Older Riders

[jonto]

Hi, only just found this site joined yesterday. Haven,t been in the saddle for 25 years now, am I to old at 59? I'm retired now and would like to ride again, nothing serious just for recreation. Any other older riders out there, North Staffs, South Cheshire?

Best regards to all horse lovers everywhere. Jonto.

[Aly]

You are never too old too ride. Enjoy yourself, at 59 your still a spring chicken, go out and have yourself some fun....:D

[THEO]

I dont think that you are too old I know someone who rides at the age of seventy I think if you feel well in yourself and you are enjoying riding then carry on with it

[judyl]

Welcome Jonto!

I don't think you're too old to go back to riding, it's a bit like riding a bike - you don't forget! One thing, prepare yourself before by doing some stretching and suppling exercises so you don't get too achy. Then, book yourself some lessons and go and ENJOY! Eventually, get out on hacks and breath that fresh air with the birds singing and sun shining and everything bright and cheerful! (I think I'm getting a bit carried away here!)

Lots of luck

Judy
:D :D

[FRED]

Hi and welcome to NR.
I can recomend a good place in Staffs for you to try out.Their horses are ace and the staff try their best.
We ride on Cannock Chase,at weekends you can do one or two hour trekks,in the afternoon for mixed ability groups.
Age is no boundary or your level of ability,there is horse for for all level of ability.

We now only cross one road,the scenery is exellent too.
I see riders from all back grounds there.Many have there own horse,but like to ride out in company on different horses.
The horses can be automatic,{understandable when in a group},
but you the rider are responsible for the horse.You can hire hat too.
Well worth a telephone call,Cannock Chase Trekking Centre.
Tel:01785 711177
Best wishes from Fred.
ps.many NR members have ridden here and have enjoyed the horses/scenery.When your up for it, they do all day ride too:)
taking a stop at local pub for dinner.

[jonto]

Hello Fred
Called at Cannock Chase treking Centre about four weeks ago to make enquiries, have their brochure. I'm about twenty-five miles away, just north of Newcastle,its about time I got started now. Do you go weekdays?

Thanks everyone for your kind support
Jonto.

[Sable]

I joined this site yesterday too. I'm 55 and hadn't ridden for 34 yrs, that is until last year when I loaned a 35 yr old ( possibly older) Appaloosa X ? I was extremely nervous to start with but with a lot of help and patience from the many new friends I have made (both old and young) I have gained so much confidence. My mare was given to me after the first months loan and has given me so much pleasure over the year that I have just bought a young Icelandic so that as my olden gets older she will be able to retire and I will still have one to ride.Don't worry about your age if you want to do it, I just wish I'd done it years ago!!!:D

[FRED]

I wish I could ride week days,Wednesday's were always extra fun,they taught a retired Cornel and he learnt too jump too,but they don't do lesson anymore. Its rare i can make it during the week,they have helped me a great deal.
The horses are great and a privilege for us folk new too riding:)

[LindaAd]

Hi jonto and sable - it's nice to have some more grown-ups on the board!

I'm older than both of you; sometimes have a bit of trouble climbing on, but then I did when I was a child, too - no bounce! And sometimes I can't do what I thought I could: tried Round the World the other day (where you swing your legs over the horse's neck so you're sitting sideways, then over the bum so you're backwards, then over again so you're back in position) - managed it with much huffing and puffing, and very chuffed I was too!:p

So jonto, go for it - next week you'll be older than you are now. :)

[jUmPingIsLifE]

My old instructer is 76 and still rides, she trains, she is like a 16yr old rodeo rider. In the summer she will be riding on a 50mile trail ride when she told hte pple her age they were like 'ummm maybe you should only ride the first day?' and she replyed 'i am 76, not dead!' pls she drives like a maniake, just last month she got a speeding ticket....she must go through 2cars a year:) haha! i just hope i am like her when i am that age!

[Julew]

when i returned to riding a couple of years ago, and bought my own horse, I had a confidence crisis. I was lucky enough to come across a lady locally who assisted me. She was 78, still had her old horse and still was able to hop on bareback with no assistance and ride around like a pro. she is now 80 ish and sadly old Toki went to heaven last year but by these standards you are a mere babe. Enjoy it!:)

[jonto]

Its really wonderful to have such support. There is a school nearby where I have also made enquiries, I shall go next week when the rain has ceased here and have a lesson prior to attempting trekking. What about clothing, will jeans do? Or do they rub as badly as some say, I have a pair of leather moyorcycle boots with a good instep and an open face helmet that I used to use when I rode my Rudge motorcyle, would these do to begin. I regret to have to say, Fred I hav'nt worked for 6 years now and have got used to taking recreation and days out during the week, very naughty! Weekend will be fine.

Best regards to all who love horses
Jonto.

[rusk]

Well, Jonto,
A couple of months ago I was at the end of my tether with people telling me I was too old. If you can find the post in the archives it's 'How old is too old?' I was really helped by the positive response I got from everyone on the site. It gave me such a lift, you wouldn't believe. I was beginning to think I was the only mad person who wanted to ride'at my age' :D
Now, I'm convinced you should do what you are able to do ,no matter what age you are. Who cares what people think anyway?
You probably will be a bit sore and stiff to start with but it's really worth it and you'll be so pleased with yourself. Good Luck!!

[Lgd]

I taught a guy in his 60's to ride and he'd never ridden before. he is still going out for 2 and 3 hour hacks and he is well into his 70's now.

[Mehitabel]

several of our livery owners are retired, and several more are in their 50s. a couple of years ago i taught a lady in her mid 70s, she'd never ridden before, and her son had booked her a holiday in america and she wanted to go riding out there. she learned to canter in 3 months, and is still going strong.

[Showjumper]

If you're going to wear jeans, make sure they're thick, soft and baggy around the crotch....yesterday was my first time back on a horse in about 6 months, and I wore jeans as I'd outgrown my jods. However my jeans were thin and tight, and my legs are now a fascinating shade of blue and red, and if I was a bloke, I'd never have kids...:eek:

[vclay]

wear trackpants in preference to jeans. And borrow a riding helmet from the centre (they should have some) rather than use a motor cycle helmet, if they are like the ones here the motor cycle helmet covers too much of your head.
Have awonderful time and you are far from too old :)
Vera

[jonto]

ooogh! --aagh-- ooohh!
Thank you showjumper, I'll certainly pay utmost attention to you timely warning!

Best wishes to all who love horses,
Jonto.

[FRED]

Hello Jonto,well I guess I will have to learn to be naughty!,and try and find some time in the week to go out on the horeses:)
Not easy to find time though.

I doubt motorcycle boots would be suitable because they usualy have a zip on the inner side.I doubt the horse would like that.
Those M&S mole skin type jeans are ok,but I found instructors like you to wear jods...after a few lessons.
There are some prety naff jods about,more like chain link material
in dissguise!,friction burn and sore you get, if your not carefull what you buy.Remember to aviod 'chair seat' {the best way to get sores}and hopless in all other respects,it dosen't make for a secure or safe seat.

Good luck and don't give up now, and forgive my spelling and sometimes I get letters back to front even though I check and check they are right.
Best wishes from Fred.
ps:
There are some ace books you can buy too about horse,Monty Roberts book, the man who listens to horses is good and also True horsemanship through feel by the late Bill Dorance is exellent.If you read them just think that your reading about your treasured motorcycle and the maenings will become very clear.

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
My recent interest in horses has been spured by the need to let seven acres of grass which is now vacant, directly behind my house. This was advertised a couple of weeks ago and being a smallish area all the response has been from horse owners and so over the days the prospect of having horses on has rather blossomed and the thought of a little riding become quite appealing. This is not the place for personal advertisments,(and so due apologies for this), but if there is anyone in the locality who is in need of summer grass, North Staffs/South Cheshire, mail me and I'll be pleased to forward the agents number. So tomorrow with some help we do fencing improvements and can then let. Then I move on to my next priority which is riding lessons. The old motorcyle boots do zip up at the rear and were made for use with foot pegs so would probably do to begin, being on the wrong side of middle age and therefore a little brittle should my first purchase be a body protector?

My regards to all who love horses,
Jonto.

[LindaAd]

The boots sound ok to me; you can probably borrow a hat from the riding school. I'd say don't bother with a body protector - you'll be doing quite gentle things at first, and probably won't hurt yourself if you do fall off ... Spend the money on jodhs and a hat first. ( I'd hate it if you did hurt yourself because you did what I said, though, so maybe see what someone else says, first....beginners don't usually wear body protectors, unless they're unusually brittle or unusually nervous...:) )

[rusk]

I tend to agree, you'll probably be doing a fair bit of walking and trotting to start and usually it's a slither down instead of a fall off.:D BUT, if you're at all nervous, the body protector gives you the confidence to know that if you do fall of you won't do any real damage. I only bought one after I had my bad accident as my confidence was shattered and I still had a young horse to ride. I was terrified I would hurt my back again and I felt much safer with the body protector on. When my confidence began to return, I found myself forgetting to put it on, so maybe it was just a psychological boost.
As for the boots, are they quite heavy? If they are you might be just as well to invest in a cheap pair of joddy boots. I find the short boots much more comfortable and you can feel the horse better and they're not so restricting.

[MadWoman]

A couple of weeks ago in Horse and Hound there was a photo of a chap in his 80s out hunting, and he was jumping a respectable sized fence.

Jonto, you're a youngster!

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
I'm full of aches and pains this morning and hav'nt ridden yet, just dug forty post holes yesterday! The boots are quite light and just sixteen inches from heel to top.

My respects to all who love horses.

[Stella2]

I have this problem! I'm also getting on in age for learning to ride (42). When I'm learning something new - currently canter and on a certain day of the month (same one that I find I cannot parallel park a car), my balance and coordination are poor and I knock myself against the pommel. This morning there is bruising and chafing! I don't think there is any answer to this, but to try to remember not to ride on the day in question and to become more acomplished! Unless anyone knows of anything ......

