follow and bend round.

When you feel confident go into trot, and by doing this, you will find that the straight lines will develop into the bend needed to circle. Make sure you keep your eyes on the 4 markers as you go round, and you will be doing good circles.

If your horse cuts the circles short, put your eyes further out away from the marker and he will go up to the marker. It is all kidology, your horse will think that you want a bigger circle and he is cutting them short, you both get what you want.;)

If you don't understand let me know, but I always walk the movements on foot in my lounge pretending that I am riding a horse. No body sees your mistakes, but everyone is in awe when you show so much improvement at your next lesson.

[jonto]

Hi Just back from my Monday lesson, rode Molly, she's very obediant if a bit stiff, can keep her head pretty well straight ahead now and have been practising a good line through my corners with a little bend. Will try to do a drawing on the proper line in corners, then please tell me if I've got it right. There was nine of us tonight so not a lot of room to spare, had to keep our witts about us, no trouble, though Tony in front of me hit the panelling on the side wall on the exit from one corner.

[jonto]

Wow L! Bald tyres you'll be able skid the cart round the corners. What fun, how soon can I call round for a ride?

[Laetitia]

Anytime. I was referring to my car tyres ! the tyres on the cart are made of funny hard stuff that gets cut up and holds tiny pebbles, don't think they go bald. I'm not that brave round obstacles, so am not that much of a speed merchant, yet. Still learning the correct technigue, so nag is driven round rather than hauled round. Thats why you have a groom, to balance the cart on the corners and bounce it out of trouble, otherwise you can tip over. L

[jonto]

Sounds like you'r pretty rapid L, needing a groom to help with the balance, be carefull. Hav'nt got round to doing a little drawing yet to show best line on corners, bit busy.
Am just off to look for some new kitt, one of the zips on my old motorcycling boots has failed and I'm riding tonight. Thinking of buying short boots and chaps, some say they prefer them to long boots, has anyone any views on this, what do you think?

[mojo]

Hi jonto
Just read one of your other posts about falling off. Well done for having the courage to start riding at 59, I started at 35 and I thought I was brave. My mum is in her late fifties and I would love it if she would ride but she thinks she is too old, would be terrified and she has a bit of back trouble so says she couldnt possibly.
Anyway in response to your question. I think you should definately go for short boots and chaps. I have both long and short boots. I never ride in my longboots, they feel heavier and more cumbersome. Chaps feel lighter and mold better to the shape of your legs and I find you can feel your contact with the sides of the horse much better. I keep meaning to wear my longboots as they do need breaking in, but I find that everytime I am getting ready for my lesson I go to the closet look at them standing in the corner and reach for my short boots and chaps again. Lessons can be painful enough so I like to be as comfortable as possible. A tip here though! if you do go for short boots, dont wear them without chaps. Well not unless you want to end up looking like 'Max Wall'. I hate the look of short boots with just Jods.

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello Mojo

I will be 60 in June and I started riding, after many years, last November. I too have problems with my bones. My left hip was stiff and ached all the time but found riding has helped it and it hasn't bothered me in a long time.

I am taking lessons with my 10 year old grand daughter because my 38 year old daughter doesn't like horses. It looks like we have almost the same problem only in reverse.

I have tall boots and have never tried short ones Jonto so I can't give you any advice there.

I am going to miss my lesson this Sunday because my 9th grandchild is turning one and there is going to be a celebration. I will be back the following week. See you then.

Sandi

[mojo]

Sandra I think thats great! Age is a state of mind and your daughter dosent know what shes missing out on. I bet theres not many ten year olds who can tell there friends they go riding with thier gran. The most I can do with my gran is help her with her knitting but then she is 96 so I think thats fair enough. I love hearing stories like yours as it makes me think of the many years of riding I have ahead of me and it shows others its never too late to learn. Who knows maybe you'll still be riding when you get to 96, it sound as if its doing you the world of good.
Enjoy!!

[Tumbleweed]

Mojo, I am 60 years young:D, and had a total hip replacement October 2001 and was back riding June 2002. You know what they say, you are only as old as you feel.

A corner is a quarter of a 10 metre circle, if that helps.

