Just had my third lesson

[annac]

I'm feeling really pleased with myself, and just wanted to get it out my system before I bore my boyfriend to death :p

I had my third ever lesson today, and it went really well. I'm fairly late to learning to ride, and have always been a bit nervous of horses, but I feel like I'm getting there! Today I managed rising trot all the way around (whereas last week I was managing a few paces before losing control or feeling like I was going to fall off :rolleyes:) and felt in control. I was allowed to take Major (very steady Cob) on a little (accompained) walk down the lane, and my instructor said she thinks I'm ready to try cantering next week... :eek:... She also suggested I should start getting some riding gear (currently in jeans and wellies) so have bought my first johdpurs :D I'm committed now...!

[NuttyElk]

Well done :) On the riding gear, proper boots and your own (fitted) hat are far more important than jodphurs

[horseygal90]

Cor, you're a quick mover :p

Echo NE, think about getting yourself a hat (doesn't have to be expensive - decent ones that are just a bit plain (jockey skulls) range from £35 to 65, depending on size so don't be worried by the really flash ones that are £100+, you don't need an expensive one, just one that fits well and is up to the safety standards) and some boots - Jods are a start but you gotta get it all :D (Lol, I understand about the whole buying excitment though, I got into Uni yesterday and I've already bought plates, cutlery, pens and cushions in 24 hours lol) Welcome to the board!

[storm35]

Wow i think am with the worng RI, am on 6th lesson and still where i was on my 3rd rising trot lol.
Good luck my dear.

[scribbler]

Your not a bore! glad that your getting on well looking forward to hearing more:)

[Grinyer224]

im like u (nerves 2wards horses)

ive had 8 lessons and have had two trotting - thinks i may b cantering by the end of sept, and hopefully jumping by my bday

[eml]

There is no 'standard' for progressing just what suits you.

Today I taught a lady who came some time ago for a first lesson and was so nervous she basically was led around and decided riding wasn't for her.

This week (she is an experienced school teacher) she has been helping with a disabled child at camp, doing craft etc when the others did activities the girl couldn't cope with and in the course of that did a lot of horse grooming and handling to help the girl (with an experienced horse helper as well) so as a reward I gave her a voucher for some lessons.

Very different today from the first time, in 30 minutes we covered starting and stopping, steering by herself in walk and rising and sitting trot on the lunge then she did a couple of laps of the school starting trot and stopping trot at specified markers while holding the reins and neck strap.

She was on the same saint both lessons but her confidence developed from just being with horses on the ground really enabled her to progress quickly. I really would recommend it if you can.

[Dominic]

You could always introduce the boyfriend to riding and then you can both enjoy it and just bore everyone else :D

[LisaLovesHorses]

Well done on the progress so far! And no, you're not a bore - you're with like-minded folk on here, any opportunity to talk horsey and I'm sure we're all here :D

With regards to canter - I didn't do that for a good six or eight lessons into my learning as I didn't feel comfortable enough :o but as EML says, it's a personal choice and if you feel good for it, you go! You could always do your first one on a lunge if you're a little uncertain, I'm sure your RI will help you make the right decision for you though.

Let us know how you get on x