I'm going to be riding over the summer and...

[Dango5]

I'm really, really, really excited:D !!!!!! BUT, I don't know much of anything about horses:(. Heck, I don't even really know the differences between English and Western!:eek: . Pretty much all I know about horses is that 1) They are some of the most amazing animals to walk the earth. 2) They beat dogs hands down when it comes to mans best friend;) . I already found a stable I'm interested in taking lessons from (it was recommended to me by a good friend who is an avid rider), but I really would appreciate any and all information that you think is relevant to a 16 year old guy who will be riding a horse for the first time in his life in a couple weeks. Thanks for any help/advice/information!

-Daniel

Yes, I'm new here. Hi!:D

[canadianbeaver]

Hello! Be warned, there will be plenty of female attention as there is a serious lack of guys in this sport!! um.... you might really want to think about investing in your own helmet, pair of jodphurs/breeches, and boots, as you'll be sure of the saftey factor of the helmet, I'm sure (especially for a guy) that it would be more comfortable wearing breeches than it would be jeans, and finally a pair of good boots will really help out your riding!

*hope this helps*

[maria9657]

If you are only going to be riding for the summer i wouldn't rush out and buy riding gear just yet. I just started riding a couple of weeks ago and i completely love it, but during the year (not summer) with school and all of the rest of it i am not sure if i will have time to have regular lessons. All of the riding schools i have been in contact with here in canada have riding helmets that students are able to use if they dont have their own and they dont mind of you wear your own clothes and not expensive made for riding clothes. i have been taking my lessons in an old pair of strecthy jeans, and old hooded sweater and a pair of hiking boots.

what kind of lessons will you be taking? (english, western)

[QuarterHorseMac]

I know only one or two differences between western and english:

1. The western saddle has a "horn". See picture below:

http://C:\Documents and Settings\makenzie\My Documents\My Pictures\western_saddle.bmp

2. The english saddle does not have a "horn". See picture below:


http://C:\Documents and Settings\makenzie\My Documents\My Pictures\english_saddle.jpg

3. I think only western horses are in rodeos

4. English stirrups are smaller (?)

5. And both english have different purposes (Like #3, english=jumping, hunting, etc. and western=rodeos, barrel racing, etc.)

Hope it kinda gives you an idea about english and western.

[Dango5]

Originally posted by canadianbeaver
Hello! Be warned, there will be plenty of female attention as there is a serious lack of guys in this sport!! *blushes* Ok, I'm warned. *blushes*

Originally posted by maria9657
what kind of lessons will you be taking? (english, western) Umm... Not to sure yet. I'll probably go with western first (I've heard it's easier for beginners to learn with), and then switch over to english later to see which I prefer.

Much thanks to QuarterHorseMac for clearing that up for me! Thanks!:)
Any other help on just basic terminalogy, riding technique, safety, etc. would be great!:D

[Hanze]

Yea im 16yr Guy and I get alot of attention from the girls-which i rather like.

[QuarterHorseMac]

Much thanks to QuarterHorseMac for clearing that up for me! Thanks!

No problem! I had to learn that once, Im still learning! ;)

[Equisgurl]

Very true about the guy thing..lol:)
Well horses and riding is very addictive, for me personally the more I spend time with horses they more I love them, theyre just such fascinating creatures:)
I never done western before, but I heard that you feel much more secure in the saddle, but I dont know if its more fun than english, cause I love jumping, its very thrilling. Maybe you can try both and see which you like best. As already mentioned its good idea to get some riding clothes, the 2 most important ones are good safety approved helmet and some boots, short paddock boots are more comfy and used by most people in riding schools.
I guess most of the guys prefer riding in jeans(breeches arent too flattering :rolleyes: ) especially if you will ride western, comfy, stretchy jeans are the must.
Dont be intimidated by the number of ladies at the barn, its very common, but you might meet couple guys. One thing that guys always say to me when I mentioned about me riding, they always talk how easy it is, but then when you get them to actually try something like cantering or jumping they have to bite their lip, cause it can be pretty hard.
Well best of luck and have fun~:D

[lady ridealot]

I am 16 and I never seem to meet any horsie blokes! :eek: They are few and far between!! lol! U might want to buy a basic horse book from somewhere to learn th practical side of early riding!

Good Luck! :)

[Dango5]

Originally posted by Hanze
Yea im 16yr Guy and I get alot of attention from the girls-which i rather like. :D ;)

Originally posted by Equisgurl
I guess most of the guys prefer riding in jeans(breeches arent too flattering :rolleyes: ) especially if you will ride western, comfy, stretchy jeans are the must. Breeches? I think I'll stick with my jeans... ;) Thanks for the tips!!

Originally posted by lady ridealot
I am 16 and I never seem to meet any horsie blokes! :eek: They are few and far between!! lol! U might want to buy a basic horse book from somewhere to learn th practical side of early riding! Yeah, I can't say I've met many guys who ride. I'll definitely take getting a book into concideration.

[cmatt]

I just started riding this summer (have had 5 lessons so far) so I definately know what it feels like to be starting out fresh. The best beginner book that I have read so far is Horses for Dummies by Audrey Pavia. It is geared towards total beginners and goes over safety stuff whic is really helpful. It doesn't have too many pictures but is really helpful explaining basic things inculding the difference between Western and English riding. This book was recommended to me as a beginner and it is great. You can find it at any big book store and the library.
Good luck, riding is a blast.

[unicorn babe]

hanze - a typical guy

[SarahJay]

Welcome to New Rider!:D

[Dango5]

Originally posted by SarahJay
Welcome to New Rider!:D Thank you!
:)



BTW, My first lesson is this Tuesday (6/29/04)! Yay!!:D :D
I'm quite excited. If you couldn't tell.
;)

[Hanze]

Unicorn Babe- *** do u mean- typical guy?
and Lady ridealot- How come you cant find any?

[canadianbeaver]

Well I'm not sure about unicornbabe, but the only guys that ride at my stable are either my coach, or adults.... no teenagers!! grrrr. Oh well, maybe we'll just have to convert guys then?

[horse_crazy4eva]

thats awsome that your going to start ridding. and it is true there are very VERY few teen guys in this sport, heck theres only one guy that rides at our barn so be prepared for lots of female help lol. if your going to start riding western first jeans will be your pants of choice, but if you want to start riding english then i would ware something thats not quite as loose fitting. i think thats all, oh and the day after your lesson you may not be able to walk lol.
hope this helps and let us know how your lesson goes!

[lady ridealot]

Hey Hanze - I don't know why!!! lol! I have the same problem as Canadian Beaver all the males down the yard are grown men or young boys!! You need to spread the word and bring some new blokes into the horse world!! lol :D

[Dango5]

Originally posted by canadianbeaver
Oh well, maybe we'll just have to convert guys then? Hey, it happened to me!:cool:

Originally posted by horse_crazy4eva
I think thats all, oh and the day after your lesson you may not be able to walk lol.
hope this helps and let us know how your lesson goes! I don't think I'll have any trouble riding physically. I snowboard and ski all winter, fence all year around, and do various other summer activities involving alot of leg muscule.