Ann

[FRED]

Hello jonto,I thought poor Mike was the only person having a hard time with posts:) ,although in this case folks post are shrinking{honestly}
Good luck with your posts,and good luck with your 1st lesson.
Have you looked at the NR home pages and 'movements of the horse'
It took me a while to get the rythm,go steady and have fun.

:) Fred.

[jonto]

Hi Fred
Finished the erecting the fence, have yet to hang the gate, then it is done. I have printed off the pages on paddock managment and getting started, they are my bed time reading for now.
Would you let me know when you are at Cannock for treking and I'll drive over.


Best wishes to all who love horses.
Jonto.

[stormingellie]

My husband started riding when he was 60 as he wanted to understand what my daughter and I were doing. I came back when I was 44 and got my 1st pony at 45.
My hubby made amazing progress and we had a small win and he was able to buy a lovely cob mare 2yrs later. She has now been sold because of his health problems but he had 3 very happy years with her.
What I am saying is go for it.
Probably worth investing in a body protector and hat after the first few lessons be careful your boots are not too wide for the stirrups.
Good luck.

[timarti]

I started riding last fall at age 52 (rode a bit in my early 20's) so I guess that makes me a "mature" rider!;) LOL
I am lucky enough to part board a very sweet elderly quarter horse gelding named Leo at the barn where I take lessons. We have sloooooowly proceeded thru walk and trot at a stately pace with cantering at least somewhere in view up ahead, I hope! Leo came to the barn just as I was looking for a part board. His owner no longer rides, and the place where he was previously kept (with only a cow for company) suggested he be put down, as he was not doing well. However his owner couldn't bear the thought and moved him to his current barn (which seems to make a specialty of old horses and riders!). To make a long story short, with special feeds, meds and the company of other equine friends he is a new horse at age 30, getting plump, glossy and somewhat sassy. We now manage 2 hour hacks. I'm soooo glad I didn't let 'age' stop me from finally fulfilling my childhood dream.

[vixen]

Hi Jonto;

Nice to hear from a fellow biker (motorcycles) who also rides....
what kind of bike is it?

Funny that you're considering wearing bike gear while riding, my husband made the discovery that some horse-riding gear is a better deal than the outrageous prices charged at the bike dealerships....

I personally find that the key to riding boots is about the thickness and tread on the sole... a thin sole with very little tread is great (but not so important on the bike), while big Doc Marten's (nice and safe on the bike), with a heavy tread can get annoying really fast in the stirrup.....
And being a woman, don't know about the jeans thing, but I do recommend a proper riding helmet and not a bike helmet. You will probably get WAY too hot in a bike helmet, posting up and down for 20 minutes doesn't give you the same "air-conditioning" as zipping down the road at 60 will do...

:D

[Kerry's Partner!!]

Now look here (only joking)!! I don't know why at all but even 'though I've had my own horse for two years (hadn't really ridden for a while before that) I ache after every time I ride - sometimes more so when I haven't had a lesson!!! I actually think that's progress. So sometimes (usually when I don't ache any more) I think the addage no pain no gain is true - I hope so anyway (whether your male or female)!!

[jonto]

Hello everybody
Sorry I've been missing for a few days, been on holiday, Warwick (UK Midlands) famous for its castle. I called at a riding school there last Friday morning only to be told, "closed for the weekend, going to a show at Hatton Park, come along". I did next day, it was raining, so I went into an antiques fair also on the site and bought a sideboard instead. However last night, Thursday I spent a couple of hours at a local school and have booked for a lesson on Wednesday next week, when they do a class for old foggies. The motorclycle is an old one, a Douglas, I have a few from the1920's and 30's.

Thanks to all who love and care for horses.
Jonto.

[Fraggle]

I'm 36 years old and I wear a body protector.

Do whatever makes you feel safe.

:D

[jonto]

Safe? I hope so, very keen, I start tomorrow (Wed). Have the boots as you all know and have bought a good hat and pair of jods. Thanks for all your encouragement.

Hope the horses love me!

Jonto.

[LindaAd]

Good luck Jonto, don't forget to enjoy it, and let us know how you get on:D

[jonto]

Goodmorning everyone
Well went along to the school, am not especially sore this morning, pretty active anyway, but did sleep well last night. I rode Isis a 17hns!!! liver mare. she was a bit stubborn at first and sometimes responded to the instructors commands and ignored mine ( girls sometimes need a firm hand), but after a while she warmed to me and we got on very well. We rode round and round the manage, the whole ride, circles diagonals, changed rien at the walk and sitting trot. All went very well, have booked again for next week. Do you think I would benefit from doing a trek this weekend? Or am I being to ambitious with not enough experience yet.

My regards to all who love horses. Jonto.

PS. Must ask if they do special rates for pensioners.:D

[FRED]

Hi jonto,well done.
But..its a good job you don't have 5 sisters...or do you:)

I'm away in Cumbria till Tuesday, will be at the Treking centre next Saturday afternoon.
Hows those aches :o

[Caz&Irena]

Hi Jonto
Not horsey but bikey!! I wonder if you know a friend of mine who belongs to the Douglas Motorbike club his name is Dave Lawrence? I only ask because you are one of the few people that I have ever met interested in Douglas'. Dave use to be the treasurer and also has a few old bikes. He is in the Isle of Man at the moment is it the TT's again? Glad your riding went well. Don't worry about age, I'm 46 and have been riding for 8 years now. I'm riding in my first show on Sunday aiming for a clear round.......poles will be on the floor if I have anything to do with it!!!

Best wishes

Gillian

[jonto]

Hi Everybody

Bit sore now, upperleg area, cut the lawns last night, perhaps thats the cause.

Dam,d horse needs new springs! Jonto.

[jonto]

Hi Everybody
The soreness and aches are just about gone now, thats Fri, Sat, Sun and now its Monday, three and a half to four days. Seems to have been in the inner calf area, is this with attempting the rise?
Very sorry Isis for making rude remarks about your "springs". Please dont tell her anyone as I want her to let me ride again on Wednesday.:D

My regards to all who love horses. Jonto.

[jonto]

Hello, getting my gear ready, off to school again tonight.

Hope Isis loves me! Jonto.;)

[Peace]

Hi, Jonto!

Happy to read you had fun and the soreness wasn't bad - you must be in good shape! I hope Isis hasn't been online and read your springs comment ;)

Here's wishing you a wonderful second lesson!

[Cyberprincess63]

All you guys/gals are great! I'm 44 and finally getting back into riding horses after 30 years. Yep, I forgot a lot, but I do remember some things. I thought I was kinda old to get back into riding, but I didnt care what others thought. All I'm worried about is broken bones. LOL! I have a question for the people who have been riding a long time and have a lot of experience with horses; Is it bad if you would rather walk and slow trot? Does a horse necessarily have to canter? I enjoy walks and havent even got to the slow trot yet. Because I'm nervous and I'm afraid I'll fall. Any suggestions? If its not enough exercise for a horse, can you lunge him cantering for more exercise? Any feedback would be helpful. I love horseback riding, but a more leisurely type of riding.

[jonto]

Hello Folks
Went along again last night, very wet and misty but warm. Good job the manage is covered. Have a cold and had to pull out for a couple of minutes for a breather, But otherwise enjoyed it immensly. My balance is much better now and my control is improving but I'm all at sea in the trott, its just a bouncy ride yet, my attemptes to rise pulling Isis up, cant yet find the rhythm, keep on trying, if others can do it so can I ( eventually). Am away on holiday next week, Norfolk, any one near Acle who would give me a lesson?

Isis does love me after all, but I fear they'll give me another mount next time, pity. Jonto.

[Equitating]

You can do whatever brings you joy! Of course you can just walk and trot if that's what you want to do. Do you take lessons? Do you have your own horse or plan on getting one?

When I was young I went everywhere at a gallop, bareback, jumping everything in sight. After a 25 year break from riding ( I am the same age you are ) I now ride far more cautiously with an occassional canter. Depends on my mood and my mare's mood. I now get more enjoyment from trying to improve the quality of my riding....good results from invisible aids are my goal. No showing, no pressure, just a great bond with my horse.

[Cyberprincess63]

Hi

Nice to hear that I can just walk and trot if I care too. I dont take lessons right now. I have been looking for an instructor in my area and the ones I have encountered all have nasty attitudes and curse at you. I felt I could learn more on my own as they made me more nervous (and the horse). I had one man who was elderly and was supposed to be a great horse person. Whewwwww......he cursed at me so bad, I was almost in tears. He made me feel really dumb. I had a bad horse accident on my first horse 3 years ago, the first time I ever rode her and so that messed up my confidence as it was. I sold her and I got another horse later. The former horse was supposed to be trained, but I found out from a reputable trainer (unfortunately, he and his wife live in OK.), that she was so green, he wouldnt even let his wife on her for two years. This horse I have seems to be fine, but again I need to gain more confidence in myself. I think going to an obnoxious instructor is worse than trying to learn on my own in an enclosed area? I think I've learned more on these posts with you kind people, then I ever did with the local instructors. Thanks for your encouragement, keep in touch.

Carol

[jonto]

Hello Cyberprincess
I'm 59 and having a go. Off tomorrow to try a trek, two hours. I am told that the goup divides along the route so that the more experienced riders can go off for a canter leaving us novices to our own ends. I'm very much looking forward to riding out in the open countryside, hope I am not an encumberence to the others. I want to get to grips with the trotting and the only way is to put in the time, I have printed out the guide from "New Rider, the paces". I do see your point about taking things easy for us older folks, after all we still get there in the end and safety becomes more important as you get older, but I do think it is necessary to have some grasp of the faster paces otherwise how can you be even a moderately accomplished rider, you've dont it in the past, I've yet to have the experience, then I'll take it easy to, hope I dont have to bad an experience along the way!

My respects to all who love horses. Jonto.

[Equitating]

Cyberprincess63

What kind of horse do you have? How old? Tell us about him/her.