[Laetitia]

I forgot to mention the nag is in walk !!!!!!!!!
Short boots and half chaps definately, comfortable, easy to put on and have stickability. Long chaps, bit western, hot in summer.
Your preference. Long boots do tend to fold at the ankle and can be a devil to get off, O.K. if you've a willing helper to yank them off, impossible if you're on your own. If you're into shows etc. you need long boots, but if not, doesn't matter. Comfort is the main criteria. Very snazzy. L

[jonto]

You must get your mum mounted Mojo, after all she wont know if she can do it till she tries. Have bought short chaps, brown, exellent pair of heavy shoes from a small local shop, brown too and a new pair of jods, biege, yesterday afternoon. Turned the telle on last night only to hear someone say "blacks in again", another mess just like a man. Can see the advantage of long boots for the winter, especialy if its muddy underfoot, will see about getting the old bike boots repaired for next winter. Rode Isis last night, it was a good lesson, she went realy well for me, perhaps its the new chaps, (showing off!) they are more comfy than the boots. There was nine in the ride, so four pairs and me on my own, so when it was my turn I went around and around in canter solo, felt quite proud. Manged the corners quite well too, getting better all the time.:)

Here's the picture of a corner, I would say that green is the line to take, you'r right T it would be a quarter 10m circle. Its easy to cut along the red line, then when you have to turn its sharper, you loose pace and leave the corner in a mess and by the time you've recovered the other guy is yards ahead!:D

[Laetitia]

You sound quite the biz Jonto, with all your new kit. Yes, half chaps are comfy aren't they.
Thanks for the artwork, very useful. I was doing corners on Wed. and took nag in too deep and she unbalanced and nearly fell over !!. Will I ever get it right. L

[Tumbleweed]

Laetitia, don't be so hard on yourself, when you look back at the early messages you will see just how far Jonto has come and is quite a quick time. You will soon be riding much better corners and other movements.

We may strive for perfection but we never get it. Look at the Olympic horses, they are the nearest to perfection but they have faults or there would never be a winner to take the gold medal.

What may be happening is that you are trying TOO hard, you have become too serious with it all. Try and relax and enjoy what your horse is offering you, then try to improve on that. What you can do between lessons is to ride the corners in your mind, the perfect corner over and over again, and next time you have a lesson, your corners will be much improved. :D

[mojo]

Laetitia, Tumbleweed is right. Try not to be so hard on your self. I was like this last year, forever critisising my riding and getting frustrated with myself. Wanting to run before I could walk. Then my instructor had a bit of a talking to me and got me to look at how far I had actually come since i'd started and told me to relax and enjoy it. This is what I do now and I find that since I have stopped worrying about it I have improved. Have still got a long,long way to go but who cares. I also take time to congatulate myself when something goes right rather than criticise myself when it goes wrong. Just try to think positive!

[Laetitia]

Thank you for that, I will make a big effort and think positive. Thought I might get a video recorder, and then can actually see the progress I'm making, or do you think that'd make me worse ?L

[Tumbleweed]

It could do, I know when I was videod I got a pleasant surprise, I looked much better than I thought I did.

Riding is for enjoyment, and you are putting too much stress on yourself instead of letting it happen. It also teaches you how to allow things instead of trying to force them.

When I went to train to be an instructor, I was 46 years young and was training with 16 and 17 year olds. I put the pressure on myself and nearly failed Stage 1 because of it.

[jonto]

Monday's past by again, went to the school last night as usual. Its quite mild here at the present, did'nt need a cardy for the first time this year. Molly's a touch lame again and resting, rode Isis, she went sensibly and strongly, we are doing better now. Perhaps its me, now that I've a few hours under my belt and am helping her more. She was the boss's event horse in her younger days and has been around a bit, won a few rosette's. We got in some good long bursts of canter, crossing poles on the floor quite successfuly, I'm able to keep her going for some length now. I thought it was good fun when I started, its even better now! What about a little jump? :)

[Laetitia]

Crossing poles in canter, that sounds really difficult, Jonto. Sounds as tho' you're very nearly over a jump.
I didn't have a lesson this week, couldn't arrange work and times to pan out. Still, holidays soon, and really going to have lots of play time. Whoopee. L

[FRED]

Wow John, at this rate I'm thinking you may be building a x country course at Talke and not just field shelter.