Thanks for the tips, and yes, I'll will most definitely keep you all updated.:)

[canadianbeaver]

Originally posted by Dango5

I don't think I'll have any trouble riding physically. I snowboard and ski all winter, fence all year around, and do various other summer activities involving alot of leg muscule.

You might just have to eat your words though Dango5, in riding you use completely different muscles to other sports. You will probably ache at least a bit! I know I did! And I do ski :)

[Dango5]

Originally posted by canadianbeaver
You might just have to eat your words though Dango5... Lol, what else is new?:D

[MiamiSuzanne]

You will have so much fun this summer. Be sure to try both English and western riding. English is good to start with, so you really learn your "seat". My lessons are with a dressage saddle. I wasn't comfortable with an English jumper saddle. Since I prefer western riding, I will be using an australian outback saddle next, since i like trail riding.
So, learn both and then you can decide where you want to go next (jumping, roping, etc?}

[canadianbeaver]

Originally posted by Dango5
Lol, what else is new?:D
Hehe, you'll just have to keep us updated on that now won't you?!

[Dango5]

Originally posted by canadianbeaver
Hehe, you'll just have to keep us updated on that now won't you?! That depends entirely on who's right...;) :D

[canadianbeaver]

Well Dango... I have plenty of faith in my equine knowledge!! I've seen many a beginner hobbling around the second day!! You MUST tell us!!

[Dango5]

Well, I got two books on riding out from the library on Saturday (6/26/04). They didn't have the book (Horses for Dummies) someone recomended in an earlier post.:( Regardless, these books are proving quite useful.

Oh! Today (6/27/04) I went over to my best friends (an avid and advanced rider who owns two horses) house, and she asked me if I wanted to ride one of her horses!!!!!! It was AMAZING! I mean I was only walking and doing simple turns and stuff, but still!!! I'm in LOVE!!! With my best friend. ;) And now riding too.:D
God bless her! I wouldn't be doing half of the things I am now if I didn't know her. She's so sweet.:)

*AHEM*
:cool: Anyways, I was riding western. Still not sure what I'm going take for my lessons though. My best friend said english would actually be better to start out with because it teaches you good form. Any imput in this area would be great!

Thanks!

PS. CanadianBeaver: I admit.:( You where right.:D I have no idea how I'm going to fence for an hour and a half after my first lesson on Tuesday (6/29/04). I found some new muscules I never new about after riding for only about 15 minutes!! And my lesson includes an HOUR of riding! Well, there you have it. My confession.:o

[MiamiSuzanne]

Hey Dango, you sound excited as I am about starting out. After my first 3 lessons, my groin muscles were brutally sore, so stretch good before each lesson. Now, after the 5th lesson, I am okay....or maybe that is groin numbness !!! 3 weeks ago, I ordered, "Horses for Dummies" used, from half.com which is affiliated with ebay. I also bought my Troxel riding helmet from ebay. It is new, but was a better price than the local tack shop. My instructor told me there is a good book by Sally Swift titled, "Centering". It teaches you balance & centering on a horse. I ordered that yesterday from Amazon.com used. I am going to go to Barnes & Noble and sit and read any other books about riding. Have to save my $$$ for lessons.

I am more comfortable in my instructor's dressage saddle. It is suede rather than leather and it really grips my butt to it - LOL. When I rode in the Australian Outback saddle, last week, which is a type of western saddle, my butt was sliding around because it was leather. So, for my future lessons, I am staying with her dressage saddle. So Dango, glad you are having a blast! Keep us posted so we can all vent and give each other tips together.

[T-bred]

HI and welcome to NR!!!

My name is Anna and I am 16 as well!!! I would definately try english, I have been doing it for 10 years and LOVE it!!! I hope your lesson goes well tomorrow!!

Anna

[Dango5]

Originally posted by T-bred
HI and welcome to NR!!!

My name is Anna and I am 16 as well!!! I would definately try english, I have been doing it for 10 years and LOVE it!!! I hope your lesson goes well tomorrow!!

Anna Hi Anna! Thanks!;)

[Dango5]

Hey everyone!! I had my first lesson today!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!:D :D

[T-bred]

Yay!!!!:D How did it go???!!

Anna

[MiamiSuzanne]

Yes Dango5, how was it? What do you think? What did you do?:cool: :D

[Dango5]

*AHEM*
-My First Lesson-
Well, I got there around 9:45 Tuesday morning (6/29/04) and I talked to Heather, my instructor, about which style would be best for me (we both agreed on english), then Heather took me up to the stables and let me lead Buddy (the horse I rode for my lesson) out to the um... Aisle? I forgot what it's called already. Anyway, she showed me how to brush him down and tack him up. The we went into the arena(?) and she showed me how to mount, sit, hold the reins, etc and let me walk around the arena a couple times on Buddy. Then she had me steer through some cones she had set up (I missed a cone on my, I think it was on my third, time through. Oops). After that she let me trot a couple times around the arena, and through the cones again (yup, missed one of the cones while trotting through them too. Oopsx2 :D ). And after that my instructor led me to the outdoor arena and put me on a lunge rope(?) and had me post while trotting around her. That was a little difficult. I'm not sure if I quite got it, Heather said I was doing good, but it didn't feel like I had the rhythm down right (e.g. I think I going up when Buddy's back was going down, and I was going down when Buddy's back was coming up. :eek: Bump). So, after I was done "posting" ;) we went back up to the arena and I walked around a bit to cool Buddy down, and Heather showed me how to dismount and put Buddy away. All in all, it was about an hour and a half lesson (I was the only one there for the lesson!!). I can't wait until next Tueday!! (I'm sure Buddy can, poor horse had to deal with me and my "posting".)

I got a book out from the library on the motion of horses bodies, so maybe my "posting" will be slightly more authentic Tuesday. Lol. Anyways, I had a blast!! I'm REALLY sore; not so much from the lesson, but because I fenced for an hour and a half that night on top of the lesson. Ouch!

Sorry about the super late post, I've been sorta busy.

-Daniel
Any tips on posting would be wonderful!!!

[lady ridealot]

Hey - Glad u took my advice about the books - and sorry to hear you're sore but canadianbeaver was on the money lol! You were warned!!

When trotting try sitting the first few beats of the trot(you will probably find this quite bumpy at first!) this should allow you to feel the horse beneath you and you should be able to feel when you should be rising so you should be in time. Have you been told anything about diagonals ? (i wont go into it because i dont want to confuse you if not!)

To help you get the feel of the trot in another lesson ask if you can do some stirrupless work, this will help you sit it, as you will sit deeper in the saddle and although you may find it more difficult now it will give you a more secure seat int the longrun!

Glad you enjoyed yourself!! xx

[MiamiSuzanne]

Glad you had a great time. Nice that you were trotting on the first lesson. My instructor told me that it will just "click" & you will get the posting with the trotting together. Have fun! My lessons are on Saturdays.