One thing I would recommend is not to feed oats or sweetfeed. My mare turns into a wild thing with very little of this stuff....like giving a little kid a triple shot espresso with chocolate syrup!

[LindaAd]

Don't worry about the cantering, Cyberprincess - just do what you enjoy, and maybe one day you and the horse will feel like a little canter, and that'll be fine...

If you walk and trot for long enough, the horse will be fit enough for whatever you want to do. As long as he's not getting fat, there's no problem.

[FRED]

Hello John,i would not worry about quicker paces.When you have done some nice figures of 8,serpentines and trotting poles all at nice trot,you will really enjoy riding in school and out doors without having to canter.
Maybe tomorrow you can think about where horses foot is at each stride in walk,its nice to do steady trekk and think about these things too.I hope the Chase is not shrouded in mist tomorrow!
Fred.

[virtuallyhorses]

leggings - sorry blokes, guess it'd have to be trackpants for you (unless you're not too proud to sneak a pair of leggings on). If you can find them in the right material they'll last and last - go for the polyester\elastane (spandex whatever you want to call it) ones. They look like jods, are a fraction of the price, come in more colours and wear just as well. I've been riding in one pair for 3 years now and they aren't done with yet by a long way.

[FRED]

Well done John,Brode is fantastic horse and looks after his rider,mind you he is a big chap.Hope you enjoyed your experience on Cannock Chase.
Sorry not to be able to chat more,but its nice to help out the centre when we get back.

Jods does any one,or can anyone recomend good Jods,the kind that are not like cardboard:rolleyes:
By the way,those motorcycle boots looked perfect,you would never tell they were not ridding boots.
Again well done,best wishes from Fred.

[Peace]

Cyberprincess - I know just what you mean about surly instructors! I think the one I had actually set me back more than she helped me! But don't give up - after extensive searching, I've actually found two located reasonably near my house (one's a half-hour drive, the other an hour-and-a-half). I can't canter yet, either - I've decided I need to be really balanced and in control at the trot first, so I'm working on that. Canter will happen when it happens!:)

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Back home again, had a lovely time in Norfolk, we had the best of the UK weather last week. Took a couple of private lessons whil'st away, on the lunge rein. It was realy worth while, no reins, arms outstretched, hands on head, I was actually rising. Then later no stirups, does a lot for your seat. You do so much more on a personal lesson. Am looking forward to my group lesson on wednesday evening, perhaps I wont hold the others up so much.

Best wishes to all who love horses. Jonto.

[jonto]

Hello Fred
Thanks for the invite to Cannock, I realy enjoyed the afternoon, Brode is a good lad and looked after me very well. Cannock Chase is a marvellous place and the views, well what can you say to give it all justice. Will do it again.

Best wishes to all who love horses. Jonto.

[Maggie]

Good on you Jonto for plucking up courage to start again, and I'd say you're definitely NOT too old. I've just turned 50, and now we have two ponies about the place again, have decided it's time mum had some fun too, so I'm horse-hunting. That's an adventure in itself, believe me :) I've really enjoyed reading this thread and hearing about people getting the most out of their love for horses. I recently helped out at a local Endurance Ride, and was amazed to find at least half the competitors were women my age or a good bit older - I think many had, like me, got to 50 and thought, it's my turn now - and promptly gone out and blown the housekeeping (and more besides!) on a gorgeous Arab.

As for you Cyberprincess, I used to do a lot of instructing (quite a few years back now) and I'm afraid I wouldn't rate ANY instructor who yelled at you or was rude or insensitive. I hope that you soon find a GOOD instructor - these other people can't teach for peanuts, believe me.

Life's for living - the years go by fast enough as it is - let's fill them constructively and with the happiest horsey memories.

[jonto]

Hi Everone
Took my third group lesson last night, was able to rise to the trott after a fashion, am realy looking forward to putting more time into developing this, it certainly makes on feel a little beyond the novice stage. Though having said that Isis was a little stubborn last night and it took a bit of effort to get her going, then it was so good to be a little more up to speed with the class. I am commited to continue now as I enjoy it so much, anyone who has been at this stage care to comment on how much more experience I'll need before I can go out hacking?
I Know this is premature but you have to look forward to progress and I want to.

Best wishes to all who love horses. Jonto.

[Mehitabel]

it varies from yard to yard, but at ours, you need to be able to rise to the trot consistently, do transitions between stand-walk-trot and back again, and steer at trot - ie changes of rein, circles and figures of 8, while keeping the rising going, and the instructor to feel you're safe. this is where people vary - some have a naturally fairly secure seat quite early on, so i'd be confident they'd cope if the horse tripped or something, while others take a while longer to reach that stage.

[jonto]

Thanks ES
Good to know what to aim for, have a lot of work to do yet, will keep at it. I think some trekking in between lessons would be a good way for me to practice my rise, do you agree. The ideal is of cause private access to ride with your own or a friends horse but I dont have that unfortunately. I had rather hoped to have a tenant on my field who would give me some riding time in return for keeping an eye on things and helping out, but alas the field is still vacant though advertised twice now.

Best wishes to all who love horses. Jonto.

[jonto]

Hello everyone
Just back from my weekly group lesson, new instructor today. Rode Isis again, did I mention she was a bit stubborn last week? In fact at one point she just stopped and I could not get her going again, almost caused a pile up! But tonight she " did me proud". Put a lot of effort into my rising and sitting trott, its getting much better, tonight I enjoyed it immensley. Sold the grass keep on my field at long last, waiting to what they bring on after its been cut, hope one's a novice ride!

My regards to all who love horses. Jonto.:cool:

[Cochise]

I found this neat article in our national horse magazine.....Read it...hope I didnt make the print too small to read.......

[Mehitabel]

go bill! lets hope he carries on for a while yet.

[jonto]

Went to Cannock Chase trekking again yesterday, two whole hours! Quite a large group eighteen or twenty I think, everybody enjoyed themselves immensley, its lovely country, heathland with heather and woods of conifers and splendid views. Despite the forcast which was showers we did'nt see any. Strange thing yesterday was the sudden change in the temperature, one moment realy sticky and close, the next a cool breeze! I rode Thomas, he was very good to me and we got on very well, though after I was told "he can be a bit diffucult". Its a spendid day out, recomend it to anyone from the west Midlands.

Best wishes to all who love horses. Jonto.

[jonto]

Hello Folks
Fifth group lesson in the bag last night. Isis and I are becoming quite like old friends, we can trott to our hearts content now. Its good to be able to keep up with the others and feel really part of the group. The two leaders canter round and then the rest of us follow in a trott, I,ts suggested that next week I can try a canter,"me"help. I am determined to work very hard on this and then maybe I'll soon be third from the front of the group.:)

[intouch]

A friend of mine who is 90 recently lost her horse from old age - and is now looking for a new one!!!

[mikka]

Good stuff, Jonto. Which rider are you in the pic?

[jonto]

The one on the left, Mikka:)

[jonto]

The dear old friend at 90 looking for a new horse, makes me wonder what I'm doing here at my "tender age" horseless. I've been reading the thread "Here we go again, horse hunt No.2". Certainly fills you with an intense longing, but I think I really need to learn a great deal more before taking a step in this direction. Do you think I might be able find someone localy that I could help out in return for a little riding time? Perhaps an add in the local rag would do it.

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Sixth lesson last night, usualy arrive at about twenty past or half past seven for my eight o'clock group, last week the horses were being tacked up. So went earlier last night, seven o'clock thinking I'd help with the tack but found them all done waiting in their boxes! So just had to say hello to 'em all, Molly, Kelo, Quintessa, Chester and the rest with apologies to Isis, "Hello Dear, afraid its me again, sorry". Watched the jumping class that precedes ours. then just before eight we mounted up and rode into the menege, seven in the ride. Our new instructor works us harder than we've been used to and we're doing more, less walking and more trotting with each of us leading the ride in turn. Had Isis realy going by my standards, almost a canter, few good stides, nearly there. Have booked a two hour trek for saturday.

[FRED]

Older riders;) well I just don't know what to say!,John has been riding 5 months and he disappears....over on Cannock Chase on horse back with the very nice lady guide rider...
they disappeared for 10 minutes for a trot... ;) {mmm}after we had trekked through dense forest for hour and half,maybe its the fresh air!.
One minute we were 5,then down to 3.
I guess your never too old;)

[jonto]

Oh dear, been caught out:( Must be my inexperience:o

[jonto]

Oh dear,,,oh dear,,oh dear, just got lost folks, 'onest. took a wrong turn, found the others as soon as we could.:p

[jonto]

is it that lovely old timeless story, enacted once again? A distressed princess- a knight in shining armour- a happy ending- a fairytale castle-

[Steve.R]

Evidently there was a guy at the local hunt who was over 80 and still jumped with the best of them.
Remember age is just numbers after your name.
But I evidently have the sense of a nine year old......(acording to my afianced).
Cheers
Stephen

[FRED]

Ah, the Old Knight on horse back, princes and old castle yarn ;)
I bet you both disappeared to the Nag's Head more like:D
Anyway,castles are for Frosty types;)

[mikka]

You chaps are a hoot! Jonto, you look wonderful! Fred, have you posted pic's? If so, please direct me to them....

[jonto]

Found our way out off Cannock Chase, back home again now. Getting ready for another lesson today, must have a word with the instructor, I want to try a canter. I think it will help me to enhance and project my image better. Any of you ladies want to come along?

[Old Grey Mare]

Jonto:

Try this on for size. I recently came home from an inn-to-inn ride on Icelandic horses in the woods of Vermont. The trails were very hilly, steep, stony, muddy, slippery. We were allowed to 'tolt' that unique little stride these Icelandics have, and race up hills.

One of the riders: a 79 year old gentleman who rode like a dream. He kicked our butts when it came time to race up those hills, and he looked so deep and solid in that saddle, I just couldn't believe it. So nope, no such thing as being too old to ride. I took it up nearly two years ago, and I'm dangerously close to 42. It can be done. If I manage to get as good as the gent who rode with us, I figure I've got lots of great riding ahead of me!