I haven't read about why all this fuss about Staffs being so dull, have you,those silly posh upper class mags need to get a life!.
How's the horse with injury doing?.

Well its seems like you are really ready for some quick work on the Chase cantoring over tree roots too in the forest, just don't do what I did and forget to 'breathe':eek:
I haven't been ridding there in a while, hopefully back soon.
Good luck when you jump:D

[jonto]

You can come over and race round the fields any time you want L and Fred, c'ant offer any rossette's though to early in the season, roses will be in bloom soon. :)
Its gone cold again here, north wind. Took my lesson last night well wrapped up, chests not to good again. Rode Quinntessa did some more canter work, bit of a struggle though. Q's the one who attacked Brigadier, he's working again now but his face still looks a bit of a mess. He has'nt lost his sight so will be OK given time.

[Laetitia]

Thanks Jonto, may take you up on it, you never know. I thought you and Fred were coming down for a drive sometime?
Look after that chest, you don't want to be ill now Spring is on the way. L

[FRED]

:) yes please.
erm, John, if you don't mind me to ask...did you ever do'round the world' and those 'scissor ' acts, I never did too.

[jonto]

Have been east a bit and west a bit, but there's a big hop across asia and the pacific to paste in. However spring is in the air, here's the Heron shadowed by the local crows!

[Laetitia]

Thats quite some photo, as herons are usually very shy, and the slightest movement sends them away.
Had a lesson today and achieved a proper collected trot - bingo. Took a bit of doing, as Madam spent the first part of the lesson saying 'I'll just lean here, unbalance you there, etc ' worked her through it and she said O.K. I'll now do some work. So pleased with myself, at last. L

[jonto]

Photo done with a zoom L, he did shy off. Glad your getting your lessons in again, mine coming round every week are just about all that keeps me going at the moment. Just back from tonights, we did quite a bit of work without stirrups and I acheived my first canter without, there's something.
Brigadier's face looks much better now the swellings down and the wounds are healing, but Molly's lame again, she's having the vet in the morning, hope she's OK. Rode Isis tonight, was a bit firm with her, it helped to get her going and she worked well for me for most of the lesson rather than the last ten minutes as is usual. She's rather lazey and needs a strong hand!

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello Everyone
Had a great lesson on Sunday and we were in our shirt sleeves. I groomed Zeus before and after the lesson because it was so nice out. He is really co-operative when I saddle him as well as when I ride him. It took me 2 seconds to get his bridle on because he yawned and I slipped the bit in his mouth.

I have a question. How do you post without the stirrups? Both Alison and I are sooo sore and I didn't even get off the saddle. Alison was behind me so I don't know if she could post or not but I am sore from just trying. I just spoke to Deirdre and she said, "Alison may miss her dance class tonight because she hurts too much".

Our lesson was fast paced, moving all the time across the arena and circles. I have been practicing doing circles in my living room (without the horse). Haha! It worked, I did a lot better this week. Thank you for the advice. Now, maybe someone can help with this week's problem. Hahaha
Sandi

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Sandi,

Posting is not an up and down movement, it is forward and backwards.

When your horse is standing, try and stand up without your stirrups, and to do that you push down with your legs and heels, the more you push down, the better you will come out of the sadle. This is just for you to see how it is done.

Next try it in walk, again, pushing down with your legs, all of your legs and not just part of them. As you push down, you bottom should come out of the saddle and move forward towards the pommel, and when you relax, your bottom moves back into the saddle.

Now try it in trot, again pushing down with your legs so that your bottom comes up and forward, then relax, and let your bottom move backwards into the saddle.

Make sure that your heels are directly under your hips when you push down, and this will keep you in the right position.

Hope this helps.

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hi Tumbleweed
Thank you for your suggestions. I will put them to the test next week and let you know how it went. I know this is an excercise to strenghten our upper legs and make us less dependent on our irons. I can't wait for the next lesson to see if it works.

Sandi

[Laetitia]

At last I know what posting is, have been meaning to ask for yoinks. Sounds incredibly difficult, think I'll stick to trot. L

[Tumbleweed]

Laetitia,

Posting is another word for rising trot.