[Dango5]

Originally posted by MiamiSuzanne
My instructor told me that it will just "click" & you will get the posting with the trotting together. I sure hope so, because my bum is sore and I really felt bad for poor Buddy.:( Even so, trotting still is great fun!!!:D

[T-bred]

Thats great!!! I'm glad that you are riding english as it is so much more fun!!;) :D As for posting don't worry, it took me forever to get it and your right it is really fun!!!!:D Well I have to go babysit some little kids at church!!!!:rolleyes:rolleyes: :( :D

Anna

[Dango5]

Originally posted by T-bred
Well I have to go babysit some little kids at church!!!!:rolleyes:rolleyes: :( :D Guys are lucky, no one ever asks them to babysit.:D

[T-bred]

Yeah I guess in some ways guys are lucky,but I'm still glad I'm a girl!!!!:D

[canadianbeaver]

Originally posted by Dango5
PS. CanadianBeaver: I admit.:( You where right.:D I have no idea how I'm going to fence for an hour and a half after my first lesson on Tuesday (6/29/04). I found some new muscules I never new about after riding for only about 15 minutes!! And my lesson includes an HOUR of riding! Well, there you have it. My confession.:o

Oh it's lovely to be right isn't it? ;) Glad to hear that you had a good time!!! Exactly what I said about the new muscles!!

[Dango5]

-I NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING HOW TO POST!-

:eek:
Hey guys, when I'm trotting in a circle counterclockwise, to which front leg should I be posting to? The left or right? Also, should I still have my heels pressed down all the way when posting? Or should I put my weight more towards my toes? And when riding english, should I have my toes pointed in towards the horse, or point out away from the horse?:confused:

Any help/advice/tips/blah would be nice.:D

Oh. one other thing... When posting do you let the horse toss you up out of the saddle and then just sit back down in a controlled manner? Or do you actually have to "stand" in the stirrups and then have a controlled sit-down with the rhythm?:confused: (If you don't understand what I'm saying here, tell me and I'll try and make it a little more clear.) :(

Thanks!

PS. Canadianbeaver, I admit I was sorta sore after my first lesson, but what made me really sore was fencing for 1 and 1/2 hours that night, after my lesson.:p

[lady ridealot]

Hi dunno bout help / tips / advice / but i'll offer you some blah! :D

You should sit in the saddle as the outside shoulder comes back so you are on the correct diagonal, so when going anti-clockwise you are sitting as the right shoulder comes back! Also your weight should be in your heels more than your toes.

When posting, let the movement of the horse push you out of the saddle and suspend your weight in the stirrups, for one step of the horse and sit back down (quite hard to explain!) Try to go with the rhythm taking your weight out of the saddle when you feel the horse rise and then sit back down, the pace differs with the size of each horses stride. You'll get the hang of it! And yes when you sit back down you lower yourself into the saddle otherwise it will be a very bumpy ride! :)

[T-bred]

Hey,
When going counterclockwise you should be rising with the horses right front leg. Try to keep your weight in your heels and grip more with your leg so that alot of weight isn't in your stirrups. When I am posting nicely I can feel all my muscles working especially my thighs and abs, and then I feel very centered .
Oh, is fencing fun? My older brother [ he is 18] wants to do it.

Anna

[canadianbeaver]

Look to the outside Dango and look at your horses leg. When it goes forward stand up in the stirrups (actually to be more correct, push your pelvis forward to the front of the saddle) Sit back when the horses leg comes back. Once you get it it will never go away... promise!!

[T-bred]

It took me a little while to get the correct diagonal so don't worry!! I agree with canadianbeaver once you get it you will always have it.

Anna

[Dango5]

Hey, Thanks for the tips!!!! They really helped me understand posting a lot better.:)

I already have some more questions for you guys...:p

1) What kind of riding boots should I get? (note: I'm riding english style.

2) What are good brands of riding boots?

3) What kind of helmet should I get?

4) And what are good helmet brands?

Any help here would be MUCH appreiciated! Oh, and how much should I expect to pay for the helmet and/or boots that you WILL recommend to me? :D ;)

Thanks, thanks,

-Daniel:)

[MiamiSuzanne]

The helmet I have is the Troxel Spirit.......about $35.00. It is white and has a visor. Troxel makes a good helmet. My boots are all terrain boots by Ariat. Go with Ariat brand. They are light and have cushioning where it is suppose to be. My goal is to trail ride so thats why I got all terrain boots (they look like workboots). I got my helmet off ebay from Cowboy Junction out of Florida, but State Line Tack carries them, and most of your local tack shops.

[T-bred]

Hi

I don't like my ariot paddock boots! If i were you I would go to a local tackshop and ask them for their oppinion. Also you should go to dover.com and ask them to mail you one of their magazines and they have a ton of stuff in there for english riding. I think I spent $80.00 on my helmet and the paddock boots that I want are $165.00 but I can't have them right now because we are spending $600.00 so I can go to a dance convention next week!!:D

Anna

[T-bred]

Sorry I said ariot and it is ariat!!!whoops, blonde moment!:D

Anna

[Dango5]

Thanks T-bred! What kind of boots should I get? Paddock boots? Or is there some other kind of boot?:confused:

[canadianbeaver]

Dango... be warned Ariats are extremely expensive but are amazing quality!! I would first buy a pair of paddock boots (the short ones) they're less expensive and a good idea before you shell out for a pair of long ones.

[T-bred]

Yeah, go with paddock boots to begin with. You could go with Ariat I mean there is nothing wrong with them, it's just my preference. Try this link www.doversaddlery.com I don't know if it works.

Anna

[Dango5]

Thanks for the link T-bred, but all the boots on that site are ladies boots.:(

[T-bred]

I'll check but they always have mens stuff in the catalog.

Anna

[T-bred]

Ok when you get to the website go click on riding apparel. Then click on riding boots. Once you do that pictures of boots should come up and just look around for a pair you like and then under the picture click more info, you should then be given more information and be able to order mens. Oh I like Grand Prix, but they are pricey!!:)

Anna

[Dango5]

Ah-ha! Now I see... :o :D

Thanks (once again;) ) T-bred!:)

[T-bred]

No problem!!:D

Anna

[Dango5]

Well, I think I'm leaning towards a Troxel Grand Prix show helmet. They look like good helmets and they're under a $100. My friend has a really nice riding helmet, but I'm not sure what kind it is.:( It's black velvet, and it has leather (or so I assume) straps, but the selling feature for me is this airbag type lining that you can adjust the air in it to snug-fit the helmet on your head. It LOOKS like a Troxel grand prix but I dunno... If anyone knows what helmet has this "airbag" feature please let me know.

As for boots, I'll have to go to a tack shop and try some on... Hmm... That might be a good thing to do today...:D

Also, I think I have the technical side of posting figured out, so I'll post (no pun intended) that later (I'm to lazy to do it now:p ) and you guys can correct me if I'm wrong. :D

Much thanks!!