OGM

[rusk]

Please read my post 'How much time' I know it will make you feel much much better about the age thing!!!:D

[FRED]

91 and still going strong
That sounds very appealing.
Good luck with your latest lesson John.
By the way folks...today I read in the news about a rider in North Staffs{described as Gentlemen :rolleyes: } who turns up for lessons not in Jods,but dressed as Knight in shining armour and carrying not a whip but a Lance...John who is this Princes,or did your instructor read a previous Thread.. ;)

[Sidesaddlelady]

Firs purchase MUST be a current standard riding hat. Buy it at a shop where you will be fitted properly by a trained person. Do not buy at a "horse supermarket" until you know what you are doing.

Often riding school hats/helmets have lead a hard life and may have been dropped or fallen on and rendered useless. If your m/cycle helmet covers your ears you won't be able to hear the instructor.

Price is not the criteria for excellence. You can buy hats and helmets for around £35 up to £150 but at this stage an inexpensive one will do so long as it's up to standard. Ask for "P A S standard" - it's the highest.

Body protectors are probably not that important for your first few lessons and might even hinder you to start with. As regards other clothing, be guided by your instructor - ask when you are booking.

BTW I'm 53 and been riding, with breaks, since I was 4 and don't intend packing it in until I'm ga-ga. Just bought my first horse 18 months ago - best thing I ever did!

[jonto]

I'm afraid I left my armour outside whil'st while away on holiday and its rained. Shall have to wear my jods to the next lesson, dont know what Princess will think about it. Fred have you a tin of Brasso I can borrow?:(

[FRED]

It sounds to me like your suit of armour needs angle grinder to get rid of the rust:D :be carefull,thems machines can be tricky!you should see the mess they have made of some of my friends in the ag world!

Have you cantered yet,just go steady,hopefully your 1st will be on horse with steady canter,no need for rushing things.
We had a fantastic ride last weekend although Brodie got a small ditch all wrong,he was ok though:)
Fred.

[jonto]

Yes Fred! First canter a week last wednesday, lovely long loaping gait. Was away last week, but going for my weekly lesson again tomorrow. Poor Brodie, was it bad driving? Glad he's OK, what about you did you come off? :eek:
PS, have a 1st war German officers helmet with a brass spike on top, could wear that to my lesson, do you think that might impress Princess or would she have to be "tootonic". :D

[FRED]

Yep it was a question of what came 1st, Emy cat jumped the ditch
and I thought please don't try that Brodie....and he did.
Its odd John,he went gentle down onto his knees and I never sliped or tipped forward,sat perfectly still.He behaved like nothing had happened at all.
Well done for cantering.Don't worry about your German Officers Hat, but please please don't turn up on the Chase wearing it.
We had good ride tonight.I think i have lost the plot...:o ,I was just cleaning my chaps and thinking don't they smell nice
:o

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Took another lesson last night, that's eight now.:cool: . Isis was in a funny mood and would'nt do very much, kept cutting the corners and slowing no matter what I did, she can be stubborn. Last night she was only happy when at the back of the ride. Did give me a canter though, that's twice now! I thought it was all a bit of a shambles but the instuctor said it was OK," the lessons are getting harder now". Weighed the armour in, did'nt get anything for it Fred. Have dusted off my hat and jods after the fortnights inactivity.:)

[FRED]

Weighed the armour in,didnt get anything for it.

So the Princes never even treated you to mushy peas and chips:D

Can you try a different horse for lessons ?

[jonto]

Did take a princess with me to my lesson two weeks ago, the experience gave her the courage to start herself and she's now taken three private lessons. For us older folks climbing up for the first time takes a bit of doing. I've invited her to come along to Cannock with me and join the ride, Fred. For my lesson next wednesday its suggested I try riding Quintessa who is younger and more lively than Isis, there's another new student who can start whith Isis. So I guess I'm going to be at the bottom of another learning curve in which things are going to happen somewhat faster! :eek: :)

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Wednesday has come around again, another lesson. Rode Isis again after all, she was much better behaved this week and we had a nice canter, thats three times now, its a little bit shakey though, my instructor says " you'r not supposed to feel in control yet, just stay on!" Trotting feels to be quite natural now and is really no effort at all.:)
The scrappy has returned my rusty armour, says its not worth the cost of cutting it up. Wonder if I should have it restored? Fred as a "brummy" you'r nearer to the doorstep than I, could you ask for me please at Ash & Lacy as to what they would charge for doing a
refurbishment!

[FRED]

Its the way they spake, ay it?

Sorry folks if your confused,just a Black Country saying :)
I have long lost my Walsall accent.
Well done with your latest lesson,have you ever ridden a ..bonk 'oss {a real big horse}
Sorry the 'tat' man has no use for your suit of armour:( ,did you drop it on his foot.
Fingers crossed for the weekend,its still a bit black over Bill's mother's{the weather looks bad in the distance}

:D

[jonto]

H'y up folks, dust ear, (north staffs accent).
Seems an awfully long time since I rode last wednesday, once a week is not enough. I'm still trying to find someone I can help out and share a little.
Was'nt a good idea to send the armour for galvanising, think I'll throw it in my new pond instead. Every pond worth its salt should contain at least an old gas stove or bicycle. A suit of armour would be superior, perhaps a druid ceremony would do, everyone welcome please bring your own bottle and candle.

[jonto]

Hello Folks
Another lesson last night, getting to be quite a veteran (just kidding). had another mount Quintessa, 17.2 a little larger than Isis but not so lazey, more forward going and responsive, a lot of fun. I really enjoyed my hour with her we got on very well, my walk and trott no problems, we did a couple of forehand turns and some latteral work. BUT, I could not get a transition into canter, tried three and times no go, an hour's not enough and its a long time till next wednesday.
PS. Offered to take Quintessa home for a weeks holiday so I could practice here, told 'em I'd got a towing hitch on the car and if I could borrow their trailer I'd bring her back next wednesday. They wer'nt listening!:)

[luv horses]

Jonto

sounds like you're having heaps of fun! My instructor recently put me on a more forward going horse than the mare my daughter and I were sharing (though she is a lovely horse with a gentle temperament great for nervous beginners like me and children)

It's great though to concentrate less on urging and more on how your riding, sometimes it's hard to concentrate on both! I'm learning to canter now but it's taken me a lot longer than you to get up to that stage and I think it will take me a while to really relax in it as I tend to tense up in this gait!! It's great to read how much your enjoying yourself, it is fun isn't it especially when it comes together...

[jonto]

Yes Love Horses, it is a lot of fun. Wish I'd done it when I was younger, but being self employed running a small firm needs total commitment, no one else to help with the administration, becomes a way of life which takes you over. Still got rid of it now and catching up on my leasure!:p

[jonto]

Hi Sidesaddlelady, sorry I overlooked your post. Thanks for the advise, I did visit a specialist supplier and purchased a fitted hat, its a velvet "Dubliner", I hav'nt tested its limits yet (fingers crossed), I'm pleased with it, its very comfy. It must be really super to have your own horse, as a mount and a friend, a companion really! I'm not experienced enough to take such a step, but I have some land behind the house and am looking for someone to share and graze in the short term. Here's a picture of me and Quintessa last night, sorry its dark, it was late in her box after the lesson before I untacked and turned her out for the night.

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Another week, another lesson last night. I had Isis, back again this week, my old love, she gave me my first lessons, (not that long ago, still very much a novice). Maybe its me becoming a little more in control with my still limited experience, but last night she was much more forward and not so lazey, we did a great deal of work together, just at one piont she turned into the centre towards the finishing position. I got her going again and it was less embarassing than past times. Often she's just pulled up on me and refused to budge. She still slows and cuts the corners to keep up though! We did six transitions into canter, five of which were succesfull. I think Ive now got to the piont where I'm begining to realise how much I have to learn.:eek:

[FRED]

Well done John.
Hopefully you can join us soon for a canter on Cannock Chase.

Tom the big welsh cob has been on great form lately:) so too Pemba & Dice:)

[jonto]

Hello Folks
Went out on an invite last night, to ride a friends horse only about a mile from here. Hope you like him, his name is Pitcher
( he did'nt fortunatly), he's about 10 years and 17hnds.

[jonto]

Hello Folks
Went for another lesson Wednesday night, more work on my canter. "Rise-- push into the corner--sit, outside legg back and -GO! IT all happens so quickly that its difficult to get everything in coordination. I'm going to need a lot more time in the saddle to get the feel ot it. Going for another two hour trek this weekend and will try again there if they will let me. Hope the guide and I dont get lost again, think I'll take two survival packs as an insurance!

[Beethoven]

Originally posted by jonto
"Rise-- push into the corner--sit, outside legg back and -GO!

"push into the corner" - huh? :confused:

[FRED]

Did you go on the Chase..and did you:cool: .{if you did,who where you on?}
Best wishes from Fred.

[Tumbleweed]

Hi, I am new to this forum and have enjoyed reading the messages of us crinklies learning to ride. It is very brave of you Jonto and people coming onto here will gain a lot of confidence because of you.

When I was 46 I went to college to learn to be a riding instructor, and I done it. Now I had a hip replaced last October and have started riding again, much to my doctor's dismay. My lessons are only half hour ones, my instructor won't give me any longer until my muscles gain more strength.

Riding is a wonderful sport for any age and you are never too old. There are so many horses that will be only too please to have a crinkly instead of a youngster on their backs, not all want to gallop or jump all the time.

My biggest problem now is getting on and off and I have to use a wall, a mountain block is not high enough because I ride a 15.2hh cob, and like most cobs he is wide.

What I have found with instructors trying to explain how to get your horse to canter is that they give too much information and the rider doesn't yet have the co-ordination to do it all. When teaching someone to canter, I tell them to sit when the start to go into a corner, then a good hard kick with their outside leg usually gets the horse into canter. Why kick when you are told not to, most beginners don't have the strength to kick very hard, and when they kick, it is just a strong leg aid to the horse.