[Laetitia]

Thank you Tumbleweed, how terribly silly, I'm a right doh! L

[jonto]

Its now saturday and i did'nt post about my Wednesday lesson, sorry. Well after warming up, starting walking around for a while, we moved up to trott and did trott, walk, halt exercises for a while on both reins then on to canter. The Wednesdays canter exercise I like, although we have to stand around waiting turn a while, when its your turn its really good as you have the run of the school for several laps! Think I mentioned before we are paired off and ride two at a time, large, twenty metre circle, large again, 180 degrees opposite. Its so good worth the waiting when your turn comes. Be outside soon now, cant wait. Hoping to start trekking at Cannock again next weekend, thankfully the winter seems to be over here now.

[chapsi]

Sandra,

Our instructor insists that we point our toes upwards, in order to aid us to rise with the trot without stirrups. As Tumbleweed said, rising trot is not an up and down movement as such, but more pelvic, forward and backward as the rising takes place. Does this make any sense?

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hi Chapsi

I have my weekly lesson tomorrow and I will try the suggestions I received from you and Tumbleweed. I will let you both know how I did. Thank you.

Sandi

[Tumbleweed]

I always find that if I try to keep my toes up, it puts tension into my legs and I can't ride as well. I find it much easier if I let my legs hang down and let my toes find their own level. This is different with each person, some find it easier to keep their toes up and some with keeping them down. Not sure were mine are, but as long as my legs and feet are relaxed and there is not tension, then I am happy.

[jonto]

Should'nt you be pushing your heels down rather than turning up your toes. If your heel's just below the sturrup that should be about right and comfortable to if the stirrup is the right hight, isnt that adjustment important to. Its takes a while to find the best leg position for you, trotting without stirrups helps a lot with this, at least I thought it did for me. Put as many hours in as you can, that'll do the trick!

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hello All

I tried your suggestions on posting without stirrups and didn't get any where. My left hip has been bothering me for a long time and I think that is where the problem lies. My instructor is aware of my hip problem and told me I didn't have to drop my stirrups. I was suppose to post at a walk. I told her I wanted to try and do it anyway as it will help strenghten my thighs. I did manage to lift myself a few times.

The rest of the lesson was great. We did halts from a canter and lots of diagonals and serpentines. Oh, yes I can do round circles now at a canter. Thank you for you for suggesting trying it out in my living room first. It did help. I rode Zeus again and Alison got to ride Mason my other favourite horse. She liked his canter. My instructor said he rides like you are sitting in an easy chair. Real comfortable.

Have fun riding and I will be back next week, if not before.

Sandi

[Tumbleweed]

Sandra, What is wrong with your hip?

I had a total hip replacement 17 months ago, and I have been back riding since, but before my op, I found it difficult to post with and without stirrups.

Go for a better balance and forget about riding without stirrups. What will help your balance is to try and go round the area for a full circuit standing up in your stirrups. You let your ankles absorb the movement, and start with walk, when you have that, then trot, and then canter. This will develop your riding without increasing the pain in your hip as much as riding without stirrups.

Don't forget to take your painkillers about an hour before you ride.:D

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Hi Tumbleweed

I don't know what is wrong with my hip but while I was in England at a family reunion in June last year I discovered I am not the only one with hip problems. It may be arthritis or something along that line because it hasn't bothered me in a while. I thought riding had help it. I was telling everyone how great my hip was feeling. Then the weather changed and boom it started to bother me again. Yes I take pain killers when I leave for the stable. It is a 45 minute drive and I arrive about half an hour before the lesson so I can groom and saddle my horse. I feel pretty good when I ride. I can do the two point trot fairly well and that is standing in the stirrups. I understand what you mean about keeping my balance. I have so much fun riding and hanging out in the stall with Zeus. Thanks again for your ideas.

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Sandra,

If you can stand up in the stirrups with your ankles absorbing the movement, your leg position will improve without the pain of riding without stirrups. With older riders, I find that it is better for them until they have suppled up a bit, (a big bit;) for a lot of them).

There is always another way to get were you want, it is just finding it.:D

Take care.