-Daniel:)

[canadianbeaver]

I have the same helmet as you Dango5, and I really love it. In the summer you don't get really sweaty or hot under it, which is great! It also looks very proffesional in the show ring if that is what your future aspirations are. Good choice! Mine cost about $160 CDN so I think that's aboug the same as what you're paying.

[T-bred]

My helmet sounds like the one your friend has and I really like mine!!!:D

Anna

[Dango5]

Cool beans Anna!! I love my friend(s helmet)!;) :D

Today I went out and bought a Troxel Grand Prix show helmet, and a pair of paddock boots (sue me, I forgot what kind already!! LOL). So I'm happy, happy, happy!!:D And prepared for my next lesson tomorrow, well sorta, the boots they had to special order cause I'm a guy so they won't be in for a couple days.:(

[Equisgurl]

You might regret buying the grand prix, its nice for shows, but I start to dislike mine because my head gets so hot in it..which leaves me in bad mood for the lesson. So I'm getting a lightweight plastic one, like dakota or something. As for paddock boots, i really dont care about the brand as long as theyre good quality, the last ones I got on ebay were $30, no brand, but very very nice and last forever. So check out ebay, you might like it.

[MiamiSuzanne]

Even though I have the Troxel Spirit helmet, the Dakota is a nice one. A friend of mine has it....it is sharp looking.

[T-bred]

I still prefer the black velvet helmets but I have been riding in those since I was 6!!! I love going shopping for stuff at the tackshop, and I really need/want a new pair of paddock boots but I have to save my money for convention. That reminds me someone stole my wallet that I keep my license in and my money ,they even have my kroger card!!! So now I need to work on hitting my parents up for some more spending money, and drive without a license over to the secretary of state to get a new one!!!:D Anyways I hope you have a good lesson, let us know how you do!!!:D

Anna

[Jayneus]

So how did your lesson go then???

[Dango5]

-The Second Lesson-

Tuesday, July 6, 2004.
For my second lesson Heather, my instructor, had me ride a real smarty-pants called Leon.;) He was quite a bit more free-spirited than Buddy (the horse I rode for my first lesson), so I quickly learned I would have to control him a lot more (which was probably the whole idea behind me riding Leon in the first place).
After brushing and getting to know Leon, I tacked him up and led him to the indoor arena where Heather had me mount from the ground (thank goodness I have long legs).
I first warmed up a bit by walking (on the rail of course;) ) around the arena. After our nice, refreshing walk around, I was instructed to trot. Now, understand that because my riding boots haven't come in yet, I was wearing my sneakers. And as we all know, sneakers are completely absent of a heel.:( Leon, having his own agenda on mind just would not respond to my futile "love taps" with my heeless sneakers. Heather was shouting for me to, "Squeeze harder!" and I was thinking, "I can't squeeze harder!" After a sincere effort by me to trot, and a sincere effort by Leon to keep walking, my instructor had me dismount and stand off to the side where I watched as she mounted the rebel and showed him who was boss in a horse and rider duo. Needless to say, he got the point: there was to be no taking advantage of heeless beginners.:eek:
After mounting for the second time (I used a mounting block this time) I had no problem getting him to trot, thus beginning my posting. I had read up on posting all week before my lesson, so I was quite looking forward to posting. I eased Leon into a trot, doing my best to keep him on rail. I listened intently to Leon's hooves beating the ground; I felt every jolt as his shoulders rose and fell. Everything in the arena was tuned out of my mind (with the exception of Heather of course:D ) as I waited for just the right time to lift myself/be lifted out of the saddle and gently sit myself back down into the saddle. I Rose and sat to Leon's rhythmic trot. I was estatic! I was elated! I was actually posting! It was amazing! I posted around the arena for a couple times, feeling the amazing difference compared to a sitting trot. Sure, my posting was still a little bumpy, and a little rough turning the corners. But still, I got my posting down!
After that immense accomplishment (hey! It was for me!:p ) Heather had me do the fourway position(?) while walking and trotting over some poles she had placed in the center of the arena. When I finished going over the poles a couple times Heather had me trot (while posting :D ) some more while she attended to a slightly more advanced student's cantering. After I had made my way around the arena a couple times, Heather had the class (me plus two others) walk around a bit to cool down before we put our horses away. That was pretty much the lesson, except to say that I grew quite fond of Leon by the end. He my have been a rebel, but his stubborness taught me how to stay in control at all times.

Wow, riding gets more fun every week! :D

-Daniel

[T-bred]

Yay!!! Sounds like you did well!!:D Your right riding always gets better every time you ride. Leon sounds like fun, my horse Caesar is the complete opposite I mean with even a little leg pressure he will go into a trot, or if you gather the reins he trots!!!:rolleyes:

Anna

[MiamiSuzanne]

Your lesson sounds like an A+. It is good to practice trotting. I took Spike out on my own to practice my skills this morning, but at 10am, here in New Jersey it was very hot. My concentration was off because of the heat, and Spike wasn't liking it either. Most of my work was in steering him away from where the gate was. I only practiced for 30 minutes, because an unhappy horse and a sweaty rider doesn't mix :D . In the future on these hot days, I will keep with 7 or 8am or 7:00 at night. :)

[cvb]

My instructor told me there is a good book by Sally Swift titled, "Centering". Its "Centered Riding" and is v.good. Plus a lot of the mind part of it helps with other sports too, so you may find links with your skiing etc.

You might want to have a search on this forum for previous threads on what guys should wear to ride as there are some quite detailed conversations, from guys !, (but with us lot butting in and being nosey ;) ) about jeans, breeches, and underwear etc.

[MiamiSuzanne]

I ordered this book last week from Amazon.com. With shipping, got it for $12.00. I am only in the 2nd chapter and I really like it.

[fullstop]

hey ! good luck for the next lesson ! :)

[T-bred]

Is your next lesson next tuesday? I won't be here for a week because I am leaving to go to the dance convention tomorrow so I hope your lesson goes well!!!:D :D

Anna

[Dango5]

Originally posted by fullstop
hey ! good luck for the next lesson ! :)
Originally posted by T-bred
Is your next lesson next tuesday? I won't be here for a week because I am leaving to go to the dance convention tomorrow so I hope your lesson goes well!!!:D :D

Anna Awww... Thanks so much guys!!!:)
Yes, my next lesson is this coming Tuesday (7/13/04). I can't wait!:D
I hope you have an awesome dance convention Anna!! Enoy yourself!:)

Thanks again for all you guys' support/tips/blah!;)
I'll keep you all posted on what's going on with me and my lessons. My riding academy is also having a "horse camp" over the coming week that I might (well, I want to) go to, so I'll keep you updated on that as well.

-Daniel

PS. Do I need any other gear/tack besides a helmet and boots? Like gloves, etc...