Jonto, did you ask your instructor what was meant by "push into the corner", this is a new one for me.

:D

[jonto]

Thanks Tumbleweed, I'm pleased you have enjoyed my ramblings. "Push into the corner", is
my instuctors way of telling me to go as deep into the corner as I can. For the cantering
instruction our ride is doing a twenty metre circle at one end of the school, the instructor
in position at the other end, we break out of the circle every other rider and go large, rising
trott towards the first corner at which piont we attempt the transition into canter. It is
hard work trying to use the aids whilst also listening to the instuctions and all the many
corections as its all happening so fast now. I guess we'll be moving outside soon
where there's more room, I'm looking forward to that. Understand absolutly about the mounting
difficulties, I need a large block, as Isis is 17 hands. How I'd cope if I was out in a field
with no help I dont know, guess wee'd be walking back.
I went trekking on Saturday as planned it was a lovely afternoon again, I've been very
fortunate with this every time its been warm and sunny, how long I'll manage to keep my luck
going I dont know, it'l rain one of these days! I rode Dice Fred, I was third back in the line
with Luke leading and a child on a pony in between us. We plodded along with an occasional
few steps of trott, then the canter group broke away from behind and I missed 'em. I asked Luke
"shall I go after 'em"? He said "its up to you". So Carried on and did'nt, chicken I suppose,
but I'll DO IT NEXT TIME!!!!!!
:p

PS. What does "huh" mean?

[Laetitia]

Jonto, no you are not chicken.You'll join the canter group when you feel you're ready, no rush.I think you're jolly brave to ride a vast beastie of 17hh.I find my 15.2hh quite high enough,thank you.Learnt a new trick today, having just come back from a peaceful hack with a girlfriend.She dismounted onto the mounting block!I sat there with my mouth open.Can you do that? yes, I'm feeling lazy and its a long way down 16hh.Being extremely unatheletic and of large proportions I find dismounting an enormous hassle,so I had a go. What a doddle.L

[jonto]

Hello Folks
Just back from school. Have done some more canter practice, the instructor says its ok, but I'm not so pleased, I dont feel at all balanced and I'm certainly not in control. In the menage there's so little room at speed, a few strides and its over, no time at all to find your seat. Have managed to book for two lessons next week. The new slott is on monday, With a group that is a little more advanced, I'm hoping this will help.

[Tumbleweed]

Jonto, this takes time it can't be done overnight. What is your sitting trot like? this is very relevant when you come to canter, your hips have to be supple to absorb the movement. In walk, can you tell which hind leg is coming under and do your hips swing from side to side? Considering how long you have been riding for, you are doing really well.

I had my lesson yesterday. I have half hour private because of my artificial hip. My left leg is getting stronger and my instructor makes me really work and puts pressure on it. I still haven't cantered and before my operation I was up to BHS Stage III standard. We worked on keeping Charlie (the horse I was riding) on a true circle, not as easy as it sounds. This puts pressure on your inside leg to stop him from making the circle too small. also whenever he got close to the outside track, he tried to go onto it. All this is very good for strengthening my left leg because unless I make a good effort, it will just hang there doing nothing.

[jonto]

Hello Tumbleweed
My sitting trott is quite good, so says my instructor, which is why I have been moved on to
canter. Am somewhat confused with the aids, need to do some refresher reading on this. My usual
mount Isis has been at the school a long time, she's eighteen now and with so many riders of
differing abilities climing on to her she's become a bit dull and certainly quite lazey. She
seems to ignore my comands, sometimes just stops, which leads to a frenzy of nudges, kicks and
some language to, there's some degree of urgency as someone's usually bumping into our back end
by now. All of this rather spoils my appreciation of what the aids could be doing for me. I have
ridden several other horses and its a different story alltogether, particularly with Pitcher
who is a one person horse mostly, slightest sqeeze and he was off like a rocket. Must ask him
to have a word with Isis.
:)

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Jonto, Because I am not there and cannot see what is happening, all I can do is give you some ideas to work with.

You say that your horse seems dead to your legs, this could be so many reason, but probably because he has had his sides kicked and deadened, he could be bored, he could have had a rider on before you that deadened his sides, and there are many more reasons. If he is like my horse, he won't obey unless you give the aids right, any variation he ignores, wonderful for teaching the riders the aids.

You said that you all circles at one end of the school and one by one you went large and cantered. What do you do in this circle, walk or trot? When in the circle keep checking your position and plan what you are going to do when it is your turn. ie. If circling at A on the left rein, check your position in line with K. At A go large and in walk go into trot just after F , checking your position first. Keep the trot at a steady pace, too fast and he can't canter.

Check position again at B and M, then ask for canter. I will go through the canter aids in another post because of the length if I put the 2 together.

[Tumbleweed]

I order to understand your aids and how to apply them you have to understand the canter movement.

The canter is a three time movement and starts with the outside hind leg, then the inside hind and the outside fore together, and lastly the inside fore which gives the leading leg. When cantering your inside hip should be in front of your outside hip, this is because of the movement of the horse and this also helps the position of your legs and where you apply them to the horse.

Your position for asking for canter is: your inside leg should be on the girth, but it is your toe that is on the girth and not the leg. This created the impulsion (energy) for the horse to go forward. Bearing in mind that the canter puts your inside hip forward, if you bring the inside hip forward when asking for canter, this will put your outside hip backwards which also brings back your outside leg and puts it in the right place and this way your heel remains down. If you pull your leg back your heel comes up. This also helps your horse to bend and is useful on circles and corners.

Your inside hand asks for the bend by opening up, taking you hand out to the side towards the centre. The outside hand controls the pace and also the horse's neck. This is where you have to experiment, some horses you need to lower the hand to support the neck, some you don't.

You must keep a contact all the time, most people drop the contact because they are not secure in the saddle, then the horse just pleases himself.

If your horse does not obey the leg, you can back your leg up with a flick from a schooling whip or if your position is correct, you can give a very strong aid (a good kick with the lower calf and heel). When you apply the aid is very relevant, by asking when the outside leg is coming under, even difficult horses, will usually strick off into canter.

I used to practice by sitting on a high stool so that I could sit as near the right position as possible and practiced the aids:D

[FRED]

I was on Dice this Wednesday, he took me on a all day ride:)

Dice has a wonderfull canter and trot,so smooth and if I say "go-wan Dice" this helps to keep him going in canter.Its not very orthadox,but it helps:)
To be honest,I think many of us get so tensed up trying to learn canter and maybe confuse the horse with what we want.Some horse do make it very easy,and normaly its difficult to get a try on these horse,because experienced riders always put their name on them,its odd!
Its so easy for people to say be more relaxed when learning canter,but its a big help if you can relax instead of thinking whoaa, the horse is bombing off.

[jonto]

Thanks Tumbleweed for your kind advise, I have been concentrating on trying to get the leg movements right, I can see from your comments that I'll be likely to do a lot better paying more atention to my seat. Swinging my hips as you say will put my leggs into a better position naturally. In the wenesday lesson I've been having we have done our twenty metre circle in both walk and trott, breaking out large every other rider with rising trott down to the far corner where the instructor is standing and helping us with our aids, as we reach the corner the command is SIT, outside leg back etc. I think Isis just does what she knows she has to do to get through the lesson and takes little notice of who ever is on her back. Whith so many dunces like me trying to handle her she can hardly be blamed for doing her own thing. I'm joining a new group on monday, I think this group is a little more advanced than my usuall one. Its just a one off for next week and I'm not shaw what to expect, if its ok for me I'll ask to join this group and then have two lessons a week for a while. Am going to print out your letter and take it with me on monday for a bit of on the spot swatting up. the stool practice I'm doing to.

[Tumbleweed]

She
seems to ignore my comands, sometimes just stops, which leads to a frenzy of nudges, kicks and
some language to, there's some degree of urgency as someone's usually bumping into our back end
by now.

This is bad riding by the person behind you, they should not let this happen and they should be more aware of what is going on in front. Very difficult when you are learning though.

Jonto, concentrate on what you are doing, your position and your aids, and Isis will then do what you want. When riding a horse that is playing up or trying to get me off, instead of concentrating on the horse and what he is doing, I concentrate on my position and my reactions to him, this way, I get control back and stay on.It is also very difficult for a horse to do anything wrong if you are in the right position and using the aids correctly.

Riding school horses can be very crafty with riders who are learning, they know they can take advantage and they do. My own horse is now working in a riding school because of my husband's stroke I can't look after him or ride him now, and the tricks he gets up to with novices. I watched a ride the other day and a child was on him and she was getting into trouble for being on the wrong diagnal. Poor girl she did try hard to get onto the right one, but everytime she did, he put her straight back onto the wrong diagnal. He is very well schooled and does lateral work to quite a high standard anthough I never took him any further. Another trick is that he won't canter unless the rider sits to the trot, then he will canter. He does teach them how to use the aids though.

I hope you enjoy your Monday lesson, just remember to concentrate on yourself and the rest will come.
:D

[Rayj]

Tumbleweed,
I hope I will be alright, I have just booked a lesson at a school i don,t know and it is only my third, I will follow your advise!

[Tumbleweed]

Ray, have you watched a lesson taking place? This is important that you do because even if it is a good school, the style of teaching may not suit you. Don't worry if you haven't but do check if the riding school is registered with either the Association of British Riding Schools or the British Horse Society. This will not guarentee a good place unfortunately but they do expect a standard of care and safety.

Look at the horses, are they in good condition, and also look at the condition of the saddle and bridle. The horse and tack should give the impression that it is cared for and not neglected.

At first, just try and relax, I know that is difficult, and feel what your horse is doing under you. Let your hips swing from side to side as he steps under and think about what is happening. This way you won't be as nervous. When asked to do something, don't think of the horse, just try to do what is asked. Most beginners are more worried about what the horse is doing and miss out a lot because of it.

