Grinning From Ear To Ear!!

[ANN H]

Just had to share this with everybody. We're working on Misty's canter at the moment as my RI described it as 'explosive'! Anyway, I rode her in the paddock on Sunday for 45 mins. working on canter, and when I'd worn her out I thought 'OK, I'll ride out on my own.' (No alternative really, as nobody else on my yard rides and I've lost my hacking partner). We made it further than ever before and I was completely relaxed, even though its all roadwork. She was great, really improving with her hacking, and I was out, ALONE ON HER, for 25 minutes. This Sunday our YO is joing me on her bike, so hoping to go even further. Can't stop grinning - it just makes it all worthwhile! I'll let you all know how Sunday goes! Feels as if I've reached a crucial turning point, as I used to feel physically sick just at the thought of hacking.

[Smoore]

well done hope your success continues

[Dummer&Drummer]

well done you :) great news :) :)

[Ross]

Well done :) It'll just get better from here...

Ross

[Peanut]

Great achievement - keep building on it :)

[purrrfect]

thats excellent!! well done

[cazrider]

Great news Ann.:D It's a really good feeling isn't it? I know what you mean about losing your riding partner. Mine left a yard a while ago, and so we've been riding out on our own. Having said that, a lovely 16 year old has recently arrived with her young cob, so we've started to ride out, and are planning my and her horse's first sponsored ride. Riding's a great leveller.;)

[Little Dolphins]

Cor! Well done!! One day, I hope to be as courageous as you:)

[HairyCob]

Well done! Keep at it, and in no time you'll be 'oer the hills and far away... that's what I keep telling myself anyway 'today, 200yards on our own.... by the summer... anywhere':D

[Imp]

Oh well done sweetheart! I found this very inspiring as I'm heading for my first solo this weekend... have said I'll hack

[Imp]

Oh well done sweetheart! I found this very inspiring as I'm heading for my first solo this weekend... have said I'll hack my new girl out with other liveries but wimp out so I'm thinking I'll go alone with daughter walking along eek :eek:

[Imp]

Oh, oh, oh what's going on, oh, oh, oh what's going on.... is there an echo in here? :p

[domane]

Imp - you are QUITE........



hilariously.......


MAD

:D :D :D :D :D


PS Edited to add WELL DONE ANN - YEAY!!!

[ANN H]

Well done! Keep at it, and in no time you'll be 'oer the hills and far away... that's what I keep telling myself anyway 'today, 200yards on our own.... by the summer... anywhere':D

Thanks for your encouragement folks! HAIRYCOB - I've been saying this for the last three years. Determined to do it by my 50th birthday in 2008!!!

[coverblown]

thats inspiring - well done!!

[HairyCob]

Ann.. small steps forward are much better than three steps forward, five back! Keep taking those small steps and you'll be fulfilling your dream before you know it:D

[cazrider]

And you and me both on the 50th birthday thing Ann. Scary isn't it. And I'm about six months ahead of you.:(

[caraid_alba]

Well Done.... Great work..:D

[ANN H]

Another update - made it round the block on my own yesterday, well almost on my own - YO was on her bike (40 minute hack - all roadwork). We encountered tractors, towing caravans and motorbikes and Misty hardly flinched. And on Saturday I had another canter lesson and its all starting to fall into place. I feel like I can do anything now. Thanks again for all your support.

HAIRYCOB - you've just echoed my RI. She keeps telling me not to beat myself up over the little things when so much is going right.

CAZRIDER - 50!! So what - its only a number. I feel about 25 after the weekend I've had!!

I LOVE MY HORSE!

[HairyCob]

Well done Ann! Sounds like a dream hack... and having someone with you on a bike isn't the same as having another horse with you... well, not for your horse at least... the person on the bike may give you both a bit more confidence, but it certainly doesn't give Misty the same level of confidence as having another horse with her... so your 'almost' solo hack was very very close to solo IMO!:D

[ANN H]

Thanks HairyCob. I thought I was cheating having YO on bike with me! Misty was so calm I'm convinced she thought said bike was another horse. I've even started calling the thing Trigger!!

[Whatanejit]

Wow - you are where I want to be!:D

Trying not to think about hacking out on my own for the first time on Cooper - few weeks to go yet but I'll keep thinking of your story to inspire me.

Fantastic and well done.:D

[ANN H]

Whatanejit - Good luck. Took me about two years to do my first solo so hardly inspiring. I hope it happens for you soon - keep me posted.