[Dango5]

Well, picked up my boots today (Tuff Rider Amazips). I like them alot, but I guess it all comes down to how they hold up while I'm riding. They look sharp, plus they match my helmet. :D

On a more serious note, my riding academy is selling my pal Leon (the horse I rode for my second lesson).:( :( Call me crazy, but I want to look into how much they're selling him for and how much boarding, ferriers, etc. would cost (any experiences/knowledge here would be great). I wouldn't need to train him as he already is well trained (what can I say? He's a lesson horse). I'm not sure how old he is, but he's gorgeous.:D I know this has about a million implications, and it will probably never happen but, should I look into buying my pal Leon? Bad idea? Good idea? stupid idea? Or am I just crazy?:confused::(

Help/advice/blah, anyone?
Please, please?

-Daniel

[Equisgurl]

I dont think its a very good idea, you have to have some more horsey knowledge and be able to feel confident in your riding abilities. Not to mention all the costs, remember that the cost of the horse is only a fraction of the upkeep,that includes boarding, vet care, shoeing, deworming, tack(very expensive), not to mention other things like grooming supplies, fly spray, all that stuff.
Have you asked why theyre selling him? maybe there somebody who really wants to buy him, you never know. You will see good horses come and go, and you will ride no-so- good horses, which will teach to you be patient and persistent. Like today I had to ride a very very slow qh(quarter horse) whos the complete opposite of Sox, the other qh I ride. I had the hardest time getting him moving anf keeping him motivated, it was 100 degrees outside, i was sweaty, mad and really frustrated, for a second even felt like crying, so I stopped and had a talk with my teacher(whos my good friend kelly) she reasured me that I was doing well, but was giving up to easy on Sonny, so I tried my best and finished the course pretty well. Sometimes difficult horses can be the best teachers:) I'm looking forward to riding him next class, so I can improve a bit on my riding, lets just hope the weather cooperates and it cools down a bit.

As for your riding clothes, you only need gloves in the winter when its cold, I buy those cheap magic stretch gloves that fit any hand, theyre like $5. Maybe later you can get some half chaps to help with gripping a bit.
~best of luck:)

[~*Mango*~]

Hi there! Im new to this too! Any way, im not new to riding and i know that it maay be a bit nervy when you first get on that horse but, dont worry! every one is like that! the instructor will tell you what you need to do so DONT WORRY! you will probrably want to invest in a hat unless you can use one of the schools. If you fall of dont worry, it happens to every one edventually just not always at the same time! If there is something you dont understand then just ASK the instructor rather than blufiing your way through! If you are going to be helping with the horses after your lesson the again, just ASK if you need help with something. When i first went to my stable i felt really silly to have to ask how to do something cos the other girls all knew what the were doing but i HAD to ask and then i found that they were REALLY REALLY nice but before i knew that i wanted to stop going there because they didnt talk to me, but since i spoke to them they have started talking to me! so dont be shy, ask if you not sure and HAVE FUN!

Good Luck,

~*Mango*~

[No1TigerFan4eva]

Yeh I`m new here too. I used to go Horse riding. I might be going back. I have loads of books of them just ask and I can look it up for you! They are simply amazing creatures and are real stunners. I wish I could get a horse or pony like you, its not because their to deer its just the land and the food. But any adviceful ask me I`m a open book. Enjoy the summers also with your horse lessons :D. Hannah.

[Dango5]

Equisgurl, you're right. It would be against my better judgement to get a horse at this point. I would probably have to board it it's entire life, and I'm more than likely headed off to college within the next two years.
*sigh*
My horsey dream can wait until I have a place of my own...
...Then I shall buy a white horse, and he shall be my horse, and I shall call him Shadowfax.:D ;)

-Daniel:)

[cvb]

Originally posted by Dango5
....Then I shall buy a white horse, and he shall be my horse, and I shall call him Shadowfax.:D ;)

Yeah, then some geeza with a long beard comes along, whistles, and Shadowfax goes off with him !!

[Dango5]

Originally posted by cvb
Yeah, then some geeza with a long beard comes along, whistles, and Shadowfax goes off with him !! I resent that!!!!!!!:mad: :mad:

[Jayneus]

Hey!!

I part own a white horse and he is lovely!!! One of these days when I find out how to post photo's I will show him off to you all!!:D

[Dango5]

Originally posted by Jayneus
Hey!!

I part own a white horse and he is lovely!!! One of these days when I find out how to post photo's I will show him off to you all!!:D Ok, first off, I'M JEALOUS!!!!:D ;)
Second, hurry up and find out how to post pictures!:p

-Daniel

PS. What kind of horse is he? :confused: [curious] And do you have a loan on him? If not, under what conditions do you own part of him?[/curious;)]

[cvb]

Originally posted by Dango5
I resent that!!!!!!!:mad: :mad:

aw shucks. I'll tell what to do - you buy a white horse with camoflauge (spots), then gandalf won't steal him/her ;)

[Tootsie4U]

Just saw this thread....

Depending on what part of Upstate NY you are in... come take lessons from me, I'll teach you everything I know.... :p

[Dango5]

Originally posted by cvb
aw shucks. I'll tell what to do - you buy a white horse with camoflauge (spots), then gandalf won't steal him/her ;) Hey, I can live with that!:D ;) (BTW, that's one good looking horse in your picture!:D)
Originally posted by Tootsie4U
Just saw this thread....

Depending on what part of Upstate NY you are in... come take lessons from me, I'll teach you everything I know.... :p I live up in the Rochester area. Webster to be precise. Where about are you from in the big apple?:cool:

[Jayneus]

He's called Arthur, 15.3 cleavland bay x Irish draught and he is absolutley gorge!!!!!

I pay £80 a month to help with the livey costs and in return for that I get to go up there 4 times a week and hack him out or school him or do whatever with him to be honest! His owner, Emma, also gives me a lesson with him once a week which I think is a very good deal for £80 a month!!!! :D

[cvb]

BTW, that's one good looking horse in your picture

Thats my baby :D Well not really a baby, she's 9 :rolleyes: Canadian bred appaloosa - you'll hear me talking about Fifi (or just plain Fi) and thats her !

Just had to find a way to get you on my side after the "I resent that!!!!!!! " comment.

[MiamiSuzanne]

Rochester, NY area is beautiful! I am in the central part of New Jersey, an hour north of Atlantic City. We have had 2 days of rain so no riding here, and we expect another 2 days of rain......grrrrr:(

[Dango5]

Originally posted by cvb
Thats my baby :D Well not really a baby, she's 9 :rolleyes: Canadian bred appaloosa - you'll hear me talking about Fifi (or just plain Fi) and thats her !

Just had to find a way to get you on my side after the "I resent that!!!!!!! " comment. Well, Gandalf hasn't stolen your beautiful baby yet, so I guess getting Shadowfax with camoflauge will work wonderfully!:D Poor Shadowfax, it must be a bummer to get stuck carrying an old geezer everywhere...;)
Originally posted by MiamiSuzanne
Rochester, NY area is beautiful! I am in the central part of New Jersey, an hour north of Atlantic City. We have had 2 days of rain so no riding here, and we expect another 2 days of rain......grrrrr:( Ooooh, ouchy! That's a bummer! We got hit with some torrential rain yesterday for a bit. In fact, it's still cloudy and humid up here today! It looks like it's finally clearing up though...