Good luck, and enjoy your ride, that is the most important thing that you enjoy it. Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Margaret.

[Rayj]

Margaret,
I started to learn about 5 years ago, but the school closed down after i had had 3 lessons, upto that point I was scared of horses!(my reason to learn to ride) I have just started to learn again, watch this space!

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Ray, You are very brave if you are frightened of horses. If you are not happy with what you are told to do then refuse, there is always another day and the day will come when you are happy to do it.

I have a friend who because of a poor riding school lost her nerve. She took a horse on loan which was too much for her but if she didn't she couldn't ride. We spent the next 14 months 3 ot 4 times a week, out riding in walk. Evenutally she tried a trop up a steep hill with my horse in front to stop her. After a couple of years she bought herself a coloured cob and just hacked out on him. She never canters on walk and trot.

Earlier this year she ask me to give her lessons because she had seen a competition of Le Treck and wanted enter one. Considering the length of time she had been riding, she was terrible and still couldn't trot properly, using the reins to pull herself up. Now she is happily trotting round the arena doing circles, serpentines etc, and trotting over poles. She still has a long way to go in canter before her confidence is as good as trot and she need to learn to jump, but by next July when she wants to compete, she will be a confident rider. This is what I call patience but she needed a goal to take herself forward.

What I am trying to say is that it doesn't matter how long you take to learn to ride, as long as you get there. If you have any questions just ask. The only stupid question is the one not asked.:D

Good luck and enjoy your ride.

Margaret

[Rayj]

Hi, Margaret,

I am not scared of horses now, I just want to be confident, I am sure I will get there. I,ll let you know how "this old fool" gets on!
my next lesson is Thursday

[Tumbleweed]

I was reading an article the other day that said that the over 50's were having all the fun and the 30's were old before their time, in fact older than the 50's plus;)

Margaret

[Rayj]

I think it,s fun, I,ll progress to a "Pub" ride yet!

[mikka]

Jonto, "huh" is like a double question mark.

Sounds like you're doing really well!

[jonto]

Hello Margaret
Isis is known in the school as being lazey, I dont think that its her getting away with what she can, she is very loving and not at all naughty. Its just that she seems to think "o bother it, I've had enough", and just stops, you can imagine how this disrupts the rest of the ride, especially when in the twenty metre circle where the spacing is tighter. We are all getting better at control now and I am now able to get Isis moving again, a few weeks ago she would not budge sometimes till the instuctor chased her with the schooling whip! Having said that she is a lovely girl and everyone says that she does a super canter, "like riding an armchair". I just have to be patient and keep putting in the practice, after all it was much the same when I first started to trott but now thats much easier. I took a private lesson on the lunge line whilst away on holiday, that was the key to achieving the trott, but my school does not do private lessons.

[jonto]

Hi Everybody
Have been away for a week and a bit. Could not post about my new Monday class as the forum was off line. Anyway I took the Monday evening class and it was a step back, I wasnt disappionted. I enjoyed going through the exercises again and your in a better position to do them a second time around, you feel quite on top when you know there's others with less experience! Having said that, when I took my usual Wednesday class, we had been moved on to the larger outdoor arena, back to the bottom of the class again, ah' well, its all progress. My canter is still a mess, hav'nt found my seat yet. I think its going to take some time to master it, I'll keep at it till I do. Here's another picture of Pitcher, wish he was mine.

[LindaAd]

That's a great picture, Jonto,and you both look really happy, even if you don't seem to be agreeing about which way to go.....;)


By the way, how do you post a pic in a message like that?

[FRED]

Nice horse John.
I think you would be surprised at how many of us have had difficulty with canter, it seemed the more I woried about canter,the worse I got,its so easy to say be more relaxed,but that was my bigest problem.
Good luck and see you soon:) on the Chase.
Oh and hows that armour suit,still rusty?

[sagittarius]

Hi everyone,

I'm 47 and just realised my childhood dream to learn to ride 6 months ago. I take 2 lessons a week but it has been slow progress and I'm not even cantering yet. I'm in no hurry though as there's so much to learn even for walking and trotting. The horses I ride tend to bully me a bit at times but I think I'm getting more insistent (or so says my instructor) and some of them are starting to listen. I had my first fall this past Tuesday - happened so fast while I was trotting. I wanted to maintain the momentum as the horse was slowing down. He wasn't responding to my legs so I used my whip a little, he bucked and there I was on the ground. Fractured a finger but am still in pain in my hip and leg. I'm seeing a chiropractor and I'm supposed to rest from riding for a few weeks.

Cheers.

[jonto]

Pitcher's a lovley lad Linda, actually we wer'nt going anywhere in particular, he was just posing for the camera. To post a picture just click "Browse", below the message window, select the file you want to post from your hard drive and click "Submit Reply". Job done. Keep at it Sagittarius, dont let it put you off, wonder when I shall take my first fall?

[jonto]

Ive done it!:p It was a bit wild and I slid about a little in the saddle, but I stayed with it. We bounded across the countryside in huge leaps, the ground flew beneeth Dice's hooves. What power and speed it was grand, a little insecurity to I might add. But Ive done it, Ive broken through the barrier!
I made up a party of four, myself and three friends from my class at the riding school and of we went yesterday to Cannock Chase Trekking centre, met Fred and joined a ride, there were seventeen of us. It was Saturday afternoon, clear blue sky, warm, not to hot, just perfect. First canter was on the heath amongst the heather up a gentle slope, sixty or seventy yards. Later in the woods on a long straight unmettled road of we went again at a great rate, how far I cant say we were going so fast, it was some distance I can tell you- hmm oh yes, can't wait for the next time. Then there's my lesson in the week, should do better there.

[Laetitia]

Bravo, jonto. L

[jonto]

Bit sore now, upperleg and lower pelvic regions!

[Tumbleweed]

Well done Jonto, it is a wonderful feeling cantering out on a ride:D

Margaret.

[Bev Heron]

Jonto, I've so enjoyed your saga.

Thanks to those who've posted stories about octa- and nonagenarians riding!

I'm 53, riding for the first time x 5 mos. I am hoping I can learn to jump 4'--just enough to get over fences in an emergency.

Friday the 13th, I had my first fall. Pretty banged up, but got right back on the horse and continued the trail ride.

Last Friday I had a fabulous lesson--probably due to the fact that my instructor, the daughter of a local legend ranch owner & riding since the womb--took a clinic herself and came up with all these new Centered Riding-type things to try.

- First, I did leg exercises at the halt, putting legs all the way over to the opposite side of horse's neck
- Then, at the walk, I grabbed my heels and brought them to my butt, to get the stance of kneeling rather than sitting
- Then, arm exercises that involved holding my arm straight out and rotating my body around from my seat, reins in one hand at a time
- Then I rode w/ my heels up on the front of the saddle (pommel), inc. in trot! I could really feel my seat bones at this point--they were all I had to balance. I couldn't maintain this position for long, but afterward, I did my best sitting trot ever. I finally was able to ride on my seat bones, stay with my horse, and roll with the motion
- Then I rode walk, trot, and canter without stirrups.
(I was nervous about canter sans stirrups at first, but I've been reading Seabiscuit and couldn't bear to act wussy after seeing what jockeys do.

The objectives of the "trick" riding were
- isolate my seat from my upper body for dual control and coordination, and to practice keeping upper body tall and straight while seat remains deep and fluid
- deepen the seat in general.

Cantering without stirrups was amazing! When I put my feet back in the stirrups, they felt so short!--as if I were a jockey.

My teacher says I'm almost ready to lease...hooray! --I have never been alone with a horse for >2 minutes. So I feel that when I develop a relationship with *a* horse, I'll take a quantum leap in horsemanship--agreed?

[Tumbleweed]

I'm 53, riding for the first time x 5 mos. I am hoping I can learn to jump 4'--just enough to get over fences in an emergency.

**This is achieveable and good luck.

Friday the 13th, I had my first fall. Pretty banged up, but got right back on the horse and continued the trail ride.

**Well done, it is much better if you get straight back on and continue, you don't get time to think and worry.

Last Friday I had a fabulous lesson--probably due to the fact that my instructor, the daughter of a local legend ranch owner & riding since the womb--took a clinic herself and came up with all these new Centered Riding-type things to try.

- First, I did leg exercises at the halt, putting legs all the way over to the opposite side of horse's neck
- Then, at the walk, I grabbed my heels and brought them to my butt, to get the stance of kneeling rather than sitting
- Then, arm exercises that involved holding my arm straight out and rotating my body around from my seat, reins in one hand at a time
- Then I rode w/ my heels up on the front of the saddle (pommel), inc. in trot! I could really feel my seat bones at this point--they were all I had to balance. I couldn't maintain this position for long, but afterward, I did my best sitting trot ever. I finally was able to ride on my seat bones, stay with my horse, and roll with the motion
- Then I rode walk, trot, and canter without stirrups.
(I was nervous about canter sans stirrups at first, but I've been reading Seabiscuit and couldn't bear to act wussy after seeing what jockeys do.

** This leaves her wide open to being sued if anything had happened. You must be very supple to have done some of these exercises and I would never never ask my pupils to do some of them. Safety must be the first priority and for someone riding the time you have, some would not have been very safe.

You can get an independent seat without all this, it takes time but is gentle and doesn't do damage to the rider. What an instructor must take into accound is the rider's age and suppleness, by forcing the body into some position could damage the muscles and be very painful.

When I am teaching I like to take my pupil up to the maximum she can do then just niggle to get a little further. Any more and I can do damage which is not the exercise. I want my pupils to be in condition to ride again the next day, and if they are asked too much they are very stiff and sore, sometimes can hardly walk.

Gradual improvement, a little at a time, is far better that a big jump. BY learning gradually the pupil never loses it, but often when taking a big leap, the next time they cannot achieve the same standard and start to get disilusioned then loose confidence in what they are doing.

