So maybe I have improved a bit...

[RustyMary]

I found some pics of my first ever lesson (so please remember that when you are all ROTFL!), and was amazed really at the difference between them and my most recent one. It's hard to feel the difference from week to week, isn't it - it's only when you contrast pictures over time you can see how much progress you've made.

This is from my very first lesson, 12.09.05 :D :o :
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k53/RustyMary_06/JM5.jpg

And this from my most recent lesson last week. Although the time span is over a year, it actually only averages out at around 8 months of weekly lessons, because I've had two fairly long gaps (one of 5 months :eek: ) when I couldn't get near a horse.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k53/RustyMary_06/compact30-3.jpg

I have to admit I feel quite smug about the difference :D . However I'll probably be looking at the second one in a year's time and laughing at that! Isn't learning great? :D

[LAZY AND PROUD]

Great improvement there :D i bet your really pleased well done:D

[Hallmarked]

Rusty Mary

It's lovely to see such a big, happy smile being worn when riding.:D

You look so much more relaxed and confident in the second picture as well as having a much improved position.

Well done ;) :)

[flintybaby]

Aww well done. (Must admit I did have a little giggle at your first photo! - only a slight one though). You must be a quick learner because there is a huuuuuuuge improvement. Well done you!

[julia gulia]

You look great...what a difference....I too loved the big smile on your face:D I think you need to change your user name now...no more Rusty Mary for you.....How about Rockin' Mary???:p

[RustyMary]

Thanks guys! I admit I can't stop laughing at that first picture - I am SO TENSE - but trying so hard!!! Hence the smugness over the second one! I too love the way I look so happy (well of course I am - my riding lesson is the best bit of the week! :D :D ). I dunno about being a quick learner, flintybaby - but a brill horse and RI certainly helps!

julia gulia - Rusty is nothing to do with horses - it's a family nickname based on my real name, Justi. But Rockin' Mary would be a great username!

[julia gulia]

Isn't it funny how our user names come across to other people??...so Sorry....I always thought it meant Rusty as in...haven't ridden for a while:o Thanks for clearing that up for me.....Going by how fab you now look riding though?? I think Rockin Mary suits:D

[RustyMary]

No need to apologise - it never occurred to me when I chose it that it would be read that way but it seems obvious now - you weren't the first to think it!

[Dreamchaser]

Oh wow! What a difference! Thats something to be proud of!

[Retty]

Fab, well done you look great!

[Roheryn]

Rockin' Mary for sure!
Well done!

[domane]

Wow! I had no idea you were such a newbie from the piccies you posted the other day.... you have done immensely well RM!!! VERY well done :D :D :D

[Wings]

Well done!

I think it is great that you have a picture of your first riding lesson. Something to look at when you feel stuck with your riding, and proudly realise how far you have come after all!

[teabiscuit]

great pics :D well done you
x

[LindaAd]

Isn't it funny how our user names come across to other people??...so Sorry....I always thought it meant Rusty as in...haven't ridden for a while:o Thanks for clearing that up for me.....Going by how fab you now look riding though?? I think Rockin Mary suits:D



I thought maybe it was from your hair colour .....:)

Linda

[Wings]

Or from riding a chestnut horse. :-)

[keep the faith]

well done. you've improved so much, in the first pic that horse looks huge!:eek:

[RustyMary]

I guess I'll keep it at Rusty then :D

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement everyone :)