Not sure if it was a good or bad lesson...

[Purple Hugs]

Don't want to call it bad, as I did get better during it... but rode a different horse today. 16.3hh Bertie. can't believe the nerves that overtook me! Haven't felt them in a long time!

He only needs 'squeezes' to go into walk, and then trot.. and when in trot wants to canter. So you have to 'hold him in trot' occasionally by putting slight pressure on the left rein. He's got a really long stride, so that took a bit of getting used to, but the main difference is he's so forward going!

He really is a lovely horse.... but I found myself panting with nerves!! My RI laughed and reminded me to breath! :o

I guess it was just the feeling of him being so much more forward going than the usual horses I've riden.

I felt safe, it's hard to figure why I was so nervous! Just the new ride I guess.
:rolleyes:

[raingodz]

I'm guessing you were nervious because it was a new situation of an unkown horse, and by the sound of how you handled it I'd say it was a good lesson for you becasue I am sure when you ride he again you will know what to expect and be able to get more out of him. I must say I do prefer horses to be a bit forward going like that rather than having a battle to get them to move or do any thing.

[Rob26]

Wow Bertie sounds lovely.. sounds like my school horse Rosie! It's so nice to have a forward going horse with a nice big stride. I love it! :)

[Crazy Mare]

It sounds like you had a really good lesson :)

You probably just felt nervous because you were riding a different horse and were not sure what to expect, especially as he was a little more forward going than you're used to.

I think you'll get on well next time you ride Bertie. It's so good when you find a riding school horse that's forward going and willing - I think you'll really enjoy it when you get used to it. I know I do :D

Good luck x

[Bay Mare]

Sounds like a good lesson to me :)

You rode a new horse, you rode a big horse, you rode a forward going horse ... and you lived to tell the tale :D Nothing wrong with nerves, it means that you care about what you're doing. The more different horses that you ride the more confident that you'll get. He's sound lovely, btw, and it's nice to have a forward going horse once in a while :)

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks everyone! :D
Yes, I do think Bertie and I will get on great, and it'll be nice not to have to work as hard to get into or stay in trot etc! :p

I've riden 5 different horses in the last couple of months, so can only assume it's not the change of horse, but the change of willingness of horse that made me nervous! :rolleyes:

I'm sure i'll feel more comfortable come next week. ;)

RI mentioned that he's totally Dressage trained.. although he's not the usual looking dressage horse - which I know can happen - funnily enough was reading about it last night in a horsey mag :D

RI also mentioned his canter is so good that he is almost silent in the menage.

Can't wait for next week now! :p Guess I'll be learning to handle a forward going horse.. definately a GOOD thing! :cool:

[mazda]

Awww he sounds sweet! If you forget to breethe try singing happy birthday out louad!! Mr RI makes everyone do it when she thinks they arn't breathing it can be so funny though!!!!