This is just my opinion and the way I teach, everyone teaches differently. I once went on a course and the first thing the instructor said was, "Every instructor should learn something new every 2 years, if they don't they forget what it is like to be a beginner". This is what I find, instructors forget what it is like to be a beginner or a novice, and expect too much from their pupils.

[Bev Heron]

Originally posted by Tumbleweed
[Doing unbalancing exercises] leaves her [the instructor] wide open to being sued if anything had happened. You must be very supple to have done some of these exercises and I would never never ask my pupils to do some of them. Safety must be the first priority and for someone riding the time you have, some would not have been very safe.


T'weed,

I'm surprised that, being in the UK, you would raise the specter of liability. I live in the most litigious state on the planet, and I would never think of suing my instructor--or anyone--unless s/he were out to get me personally and deliberately. Manure happens.

When I flew to London to do a sports medicine fellowship, the British Airways in-flight magazine had an article on how American athletes are suit-happy, while in the UK, athletes take their lumps with the stereotypically British stiff upper lip and would feel unmanly going to court to whine.

I am very vocal about what I feel comfortable doing and what I don't, and my teacher (whom I fairly worship) knows this. For instance, on the day in question, when she asked me to canter w/o stirrups, I said, "Let me canter with stirrups first so I see what his canter is like and then, if I feel OK, I'll tie up the stirrups."

I am also very fit and supple -- "double jointed", even -- and my instructor probably took this into consideration. I feel she is perceptively tuned in to me at all times; also, I've found that she will often ask me to do something that I feel a little nervous about, but once I take the challenge, I see my fears were groundless and she knew I could do it. I think she feels better about pushing me a little because she knows that if I feel too extended, I will speak up. Mostly, I have been repeatedly surprised at how right she was that I was quite capable of doing something I thought I couldn't do. (She also owns the ranch and knows every horse inside and out.)

I guess the take-home lesson is: never do anything that makes you really scared; don't be afraid to express your concerns & set your limits; but also be willing to push the envelope on a good day to develop new skills and confidence.

Beverley

[Mehitabel]

unfortunately, bev, england is going the same way with regards to suing. insurance cover for riding schools is rocketing, and getting more and more restrictive as to what you can do. if i did those exercises with someone in a lesson (valuable as they are - i did similar things as a learner and it did me the world of good!) and they fell off, i (and the school i teach at) wouldn't have a leg to stand on. i'm sure you, and most others, take falls as part of the deal, and wouldn't dream of suing your instructor, but some people do.
we have to be *really* careful what we do - for instance, we aren't allowed to take stirrups and reins away at the same time, no matter who the rider is and how experienced they are. disclaimers don't have any legal value in england, so we can't even get people to say they're happy to do these things. although most people wouldn't sue, it isn't a risk we can take that they might change their mind. i'm mopre surprised it isn't the same where you are. i tihnk the serious riders accept that they will fall off, and these things happen, and it's normally nobody's fault - but the people down in the countryside on holiday who fancy a trek, or the non horsey parents of the horse-mad kid who loves to hare round like a loony are a different matter. it's them who will sue if their horse treads on their foot, or their kid falls off, so sadly we have to treat everyone the same.

[Rayj]

Es,
Thought I would ask, I hadn,t thought about insurance as a "newbie" but is my membership of Countryside Alliance count as insurance or do I need personal accident,(sorry for being thick!)

[Tumbleweed]

The riding school I go to, and where I used to work has had claims against them for children just topping off and their parents have said that the child was traumatised. The child couldn't get back on fast enough and was running round the yard being a pest after the lesson because her mother was late picking her up.

Bev, you are very lucky being so supple and having a teacher who knows you and the horses so well, my instructor is like that, she can tell I am tiering before I can. I had my hip replaced last October and she is taking me at a pace that my hip can cope with.

Margaret.

[FRED]

Insurance.
Sadly insurance costs,rises of over 100% to many UK business in last 2 years is crippling,and sadly forcing family based business out of buisness.Madness!, when people critise ridding centres you wonder if they have ever given any thought to what they are up against.Three cheers for all the doers from me because not many appreciate.

Anyway,John and all,isnt it one of the nicest sights when horses return to their paddock, after a brush off and wipe down they go and roll in the dust and some do show of trot round their field
:) :) don't they just know there being watched:)

[Tumbleweed]

One of the nices things is on a cold winters night, your horse is rugged up and warm, with a nice deep, clean bed, munching away on his hay.

Very very tranquil.:D

[jonto]

Hello Fred
Yes it's a lovley sight, seeing them enjoying themselves. At my school I always stay over after our session and help to untack and rug our horses, then we put them out. Wednesday this week I turned up early, an hour before the lesson, with the intention of getting involved with the takking up, it worked, and I helped.

I've taken two one hour lessons again this week, monday I had Isis and we used the larger outdoor arena again, she went well and gave me a canter. I'm a bit tired at the moment, to much work I guess, but she seemed to know and helped me a lot. I wet along again Wednesday, last night and was asked, will you take Quintessa? So I said yes of course, it was terrible, she was horrid. She seemed to know I am tired and took great advantage, she just would not go large, three quarters of the way down the menage, (the indoor standard size one last night), she just set off across to the other side, time and time again, we progressed across to the other side in a sort of incompetent threequarter approach,(dessage?), my inside leg nudging and my outside leg right back pushing, holding the rein to, but she just went sidways. I gave up a couple of times and had a minutes rest in the centre. Canter not on your nelly! We worked on walk to canter from a twenty metre circle, she just would not go, all I got was a trot. Everybody agreed she's in a mood tonight!

[FRED]

Hello John, is it possible that the horse was trying it on just to get in front of the other horses by cutting across the manage,some horse just want to be in front and seem to know when they can get away with it, good luck next lesson.

By the way,I seen a Knight dressed in armour out-side a pub in Shropshire yesterday,he was life size and made of plastic
:D no problems with rust for him.

[Vina]

Tumbleweed, wow, riding with an artificial hip! :p You're too cool!

My much older sister had a hip replaced and although I'm only 37 I got to thinking, "What if I had to have that done when I'm older?" I had always been told that stuff like riding is off limits. I'm so glad to see that's not the case. You go, girl! :)

[jonto]

Hello Fred
The plastic knight would not sink in my pond. By the way I'm looking for a sword to throw in with the armour, an excaliber type would do!

[Tumbleweed]

Vina, The doctor told me that I was not to ride again, the worst thing he could have done, it made me all the more determined to ride.

Getting of is quite funny, they are threatening to get a JCB for me, but at the moment I get on a wall that is low at one end, and walk along it until it is hight enough for me to mount my horse. Getting off is reversed but at first, someone had to push my leg over the horse's back.

My legs were so weak at first but are gradually stengthening now, but I have a very good instructor who can tell me how to compensate for my weak hip. She won't let me go up to 3 quarters of an hours, says that I am working so hard in half an hour that I would be wasting my money increasing the time. She is able to spot when my leg gets tired and stopped the lesson but she is so good that she can pace me.

[LindaAd]

I know one person who rides regularly with a hip replacement, and another who's had the hip & is planning to start in the spring. They're both in their forties, I think. There are some problems - it's not the same as being young and having your own hips, but then it's not the same as being young!

I admire you all.

[Tumbleweed]

LindaAd, I now get the pensioners discount where ever I go, and the fuel allowance.

[FRED]

John,I wish I could find Excaliber..then I could be rich and powerfull:) {I dont care much for being famous!}
Anyway,yesterday I rode Mel the most gorgeous chestnut section D welsh cob, she makes the expeirenced riders who love to tell how experienced they are look like good riders:D
How I wish they seen my smile ,some horse have the most amazing canter,but she is quick so you need Brownie points it seems.My weight is still going down yiphee!
Good luck next lesson,please could you PM your ridding centres Telephone number,My five years old neice who lives in Stoke is looking for a ridding school in this area.

:)

[LindaAd]

Good for you, Tumbleweed.... what's this fuel allowance??

[Tumbleweed]

The fuel allowance is what any house that has someone over 60 living there gets £200 towards the winter fuel bills. Being a pensioner does have some compensations.

[chapsi]

You guys are determined, commited people. There is an old say here in Portugal: "only shoes are old".

[jonto]

Hello everybody
Just back from my monday lesson, had a realy good one. Rode Isis again, my old love, tonight she "did me proud". She was marvellous, we had the odd unexpected stop but otherwise she went forward well, a good stong walk and she gave me the best and fastest trott Ive had to date. We did three transitions to canter this time from sitting trott, the first I rode down one length and side of the arena then slowed with a rising trott and took up my station at the back of the ride. It went so well I thought I had progressed some, then came the second and everything went wrong from the very beggining, I lost my outside stirrup and bounced badly so I slowed her and took up position at the back of the ride again. My turn came round again for a third time and this time I managed to canter round to the back of the ride again with some degree of control, it was jolly good and I felt I'd made some progress.
Have now managed to let the field behind my house and here is a picture of the scene this morning.:)

[jonto]

Hello fred
To be rich is an encumberance, I mean what would you do?
Fortunate are they who are able to persue their passtimes with no worries.
Here's another picture of my new tennants.

[LindaAd]

That's a lovely pic, Jonto - so peaceful... You mean it's your field and you rent it out to the horses?

[jonto]

Hi Linda
off course.:)

[FRED]

Hi John,the photos seem to have disappeared?
Sounds like you had a great lesson.

Today I drove past a pub called The Mermaid {i could not help think about your pool :) } a mermaid perhaps?

By the way,what would I do, I would be living in Western Australia
:)

[Mossy]

I've just found this thread. A bit belated I know. I am sitting here with a knee twice it's normal size having overdone it on Sunday! Conn has her first distance rosette and I, for once, am aching in all sorts of strange places having helped her round a long exciting scarey ride. Sabre toothed tigers on woodland paths, and sharks in the shadows - scarey stuff when you are used to the open moor. I feel very much an older rider! Welcome to one and all from a creaky old soul.

