Third Lesson, Brill!

[dogmaddebbie]

OK so I went for my third lesson today. I turned up and they said 'Are you sure you want a lesson not a hack', I wasn't sure but they recommended a hack due to the horse being a bit un responsive in the school. So we went for a hack.

It was great, I really relaxed into it and felt much more confident even though I had concrete underneath and not sand! We didn't go on any public roads just some private ones, so there was no speeding traffic. We had three sections of trotting and I managed to let go of the saddle and do rising trot all at the same time.

I had no problems controlling the horse, she did everything I asked (if any of you have read my previous posts you will know the problems I have been having)

Can't wait for next week, I will definately go for another hack (dependant on the weather) and then I will return into the school the week after.

I can feel my legs aching already though and only been back 10 minutes!

Debbie

[Ruskii]

I'm glad it all went well for you ! :D

When's your next lesson ? :)

[dogmaddebbie]

My next lesson is next Friday. I can tell that the week is gonna drag as I'm really looking forward to it.

[Gizzie]

Great stuff! I've had three lessons as well and have managed to get to rising trot with out hanging on. 2 have been inside and one outside, no hacking yet or even mentioned so I am pleased for you. Last Friday I had real trouble keeping the horse "going forwards" as i found it really difficult to rise and kick at the same time. How are you with this?

Alas no lesson this Friday as away at cup final!!!! in Cardiff but will resume week after. Keep posting how you are getting on. Well done.

[dogmaddebbie]

Yes this was a real problem for me aswell, that why we went for a hack. In the school I was having trouble trying to keep it going, keep balance etc. So going for a hack my horse just tends to follow the one in front when trotting so I can concentrate on rising and keeping my balance.

I am hoping to canter next week, but think i may be rushing it, will see how i feel on the day.

[Gizzie]

Enjoy it we are still babies at this!

[Whatanejit]

Soooo glad it went well for you and you enjoyed it.:D :D

Don't mean to be a pain and I don't know what your experience is but would you have stayed on if your horse had taken off in canter?:cool:

Our riding school is full of lively horses and we have a few gallops that they know about on the Downs.

As a result no one is allowed to hack until they canter in the school sitting, then we practice the forward seat, then we have an instructional hack.

9 times out of 10 the horses will follow the leader but as the Downs are so open and they know the routes like the back of their hooves they are known to take off with the inexperienced on their backs.

Sorry, sorry don't mean to bring down your wonderful day. :o

Although I have never fallen off yet when hacking I have been run away with on countless occasions, lost stirrups during a 90degree take off from jog to flat out gallop - naughty horse - out of control rider. It just makes me really cautious!


Keep having fun and keep safe!!!!!!!!!1;) ;)

xx

[dogmaddebbie]

No I totally understand. I think for most people it is best to learn in a school. My only problem is that my prior accidents have been in the school (over 20yrs ago though) and I seem to link being in a school and falling off together as opposed to cantering and falling off!

The place where we hack is designed for horse riding and have bark paths etc for soft landings! I only ever go out with one other rider (the instructor on her horse) both horses are known plods and not skittish in the slightest and I am starting to trust the horse i ride (currently ride the same one each week) and both are unlikely to take off.

I do feel that maybe I should concentrate more on my seat, leg aids and positions etc in the school but until I have the confidence in my horse I am quite happy just getting use to being on the back of a horse again.

Hope that makes some sense!