Freya's first leson

chev · #1 23rd Nov 2003, 01:54 PM

Well, she started off on a lead rein practising holding the reins, steering and stopping. From there she went on to walk by herself, steer in and out of poles on the ground and stop without a helper. Then back on the lead rein for a bit of trotting, till she was happy with that and then trotting off the lead - the first time she's tried rising trot. Some round the world, and end of lesson.

I'm gobsmacked. Not only could she steer in the right direction, but after one half hour lesson she's rising to the trot as if she'd done it all her life. Her leg position is a bit dodgy - but she's a titchy little six year old, and given that she sits straight and never wobbled once the whole time she was there, I figure it's forgivable!

So, as promised, some pics... they're not great - it's a big school, not good light and it's only a cheap camera but here goes...

Starting out on the lead...

chev · #2 23rd Nov 2003, 01:55 PM

Ten minutes later, walking by herself...

chev · #3 23rd Nov 2003, 01:57 PM

Kayte the instructor stayed fairly close to make sure she was heard. Some trotting...

chev · #4 23rd Nov 2003, 01:58 PM

More trotting. She had this great loopy grin on her face the whole lesson. It was amazing to watch!

chev · #5 23rd Nov 2003, 02:02 PM

Think this is the last; round-the-world at the end. She did it at about 80 miles an hour! No fear whatsoever. She's never ridden off the lead, or tried to rise to the trot, and only had reins about two weeks ago. I seem to remember spending weeks on the lead and another month or so trying to get the hang of rising trot!! I'm so proud...(as if you couldn't tell!)

chev · #6 23rd Nov 2003, 02:43 PM

Found another... last one I promise

taylor · #7 23rd Nov 2003, 02:46 PM

thats so sweet, i started from a really young age and i've got some really funny pictures of me at my first show aged 5 kicking the pony but only really getting the saddle flaps!!

galadriel · #8 23rd Nov 2003, 05:35 PM

Awww

And right you are to be proud

Glad her lesson went well. I hope things continue this way.

Mehitabel · #9 23rd Nov 2003, 05:38 PM

lovely pics! she certainly looks like she's enjoying herself.

Jay.o · #10 23rd Nov 2003, 05:47 PM

Aww what a great lesson that looks. She looks like she was enjoying herself to point of exploding lol. What a great little pony to learn on, looks sweet. And to have done all that in just one half hour lesson is amazing - oh what i would give to be fearless again

anuvb · #11 23rd Nov 2003, 06:04 PM

I'm glad it went so well! She already looks like an old pro - you have every right to be proud!

Showjumper · #12 23rd Nov 2003, 06:06 PM

Way to go Freya! You have every right to be proud!

shaka · #13 23rd Nov 2003, 08:30 PM

Woooooooh! Looking good! Fast learner!

Scarlett 001 · #14 23rd Nov 2003, 09:41 PM

Cute!!! The pony looks like a wonderful pony for her to ride.

epcd3000 · #15 24th Nov 2003, 03:30 AM

Wow, she's a natural rider, lol!!

It's great that you let her start riding so young! My parents wouldn't dream of it when I was younger.. They just thought it was too dangerous for me (Plus they wouldn't be able to let me financial-wise anyway *Sighs*

)

Zantetsuken · #16 24th Nov 2003, 06:19 AM

That looks like one muscular horse..Lol

chev · #17 24th Nov 2003, 09:05 AM

Thanks everyone, I'll pass your comments on to Freya! (Who was still grinning like a cat this morning!)

epcd - It took ages to find a school that would take her at six - round here they don't usually start them until seven and Freya is very small for six. Kayte did start the lesson with reservation - she reckons it's unusual to find a child of this age who has the concentration, co-ordination and strength to really benefit from lessons. It's just that Freya is pretty determined when she wants to be!

It's the first time since we got Gelfy that I've seen Freya speechless. I think she just couldn't manage to talk and grin at the same time! jay, you're dead right; she was bursting with pleasure!

Hopefully her sister Brani will start in a few months time. She's just as keen but doesn't have the same degree of co-ordination (and trotting leaves her helpless with giggles!) so it's too early to take her yet. And Rhys loves ponies but has no interest at all in sitting on them - he'd rather get in his dad's lorry!

tbone · #18 25th Nov 2003, 01:14 AM

oh well I'm late but those are awesome pics! Wow! I don't think i could have down around the world my frist lesson! nor could I walk etc on my own instead I got to be on a lunge line!

Alex · #19 27th Nov 2003, 09:52 AM

Wow! Freya's a natural!!!
What a wonderful lesson!
and the pony's so cute too!

chev · #20 27th Nov 2003, 10:55 AM

The pony was brilliant, actually... he's called Topper