[jonto]

PS. Linda
The horses employ an agent to run their everyday affairs as they can't be bothered with all the petty details such as paying the rent and doing the housework!

[Tumbleweed]

Jonto, you have us all green with envy.:mad: I am pleased that your lesson went well, cantering will get easier I promise. The more you canter they easier it will get. Think back to when you were learning rising trot.

I am off for my lesson in a few hours, and hopefully Charlie is back in work, Cloud is nice, but not as nice as Charlie.

I was giving a private lesson last night, when Toby, the horse, gave a terrific buck, all 4 feet off the ground, and continued to buck up the long side. His rider then asked him to walk past that area and again he bucked up the long side. I told her to get off there was something wrong, this is not naughtyness.

Back at the stable we inspected his back and there was a small lump, probably an insect bite, when he bent to the left, this lump came into contact with his saddle, he is so fat at the moment, and this was the trouble. Thank goodness I didn't presume that he was being naughty and I listened to what he was saying.

[jonto]

Poor Mossy, hope your knee is'nt to bad and soon goes down again but its fun anyway is'nt it! Down at Cannock our horses backs are checked for foreign bodies after untaking and sponged down to, but at the riding school they dont bother with this, they probably do a check the next morning when there are no classes. After untacking Isis I allways run my hands down her back to check for anything and brush it to if there is a brush to hand before rugging her up.
If there's a post from Western Australia wee'l know that someone has found excaliber and is stinking rich, would you buy us all a ticket to come over and visit Fred? The Antipodies I'd really like to tour.

[FRED]

Tickets would be available for sure:) but the flight is grueling.19hrs worth:(
Family could put every one up for a few nights.

Well done Connie,the forests are enchanting..although rumour has it that draggons live in there too.
I hope you don't mind me going on again...but a few weeks ago I discovered that horse seem to experience jealousy.
I was ridding Tom{he's ace}and we both noticed a boy eating ice cream...honestly I could tell what was going through Tom's mind,wheres mine!.

[jonto]

Good Morning Fred
Think I once watched a film about keeping a mermaid in the bath at a flat in New York, seem to remember she was a whole load of trouble;)
Second lesson of the week at eight o'clock tonight. Hope Isis remembers what a spendid time we had when she's a good girl.:)

[jonto]

Hi Everybody
Took my lesson last night, but Isis was given to a newbe and I had to ride Quintessa again. It was hard work I can tell you, we did better than last time, I acted the tough guy and she did eventually go where I asked. We did a couple of short canters to! As I once remember my old grandfather saying "Shut up ma, there's only one captain on a ship!" It was a tiff over directions, we were travelling by car to Huntingdon to visit my uncle Bert who was in the US Airforce and had just been posted over here, I was about ten at the time.:D

[Laetitia]

Its amazing how may rows ensue over directions either in a car or on a horse!!! L

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
My new tennants have been here a week now and are becoming old friends. Had a couple of hours this afternoon with the owners and friends, skipped out the field, lovely sunny afternoon after the drizzle and gloom of yesterday. Thor the draft cross has tew'd
the bonnet of their 4 wheel drive and scratched the paint while we were'nt looking. Naughty boy!
Off for a lesson tommorrow night, think I'll try to insist on riding Isis if I can. She was so good to me last monday and I want to have some more experience at canter, she does it realy well and I think I've found the secret of getting her to go. Dont have to let her get away with being lazey, then she's a go'er smooth and fast with a long stride. She seemed to enjoy it to, shall have a carrot in my pocket for after's.

[Peace]

Jonto-

Your boarders are gorgeous! Just one question please!

I think I've figured out that a "bonnet" is what we call a "hood," but what in the samscratch was Thor doing when he "tew'd" it?:D

[jonto]

Hello Peace
He scraped his teeth down it, several times. Made quite a mess, will take some time with the filler and paint brush. Don't suppose it'll ever be the same again.

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Two more lessons in the bag this week. Monday I enjoyed immensly. Was given a new mount, Molly, Ive not ridden her before, she is very good, smaller than Isis and shorter in the legg, hence a little more busy. We get a good bit of canter and your right it does get better. I had a comfy seat and was able to experiment a little whith my aids. Then came last night, they asked me to take Quinntessa again, she's hard work. wore me out and we achieved nothing, dissapionted. :(

[LindaAd]

Sorry you had a bad lesson, Jonto - but don't feel too disappointed: you never achieve nothing - any time spent with horses is all part of the compost that goes to grow a good rider, even if it feels like nothing at the time:D

Hope the next one goes better.

[FRED]

Fingers crossed your next two lessons are both exellent John.

Reading about Thors antics with the 4x4 in your field, well thank goodness he gets no where near beautiful vintage Italian sports cars, it looks like Thor has very expenssive taste!
I was thinking,its just as well horse dont have Hydraustatic transmission,while they are expensive and techinical..they are very boring to drive

:)

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
The weather here has taken a step towards winter. Its been quite wet the last couple of days and is a little cooler, but not yet "cold". Guess it will be damp and never really dry out for a few weeks. My new friends don't seem at all bothered and seem quite happy with things. Troy is ninteen now and suffers from rain scald, not sure what that is, it sounds nasty and he's been rugged over the week end. He's retired now as he has a leg injury from tripping in a hole. He stands there quite still while I rugg him up or take it off, which I think is good of him as I've only known him for two weeks. Thor is nine and big and strong, A bit possessive to, but Troy's the boss when he is there. Thor is the only one I could ride at the moment, but I'll leave that for a while. The two greys, Pearl is in fole, due next April and has been ill treated, she will take a carrot but shy's if you try to touch her, it will take a little time. Gem is the smaller gray, just twelve months old and Pearls last fole. She's nosey and follows me everywhere.
Off for another lesson tonight, bet they'll all be indoors for a while!
My apologes to my friends at the Swan last couple of months, Ive been at the school Monday evenings for the last few weeks.

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Had a good lesson last night, rode molly again and I led the ride, but I made a few mistakes , its tough at the front. Molly's a real go'er and very good to me, I like her a lot, we get on very well. I'm quite at home in the canter with her and at last the motion is becoming quite familiar and comf'y rather than exciting and scarey. Hope to work on the aids as the steerings very vague, good job we are indoors! Reading through my last post, can't believe I spelt foal as "fole", put it down to advancing years, thats my excuse, I'll sixty in a few weeks time. Can I have half price lessons?

[Bev Heron]

Originally posted by jonto
Reading through my last post, can't believe I spelt foal as "fole", put it down to advancing years, thats my excuse, I'll sixty in a few weeks time.

Jonto -- I thought you were merely being Chaucerian, a sign of wisdome in advancing years. :p Happy Birthday -- Beverley

[jonto]

Hi Bev
Its still a bit "toujour", next February.

[vala]

Hello Jonto,

I am a mature rider too! I rode on my aunt's farm in Iceland and now am taking up 'serious' riding. My boyfriend and I are enjoying this new found passion and have tried several riding schools. We have found two near Edinburgh that are good - treat horses well and have a sensible and mature approach to teaching. Maybe you can help me as I am moving to Chester in Febuary and am looking for a good school. Have heard that the Equestrian centre is good but would like a recommendation.

Would be great if you could recommend something. By for now.
Valerie:)

[jonto]

Hello Vala
I'm thirty five miles to the east of Chester, must be lots of good riding schools in the North Wales / Wirrall area. How about some recomendations from a Deva-ian . :) Icelands another country I'd like to visit, if only I had the time and the money to tour the world. Had another lesson last night, rode Isis my first mount, she's much more fun than Quinntessa who really needs a younger person with plenty of strenth to push her on. The weather is better now, calm but crisp. On the whole it was a good lesson we did some trotting over poles and three more short bursts of canter.

[jonto]

Hello Everybody
Here is a seasonal picture of my new friends, early morning, just before sunrise. I seem to be the only one that worries about them being out at night. I have a walk around about eight o'clock and they all seem to be entirley happy and everyone I ask at the school, the owners, says "dont worry they are fine, there's plenty of shelter". I hope so!

[jonto]

...and here is Troy under a morning moon. :)

[jonto]

Hi Folks
Took my monday evening lesson last night. The weather here has improved, its warmer again, we had a bitterly cold day on Sunday, east wind. I rode Isis and we had a marvellous hour, she's still my best girl, we get on well together. She went stongly with a good pace at the trott for most of the time and she does not tire me at all. We did poles, lots of moving around, circles, diagonals, open order in fact and finished with canter transitions from walk going large. All in all I'm very pleased and realy looking forward to Wednesday. Hope I can keep up the pace!

PS I'm writing this to the sound of the Adagio from the Pathetique which just happens to be on the radio at the moment, perfect.

[LindaAd]

Lovely, lovely pix, Jonto, especially the first one. Just right for slow-movement Tchaikowsky!

Glad the riding's going so well.

I'm sure they'll be fine out at night. If they haven't been given rugs, they'll be well into growing their own by now.

[luv horses]

Jonto

I'm so envious! You seemed to have the canter gait well mastered! I on the other hand have been on the lunge for 4 lessons trying to get the hang of it. Have sort of got the seat part but now keep losing my stirrups because my feet are too far forward while trying to grip with my thigh muscles. It sure is hard to be coordinated at times! You sound like you have great fun in your lessons!

luv horses

[jonto]

Well luv horses, I ain't got it at all mastered yet, the trotts easy and not a lot of effort now, but the canter is another story. My instructor says, "it will come", but it seems a long time in doing so. The pictire is of Edith who owns the horses that are on my feild.

[luv horses]

How long have you been learning to ride Jonto? And I love your photos! They look great!!

I was trotting over poles for the first time this week and a fellow (boyfriend of the girl who works at the stables) jumped over the gate and gave my lesson horse such a fright that I screamed. I felt so silly afterwards! When you're not expecting it it can be quite a shock... Oh well I guess it's good to have a bit of spice to liven things up glad we were in the arena though!