06.05.07
HorseGals First Ride of Season
I got on Princess for the first time this season in late April [see other blogs for Princess stories]. I hadn’t ridden her since last October and have been having a very difficult time getting used to her trot. I am all over the place. At Kerry’s, where I take my lessons, the horses are all Quarter Horses and have such comfortable gaits. I just love riding them and loping is so much fun! As you know, riding my favorite, Mighte, is like sitting on a comfy recliner!
HorseGal starts out a bit rough but her second try is much better. Teaching yourself how to post is tough– anybody with some tips, feel free!
So, I was a little apprehensive when I got on Princess again after such a long layoff and knowing what a hard time I had last fall. I wasn’t really nervous; just unsure of myself and of Princess. Since Princess arrived only last October, I didn’t ride her very much last year. I also have to keep reminding myself that even though I have a hard time riding Princess, I DO know how to ride. I know that after 3 years of lessons, Kerry (my riding instructor) has given me the tools I need to be to be able to ride with confidence and knowledge.
But riding a Thoroughbred off the track is still so different from what I’ve been riding up to now. I think Princess is a lot of horse, but she’s also a wonderful horse. She listens really well; but she’s also very spirited! She loves to GO! And I consider myself still pretty green at this horse business! Nevertheless, I was ready to get back in the saddle…
Video of HorseGal in a decent walk.
Not a bad trot for a western rider learning to post English…
…. And it went surprisingly well! Even though I ride Western, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m going to need to post when trotting. It’s the only way I can maintain my balance. I haven’t actually had anyone teach me how to post because of the fact I ride Western, so I just kind of go up and down with Princess’ gait. If it feels comfortable and I’m staying collected, then I feel like I’m posting correctly.
I tried to post last fall, but felt (and still do) that if I were a half-way decent rider, that I should be able to ride without posting. [ED. NOTE: That's not the case, when a horse's natural trot has a lot of bounce and springiness, you almost HAVE to post; it is actually more comfortable, not just for you but for the horse too.] But, it’s made a difference, so that’s what I’ll do from now on. And I’m kind of proud of myself that I’ve kept at it and that I’m learning to ride a different kind of horse. It’s wonderful experience for me! I want, more than anything, to become a well-rounded and confident rider and that means learning to ride different horses. And to keep taking those lessons!
Princess shows how happy she is to be turned out in grass in this video! (All horses are so happy when the work is ended!)
Now cantering – that’s something I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to do on Princess. I tried that last fall and it didn’t go well. For now, I’m just happy I’m doing better at trotting! Maybe I’ll stick to my loping at Kerry’s, western-style! Although to be the well-rounded rider that I want to be, I need to be able to do all the gaits. We’ll see how it all goes. In the meantime, I’ll keep you all posted on how Princess and I are doing. I wish you could all see the beautiful Roan coming out in her as she sheds her winter coat! Happy Trails!
[ED. NOTE: Stay tuned, it won't be long before HorseGal is going to get on Willy my arabian mare! We'll see if she gets totally confused!]