[jonto]

Monday's lesson has come round once again. Had Isis again, Moll's still off bit worrying hope she's going to be allright. Good lesson, lots of action, seem to be able to move Isis on now, dont need all the shouting and kicking to get her going that was a feature of earlier efforts. Hope your hip improves Sandra, now that spring's in the air. We are having some lovely sunny days here. Quite remarkable as its still March, then this weekend we alter the clocks one hour, won't be dark till Eight o'clock then. Am looking forward to riding outside again.

[Laetitia]

Glad you're lessons are going so well. Jonto. Very satisfying.
I had a brilliant lesson, did poles at trot! and then leg yielded away from them.Couldn't believe I'd done that, so did it all again. Nag really going well, no battles but working and on the bit. Makes such a difference. My big worry is maintaining all this when I bring her home. I know that I will probably have to go back a few steps to establish a work ethos in a different setting. She's never had to work from home, its always been holiday time then back to full livery. So will be a challenge, which I'm determined to meet head on. L

[jonto]

Hello, had two super lessons this week. Had Quinntessa on Wednesday, seem to be able to get her going better these days, she was a bit awkward though, did'nt want to canter very much, kept breaking into a run, but we did manage a few strides. Its been a lovely week, sunny and warm. Previous class to mine on Wednesday was outside, looking forward to that.
Going to Cannock for a trek tomorrow and the forecast says rain in the morning, hope it clears by afternoon. There's an old Staffordshire saying, " rain before seven, fine by eleven". I hope so, fingers crossed!

[SANDRA WAEISS]

Jonto
You took me back to my childhood. My mother use to say, ''rain before seven fine before eleven.'' I use to be upset if it was raining when I got up in the morning on riding day. Another thing I use to look at the chimmnies to see how the smoke was blowing. If it was straight up it was going to be fine.
Tomorrow my daughter's neighbour is having a "pony party." She is renting a pony from the stable where I ride. I can't wait to see my 21/2 year old grand daughter's face. She has the horse bug all ready. The weather is supposed to be cold but no rain.
I am looking forward to my Sunday lesson, even though it calls for snow. It is so fast paced now and lots of fun. I will be with you in spirit on your trek tomorrow. I really enjoyed my ride last June. That is the reason I started riding again. It is one of the best things I have ever done. I think I am in my second childhood. I will be back after my lesson.

Happy riding , Sandi

[jonto]

Hello Sandra
I remember the smoke thing, in the winter also, when it went straight up it was a sign of frost. Here's another Staffs saying. "Red sky in the morning, shepards warning. Red sky at night, shepards delight". Remember that one? a friend Christine is off to Cannock with me tomorrow, meeting Fred who is taking a friend as well I believe, so wee'll have a little party group too!

[FRED]

Hi Sandi, I have told the Staff there about your return to ridding lessons:)
I have been ridding Hatties son Pemba for last few weeks:)
The sunset was fantastic the last time John rode here, its a shame we had no photos of the horses in the 'deep red glow' of sunset.
:)

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Back from Cannock, super afternoon, 26 in the ride. Had Tom, he's a bit independant, when we arrived at the spot where we split into two groups he shot off to the left, I could not stop him, he insisted on going with the walking group. Later when our paths crossed again I took hold of him and made him wait, he did'nt like it, so we did join the other group and so did manage to get in a burst of canter. The weather here is remarkable for March, quite warm, can hardly remember when it last rained.

[FRED]

Sorry I had Brode John, he is one big chap with lots of character, and sooo quick too
Its a shame you missed the quicker group, we really did some nice long trot and canter to die for, next time will see you get Brode.Mind I love Tom I must say, independent as he can be.

Sandi, my friend who keeps us fed at work{ace cook}was guest there today, she has made her mind up that she is going to get a horse after 7yrs break of owning horse, there's magic in those horse's there. They have this effect on people:) or perhaps the combination horse & Cannock Chase and friends:)

[jonto]

Thanks Fred its kind of you to offer to give up your mount. Did'nt miss to much did manage to join you later. If I have Tom again I'll be ready for him and I'm sure I'll be able to get him to play ball!:)
Lovely day here again today, been for a walk in the woods this morning with Lizzy and done some hedging this afternoon.