-Daniel

BTW, I had my third lesson this morning!:D :D

[MiamiSuzanne]

For you new riders .......... go to www.weaverleather.com. Clinton Anderson has a FREE DVD (or VHS - your choice) on Rider Safety. I got it 2 months ago. It is excellent. I watch him on RFD-TV. If you have Direct-TV satellite, you can get RFD-TV. Anyway, I know it ships to the USA, but those of you in the UK, you will have to find out. It is a good 45 minutes long. Enjoy!

[T-bred]

Hey, I'm back!!!!! How did your lesson go?? My dad has a white paso fino stallion named Arte,but both my horses are bay!:D Oh, and the convention was alot of fun, Barry YoungBlood[our hip hop teacher] came down into the crowd and I got to dance with him!!!!:D :D

Anna

[Dango5]

Third Lesson

July 13th, 2004.

For my third lesson I rode Leon, the same horse I rode for my second lesson.
When I arrived Heather (my instructor) already had him in the cross-ties (or whatever you call them :D), so I began grooming him immediately. He just stood there watching me like "Oh great, it's you again..." ;) He warmed up to me after I groomed him though. He's a real sweety, despite his rebellious streak. Heather talked me through taking the halter off and putting the bridle and saddle on, as usual.
After the brush-down, I walked Leon into the arena (I've been riding in the indoor arena for the last couple lessons now due to the weather), where I proceeded to adjust the stirrups, girth, etc and mount. Heather had me do the mississippi (did I spell that right?) excercise while at a stand still, then while walking a bit. After making a couple rounds around the arena, I was instructed to practice my posting. I'm finally getting my posting down, but I tend to fall back into the saddle to much. Heather says I need to clean that up a bit and stop "flopping" down in the saddle. :D I practiced posting while trotting, and keeping Leon trotting while posting ;) for the better part of lesson. Closer to the end of the lesson, Heather had me practice my fourway position while walking over some poles she had laid down in the center of the arena. That went all fine and well. On my second pass Heather commented that I was doing well, but it seemed to me that I wasn't leaning forward enough. After voicing my oppinion, Heather's remark was, "Well I didn't say that you were doing it perfectly!":D I couldn't help but grin at that one! :D Heather's a great instructor, and quickly becoming a good friend. I also tried trotting over them in the fourway position, which went pretty much as expected. Then I tried ging over them starting from a posting trot. We'll just say that didn't go so well... I think I missed th poles atleast three times! Oops! I also did some work with backing up, and alot more posting before the lesson was over. It was a really nice lesson because I was the only person in the class this week as the girl in my class comes on a bi-weekly basis. I quite enjoyed myself, and I'm looking forward to many more enjoyable lessons in the future!

On another note, I'm finally getting to know all the girls at the stables. ;) I'm the only guy I've seen so far, but I hear rumors of another guy that works there (but doesn't ride, as the rumor goes). Everyone at the stables is really nice. It's been a wonderful experience riding at this place so far.

-Daniel

[T-bred]

It sounds like you had a great lesson!!:D

Anna

[Dango5]

Hey Anna!! Welcome back!!:D

[fullstop]

uhhuh, anna's right. sounds like you had a wonderful lesson. good fer you (:

[Dango5]

Hey guys, do you think I should aspire to do shows and stuff?:( :confused:

-Daniel

[T-bred]

Yeah shows are a ton of fun!!! I got sick and threw up the morning of my first show!!!:rolleyes: :D When would you want to start showing? My first show was a year after I started riding.

Anna

[MiamiSuzanne]

It is funny you should mention that Dango5! At my lesson today, my instructor set up an obstacle course for me. since my goal is trail riding. She said that I did so well that I should think about trail riding competitions. First we put my water bottle on a barrel. Now, first I trotted to the barrel. Stopped and I reached for my water bottle. with the water bottle in my hand, and holding the reins in my other hand, I trotted to another barrel, stopped and set down my bottle (my horse also knows neck reining). then I trotted to where she set up a small tight path using the jumping poles that I had to walk him through (a few tight twists there). Once through, I trotted to wear she had 3 cones with flags in them and I had to whoa him right there in the middle of the cones. Then, i trotted to where she layed 3 jumping poles and we had to walk over them and then trot to the starting position. The second time I reversed how I wentr through the course. I loved it. It taught me transition changes also. The weather was a perfect 75 degrees this morning with low humidity.

[Dango5]

Originally posted by T-bred
Yeah shows are a ton of fun!!! I got sick and threw up the morning of my first show!!!:rolleyes: :D When would you want to start showing? My first show was a year after I started riding.

Anna I sure hope it wasn't becuase you were nervous! And that's what I wanted to know, how long you rode before you were ready to show.:)
Originally posted by MiamiSuzanne
It is funny you should mention that Dango5! At my lesson today, my instructor set up an obstacle course for me. since my goal is trail riding. She said that I did so well that I should think about trail riding competitions. First we put my water bottle on a barrel. Now, first I trotted to the barrel. Stopped and I reached for my water bottle. with the water bottle in my hand, and holding the reins in my other hand, I trotted to another barrel, stopped and set down my bottle (my horse also knows neck reining). then I trotted to where she set up a small tight path using the jumping poles that I had to walk him through (a few tight twists there). Once through, I trotted to wear she had 3 cones with flags in them and I had to whoa him right there in the middle of the cones. Then, i trotted to where she layed 3 jumping poles and we had to walk over them and then trot to the starting position. The second time I reversed how I wentr through the course. I loved it. It taught me transition changes also. The weather was a perfect 75 degrees this morning with low humidity. Wow!! That's awesome!! I'm not entirely sure I could do that obstacle course yet!:eek:

And that brings me to my next question, what exactly do you do in the shows?:D :D

[Equisgurl]

Shows are a lot of fun, there are so many types for either begginers where it could be just walk-trot, and more advanced where you have to conquer some courses and look good doing it. :)

[T-bred]

Well when I was showing I was doing beginner jumping and I was doing walk,trot,canter. I believe I even one champion out of my age group, but when you are 7 years old, have a good seat, and a VERY well behaved school horse then it is easy to win the judges over!!!:p :D

Anna

[Dango5]

Originally posted by T-bred
...but when you are 7 years old, have a good seat, and a VERY well behaved school horse then it is easy to win the judges over!!!:p :D

Anna Lol! Well, I guess if I start showing I had better hope I'm not riding Leon, and that good looks and good manners win the judges over instead of actual riding skills.:D ;)

-Daniel

[T-bred]

Lol! Well, I guess if I start showing I had better hope I'm not riding Leon, and that good looks and good manners win the judges over instead of actual riding skills

LOL!! I guess if we were just going by looks and manners I might have a chance!!!!:D Just kidding, but if they were going by Caesar's looks and movement we could win, the judges would just have to ignore his manners and attitude problem!!!:D

Anna

[T-bred]

Oh and the reason I got sick the morning of the show was nerves!!!! I woke up at 6:00 in the morning,turned on the tv and there was a food commercial on and I got really sick!!:rolleyes:

[Dango5]

Well, I had my fourth lesson today!! (7/20/04) It was great fun, and I got to canter for the first time!!:D :D The first time I cantered I did well, the second time I sorta lost control:o , and my third attempt went quite well too. I realy would apprieciate any tips on cantering!!!! Really, really apprieciate tips!!!!!:D

-Daniel

[Equisgurl]

wow, you cantered on the 4th lesson:eek: I think the first time I cantered I've been riding for at least 5 month. So youre getting a good start. As for cantering, dont worry if it feels strange and bouncy it will get better as you practice more, in fact its a very comfortable and thrilling gait, you'll like it. Just relax , keep your body upright and go with the horses body motion, or as some people say, swing your hips a little. Dont worry, it may seem scary at first but with more practice you're going to love it. :D

[celyns mummy]

i had loadsa probs cantering at first cause i always leant forward trying to spur the horse on but if you lean back its great fun!

