Just had my first lesson!

[Glenda]

I just had my first lesson and loved it! First the instructor(very nice) talked to me and my mom, she told me some stuff about safety around horses and let me groom. She showed me how to put the saddle and bridle on. And then it was time to go to the arena and mount. I had some trouble getting on because I have a little problem with heights, but I made myself and once I was up I was so comfortable. She led me around first without me holding the reigns and I was completley balanced, not once the whole lesson did I feel like I was going to fall off. After half a lap around the arena I was guiding with reigns! She said I was a natural. she had some barrels set out for me to practice going around and soon she just stood in one spot and let me take him around the arena myself. She said I progressed far more than she had ever had any of her students in just one lesson, I told her I had some help from all the people at NewRider. I just want to say thank you to everyone it has really helped me. Can't Wait Untill My Next Lesson!:) :) :p :) Oh yeah, its english riding! can't leave that out!

[Georgia]

Cool! U sound like a natural! Bet u r well excited bout next lesson! Well done!
Georgia X:cool:

[Showjumper]

WAHEY!!! Way to go Glenda! :D

[Cochise]

what was the horses name???
im so happy you have a lovely encouraging instructor!!
Well done!! keep us posted!!

[Glenda]

My horses name was Leo. He is a palomino paint, and is soooo sweet. Did have alittle trouble with him wanting to go to the instructor instead of where I wanted him to go, any suggestions?

[CrazyfurAnimals]

I think thats just a natural reaction for most school horses. They know that in the middle is where the rider will stop their lesson and dismount. You might even notice that if you were to cut across the ring throught the middle, your horse would slow down and stop if you didn't ask him to keep going.

Don't worry, the more lessons you have, the more confident you'll get, and the better your horse will respond to your leg aids, voice aids, and hands. Just keep his head slightly turned to the outside when he wants to turn to your instructor, and keep him going by squeezing your legs.

Happy riding!!! :)
Sarah

[quarterhorse11]

that's great! really GOOD instructors can be hard to find - i'm glad you've found one!!!:)

[Crazy horse2601]

hi,
WELL DONE. I've just bin moved up to the group above beginners. By the sounds of it, it won't b long be4 u'll be flying along 2. Keep on enjoying ** self. Keep us lot posted won't u?

[Glenda]

Thanks, everyone for the really nice replies. I have another lesson coming up tommorow wednesday! Although, I am a bit nervouse. I think she will show me some trot tommorow. Is trot a nice pace or is it really bumby. I have heard alot of different things about trot and just wanted to know what to expect. Thanks everyone again! :)

[Shady_Indigo]

Well i think everyone has different opinions about trot! It all depends on whether it's rising or sitting and whether you can relax enough to enjoy and not be all tense and bounce about! It also depends on how your horse moves, some horses just naturally have bouncy trots!
Trot is my fave pace to ride, my horse is so comfy!

[Glenda]

Yeah, some people have told me it is a really nice pace to ride at, and then others say they hate it because it is so bouncy. Oh well, I guess it will be a suprise when I get there, sooo anxious!:rolleyes: Thanks for such a fast reply!;)

[mikka]

Good luck, Glenda. Trot is my favourite gait - don't know why! Big deep breaths and RELAX. You'll have fun.

[Shady_Indigo]

:) No prob Glenda!
I think the reason most people don't like / bounce heaps in trot is that they try so hard to do it right, just relax and move with your horse and you'll be fine! You're going heaps well to be up to trot all ready!