Its me again - Lesson Five!

[MadMumInKent]

Lesson 5 was a good one :) I was in a good frame of mind and kept everything together. Liquorice was listening to me more this time, and we did lots of trot-canter transitions and it really helped. Things were much smoother this time, and I am realising now that it takes time to work out and iron out the little problems that crop up. Today I concentrated more on my balance and the feel of the horse, and keeping my position, which I presume is why it felt so much better. However, I do find I lose a stirrup in canter, and I'm completely aware that this is because my weight isn't in my stirrups enough, so now that my balance and positioning is coming together, I'll spend the next lesson getting that weight down into my feet and bum! One thing at a time! ;)

I asked my instructor to define the word "novice" to me, (I'm spending so much time browsing horsey ads that I need to know when I'm no longer a novice and can proudly put myself forward for a horse loan/share as an "experienced" rider, and she told me that a complete novice is someone that does walk and a little trotting, so I'm not that one anymore! =D She explained that once we've done some more work on that canter, I will no longer be a novice! I think I understood that right anyway.

My instructor also said that we can go out for a hack whenever I feel ready =D

Next lesson is on Tuesday morning :)

Oh, and my 8 yr old son is having his first lesson tomorrow morning. He really does take after me for his love of animals and horses in particular, and I will really enjoy watching his progress :)

Thanks for reading my ramblings

Jo

[Wobblydeb]

Sounds like it is starting to come together again! I know what you mean about fixing one thing at a time. The only problem is that when you are busy fixing one thing (like your hands) another goes wrong in the meantime (hands are looking good, but your feet have swung forwards!!!)

I had a good lesson today, on Wrigglycob again :) He went better than last week - either that or I rode better. Except that I kept losing one stirrup too - I think my right leg was having a tense day :rolleyes:

[denise42]

I think my legs & hands have a mind of their own too. My instructor keeps telling me to relax and I think I am and then I find , either my hands are by my neck or my knees are near the top of the saddle. Way to many moving parts for me to keep track of. :)

[DITZ]

Glad to hear they are going well, sounds like you;ve been bitten by the bug!

As for losing a stirrup I had this happen to me and recently wailed to my instructor (davidh also on this board) that i kept losing my stirrup. With one question "where are your hands?" I realised the error was an overall balance problem. My inside hand was a good 4-5 inches lower than my outside because I was leaning in. Now any time I feel my stirrup go I adjust my whole position rather than the weight in my heel.

[Alle]

Way to many moving parts for me to keep track of. :)

lol, I know exactly what you mean! I also tend tro concentrate on one area that I know needs improvement, and do well, only to find that something else was wrong. :)

MadMum...sounds like you are really getting things together. Hope you son enjoys his lesson too!

[*Rachel_George*]

Heya,

I think I missed lesson four update...Ive read the others I think and replyed.

You are coming on so well...and im glad you having a lot of fun.
Keep it up and let us know how tuesday goes :D

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[MadMumInKent]

Thanks for the replies! :)

Rachel - Hope you're OK after your tumble.

Alle - My son had a fantastic time this morning! He had a permanent grin on his little face the entire time, it was wonderful to watch! He even had a go at rising trot! He's itching to go back again, though he'll have to wait til next Saturday. I think he does indeed take after me BIG time! :)

DITZ - thats given me something to think about cos its always the inside stirrup that I lose, so next time I'll pay extra attention to my balance and see if thats the problem - thanks!

Denise - There are indeed far too many moving parts to think about! =D

WobblyDeb - Glad to see things are going well for you! Does wrigglycob have a proper name or is that how he's known by everyone? ;)


Jo

[Wobblydeb]

Hey there. Wrigglycob is his internet name ;) in real life he is known as Jack :) He is a proper hairy piebald pony-minded horse, with long main and tail and one blue eye. Just the type I thought I would like for myself until I started grooming him yesterday..... half an hour later, I was shattered and the stable had a new bed of hair, but he looked just as fuzzy as ever! :D

[cazrider]

Glad its going so well for you Madmum :D

Just a cautionary note.. when you're looking for a horse to buy I'd still consider the "novice ride" horses if I were you for a first horse. It doesn't have to mean "plod", but usually means "confidence giving". There's nothing like over horsing yourself to kill off new found confidence. I've been there! and having your own is nothing like riding on a school horse in a riding school.

Don't mean to sound off putting, but I've been following your threads with interest and smiles, and I'd hate all your enjoyment to evaporate by buying the wrong horse :)

[MadMumInKent]

Don't worry Caz, there's been a couple of loan horses local to me that have come up, none of which have been complete novice rides, and I leave well alone :) It'll be a long long time, (if ever) that I consider myself to be an experienced rider :eek:

Anyway, I've found the horse I want :D Blimey, the hours I could spend quite happily brushing that beautiful mane. It's only 15 miles away from me....

http://www.horsedeals.co.uk/showadvert.aspx?advertid=1039

PS I'm in dream land - I haven't got the money yet :( ;)

[Wobblydeb]

Oooooooooo he's gorgeous! Do you think they've got a half-brother for sale too ;)

[lizBur]

Wow! Just let me catch my breath...

[cazrider]

Now he does sound and look gorgeous :D

The mane thing is great. Sennie is the first horse I've owned with a full mane, and he fulfils all my elderly "my Little Pony" needs. I use a fortune in Canter Coat Shine :D

[MadMumInKent]

He's beautiful isn't he. I'm in love :cool:

Shame I didn't find him BEFORE my husband expanded his business and used all our savings :mad:

[*Rachel_George*]

Ohhh is he from mannix stud??

BTW if you get a horse with a long main you have to do this....
http://photobucket.com/albums/v231/India_The_Coloured_Cob/George/th_ggggggg.bmp

It took me hours with George mainly coz he got v aggresive but after he trusted me he loved it (but when somone came past he made sure it didnt look like he was ejoying it).
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[MadMumInKent]

I dont know where he's from, just that its a Canterbury telephone number.

Wow, that mane looks amazing! Looks like a crocheted blanket laid over him =D You have the patience of a saint! ;)

[*Rachel_George*]

Thanx...yeah took ages.
Good bonding thing though and makes your horse look smart.

yeah i think it is from mannix stud as there in canturbury...I went there for a riding holiday ages ago and rode a pony called Rolly :D

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[MadMumInKent]

Yep, you were right, I just looked at their website, and found him. His name is Pedro, and...... he's sold :( Not surprising really, he was gorgeous. Why am I so gutted when I didn't have the money yet anyway?? :rolleyes:

[MadMumInKent]

I think I'll transfer my affections to Tommy... ;)
http://www.mannixstud.com/horses/12.jpg

Thanks for that Rachel, I never knew Mannix stud existed and they have a nice selection of horses for sale. Will keep that link bookmarked for use one day... ;)

[*Rachel_George*]

What about Minstral his looks have won my heart]
http://www.mannixstud.com/horses/15.jpg
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[pengapenga]

Well done on your lessons MadMum. Hope your young son enjoyed or enjoys his first lesson.