[celyns mummy]

you could always do in hand showing or handsomest gelding and stuff. Or if you do fancy dress you only have to walk (usually)

[T-bred]

When cantering you need to relax,alot of people beginning to canter get really stiff and that causes them to bounce alot.I've also noticed that alot of beginners have their reins to long and they always hold them really high,don't do that ,you want to have your reins shortened enough so that you can control the horse, and keep your hands QUIET you do not want your hands moving excessively!!! I love cantering and it is alot easier to figure out then learning to post!!!

Anna

[DJ EndurancE]

Dango5,

Hi!!

You sound just like me!! I'm 15, and I suddenly got intrested in horses about 6 months ago. Now I'm crazy about them, especilly since I havn't TOUCHED one in 6 YEARS! And that was for about 5 minutes!! LOL!!

So right now I'm looking for a volenteer job grooming, or even cleaning up the poop would be good enough, anything to get near a horse again!
I made this flyer to send to all the horse owners around town. I've only tried one so far, and got turned down. (Bad start.) But I'm going to try again later this week! ;)

I'll Privet Message you if anything comes up! Maybe I can help you out. Feel free to Privet Message me anytime! :)

P.S. You fence? Cool! I'd love to duel you sometime. When I'm done, you won't even know it's you when you look in the mirror. :o :( :eek:

[Dango5]

Originally posted by Equisgurl
wow, you cantered on the 4th lesson:eek: I think the first time I cantered I've been riding for at least 5 month. I feel special now.:D Thanks for the advice!
Originally posted by celyns mummy
you could always do in hand showing or handsomest gelding and stuff. Or if you do fancy dress you only have to walk (usually) Yeah, I'll have to look into what kind of shows I want to do.
...*looks at your signature*...:eek: :mad:
Originally posted by T-bred
When cantering you need to relax,alot of people beginning to canter get really stiff and that causes them to bounce alot.I've also noticed that alot of beginners have their reins to long and they always hold them really high,don't do that ,you want to have your reins shortened enough so that you can control the horse, and keep your hands QUIET you do not want your hands moving excessively!!! I love cantering and it is alot easier to figure out then learning to post!!!

Anna Thanks for the advice Anna! I was doing alot of that on my first go at canter, but by the third time around I was *slightly* more relaxed. (Well, I thought so anyway.:p )

-Daniel

[T-bred]

Well when you have cantered a couple more times and feel comfortable with walking, trotting and cantering then you could enter a couple flat classes in the shows.

Anna

[Dango5]

YAY! Fifth lesson!!!:D :D

I'll tell you guys all about it tomorrow... I'm dead tired at the moment.:(

-Daniel

[T-bred]

So how was it???:D

Anna

[Dango5]

My lesson was really great. I was the only person for the lesson again. :D (The other person is bi-weekly.) I pretty much just smoothed out my technique a bit. My posting has improved amazingly well, and I pretty much got diagonals down right away (I learned them this week!!). Heather also had my post without my feet in the stirrups. She said I was doing well, but it sure didn't feel like it! If anyone knows a good technique for this, PLEASE SPEAK UP!! I also did quite a bit more with cantering. :D Any help with cantering would be GREATLY apprieciated!!! It seems whenever I canter I always:

1: Pull back on the reins when I get going.

AND/OR

2: My bum feels like it's air-born 50% of the time. :rolleyes:

So PLEASE share all your hidden wisdom on cantering with me!:D

-Daniel

PS. I can't believe this thread is still alive!! It's amazing!!

[lady ridealot]

Hey - sounds like you're doing well!

Plus i am terrible at rising without stirrups as well!

The reason you feel like you are pulling back is probably because you are unintentionally! It may be due to nerves or your slight lack of balance in canter, you may be using the tention on the horses mouth to stablize yourself or you could be subcontiously trying to slow the horse due to nerves! It is uncomfatable for the horse, but as you are learning you are probably riding something a bit more stable who will allow you to do this without really reacting too much! When you next ride try to make a concious efrort not to pull on the reins, and sit deep into the saddle as this will make it easier, this is what's known as an independant seat. It will be easier as you get used to cantering a bit more!

As for your bum in the air, lol! Again try to stay in the saddle and relax, if you are tense it will make it more difficult and you will be pushed out of your seat. Also i'm sure you've heard all of this before but allow you're hips to kind of move with the action of the horse and try not to be too rigid!

Hope I can kind of help! :)

[Dango5]

Originally posted by lady ridealot
...sit deep into the saddle as this will make it easier, this is what's known as an independant seat... Could you define that please!!:( Alot of people say to sit deep in the saddle, but I have no idea as to what they are saying... :confused:

Thanks for the help!:D

-Daniel

[T-bred]

I would guess that the pulling back when you start to canter is because your not balanced enough.To keep from getting bounced out of the saddle you should relax, grip with your thighs and let your hips go with the horses movement. I'm actually surprised that you are already doing work without stirrups, but when you post just work on keeping your leg position and don't try and make your movements big.Also alot of people that are new to posting without stirrups start to depend on the reins and so make sure that you are not pulling on the horse while you try and stay balanced. It sounds like you are moving along really quickly!!!:D

Anna

[cvb]

Originally posted by Dango5
Could you define that please!!:( Alot of people say to sit deep in the saddle, but I have no idea as to what they are saying... :confused:

Thanks for the help!:D

-Daniel

are you sitting comfortably ? then I'll begin... :D

Daniel - you are probably reading this sitting down - if not, sit down on something.

Now tense the muscles you are sitting on - you will find this 'lifts' you up. If you are sitting on a horse, rather than flat chair, this tension is a bit like a pincer and has an even greater 'lift' effect.

Now relax your seat - but without collapsing your upper body. i.e. do less :)

If you are centered and balanced on the seat, with your vertebrae just sat one on top another, you need very little effort to maintain your position.

But note how much "deeper" into the seat you now are.

Ok - now we translate this into movement. When you are on the horse you are continually trying to match the horse's movement. But when you start this is more of a conscious action and there is a delay (like a satellite link ;) ) so there is a small gap between you and horse.

Now you want to keep that gap as small as possible and the delay in reacting as short as possible. Why ? because one of your main mean of communication with the horse is through the 'contact' you have with him. When we talk about contact it tends to be rein contact - but your seat is also an 'aid' and the effectiveness of that aid is dependent on the quality and nature of the contact. By the way, there is also an indirect effect on rein contact in that all those "bumps" from the gaps as you catch up with the movement will affect your hands and hence the reins - and hence the horses mouth !

So lots of good reasons to want a 'close' (or deep) seat. One of the keys elements of a deep seat is a lack of tension. You also need it to become "automatic" i.e. not something you consciously think about - cos an automatic response is a lot faster than a "thought out" one. This only comes with practice - but start with the "lack of tension" (I don't want to say relax cos you still need to be able to move and "ride" the horse) and the rest will follow with time :p

Does that make sense ? just keep on asking if not, we don't mind :D

[Dango5]

Wow! That cleared my lack of understanding up quite nicely! I really can't thank you enough, cvb!:)

Thanks again!!! :D

-Daniel

[DJ EndurancE]

Thanks for posting that T-bred, I might need it if I start riding! ;)

[T-bred]

why are you thanking me, what post of mine are you refering to shire lover joe? I'm confused[don't worry it's not your fault i'm just blonde]!!!:p :D

[DJ EndurancE]

Ooops!! Sorry, it was CVB that posted it!!
Lol, I was sure it was you that posted the meaning of "sitting deep in the saddle".

How embarresing.:(:(

Look at me, this is like my second post, and I'm already making dumb mistakes. :o :eek:

[T-bred]

LOL!! Thats what I thought happened.:D

Anna

[Dango5]

Well today (8/2/04) was my first day of horse camp! It was also my first time a horse spooked with me on it. Fun stuff. I almost fell off, and someone else DID fall off. (It was a chain reaction deal, and I'll tell you all about it in another post.):D :rolleyes:

-Daniel

[DJ EndurancE]

When you started riding, did they show you how to groom and stuff? I know some do, but others just teach riding.

Also, when you take lessons, is it just you and an instructor, or do they have more than one person riding at a time?

Hey, I want to hear about the horse camp crash! :D

[T-bred]

I want to hear about it to!!:D

Anna

[DJ EndurancE]

Hay, (pun intended)

Please tell us what happened, don't leave us hanging!

[Dango5]

Sorry to keep you guys hanging for so long, but I've been really tied up with horse camp and stuff. Anyways, what happened was in the first riding session of the first day of camp, one of the young girls ( she was 7 or 8 I believe) screamed when her horse took off at a trot. Needless to say, every horse in the arena bucked, including mine. I was in mid post so almost went off but I grab the horses neck and regained my balance. The little girl wasn't so lucky; she got thrown and ended up with a fractured arm.:eek:

Then...
The last day of camp I got throw off my hores. Me and another "more advanced":rolleyes: student were cantering and her horse was upsetting mine for some reason. Anyways, my horse stumbled and bucked. I completely wasn't ready for it because I thought it was just a stumble. Well, I did until I was hurtling through the air that is. It was the first time I had ridden that peticular horse, so maybe that had something to do with it... The fall really didn't hurt at all. In fact I wasn't even that sore after it. So it was all good... Just another horse experience.;)

I also watched a Dressage show yesterday. That was the first horse show I have ever seen. :D

-Daniel

[heartsturnblack]

wow. i'm glad to hear youre having fun. and its good you didnt get hurt when you got thrown. that could have been bad!!

[MiamiSuzanne]

Dressage is awesome to watch. My instructor competes in it. I have Direct-tv satellite here and I watch the competitions on RFD-TV channel.

[T-bred]

It sounds like you had a great time, except when you fell off!!!!:D I like watching dressage but I prefer to watch jumping!!;)

Anna

[DJ EndurancE]

The little girl wasn't so lucky; she got thrown and ended up with a fractured arm.

Good reason not to screem when near horses. Duh, LOL, I thought everyone was taught that in horse camp!

Screeming when her horse went into a trot. What next??

[Jayneus]

Dont forget though she's only a kid, maybe what she did was wrong but we all make mistakes and gathering from what Dango 5 has put she's paid for hers!

[DJ EndurancE]

Maybe your right. Whatever, it's over, thank goodness!

Hey Dango 5, was that your first fall? Glad you didn't get hurt. ;)

I'm going to fall on my first riding lesson, which may be starting in about 2 weeks. Because when I'm around, something's just bound to go wrong! Lol! :eek: :D

[Dango5]

Yay! I rode outside for pretty much the entirety of my last lesson! :D It was really awesome, but it's a completely different game riding outside. Plus I got to go on a mini "trail ride". This has been like the first time all year that I got the chance to ride outdoors. All the rain around here has done a number on the ground, so it's been to soft to ride.:(

-Daniel

[emmy]

just enjoy it and just remember they are big strong animals and they might not mean to but they can hurt!(as i found out today)i also hope that you have a really good instructer cause i have and ive cum on so much and only started in december and now ive even got me own hrse!wooh!:D

[T-bred]

It sounds like you had a great time!!!!:D

Anna

[Dango5]

Originally posted by T-bred
It sounds like you had a great time!!!!:D

Anna Yup! I cantered most of the time too!:D :D

-Daniel

[T-bred]

Yup! I cantered most of the time too!

That's great!!! My new horse just got here and I am hoping to start cantering him soon, but he needs alot of work on manners and paying attention!!!:rolleyes: :D

Anna

[Dango5]

Cool beans! How many horses do you have? And do you board them? Or do you have a barn/stable?

[T-bred]

Well we have a total of five horses. My mom has one, my dad has one and I have three.I don't think we could ever board them because it would be like $2,000 a month for board!!!!:D We have our own place to keep horses though, the only bad thing is that there is no indoor.

Anna

[Slewgal]

Hi Daniel!
Wow I just read my way thorugh this thread. Phew!

Glad to see a young man taking an interest in horses.
I didn't start til I was 21. Been at it for a year now.
Sounds like your having a great time.

Hey Anna your not in Mooreville are you? I've always wondered about the horses I passed there every day, the have a grey that looks like a Paso, but I'm not sure. With a few others on the other side of the road.

You should give showing a try Dnaiel, it's fun. I'm going to my second schooling hsow this weekend, you basicly just walk/trot over crossrails and whatnot.:D
But i"m on a new Fijord amre that is hard to keep going.

[T-bred]

Yes that would be me!!!:D We have two grey pasos, a little fat one and then one that is a little taller but he is not fat!!!

Anna

[Slewgal]

Really? you have a beautiful place, specially with the fog out back in the mornings.

Heh, when I was little I use to tell my mom that's where I'm going to live when I grow up. :D Cause there was always horses out there.

[T-bred]

Really? you have a beautiful place, specially with the fog out back in the mornings.

LOL!!!:D Yeah I think it's pretty as well, Caesar on the other hand thinks that something will jump out of the fog and come get him!!:rolleyes: :D

Anna