The ice finally thawed out at Trevelog enough to ride so I was one happy girl. I'd managed to get down there the previous weekend for a bit of socialising but the road was still pretty icy and not suitable for riding but this weekend the snow and ice had finally cleared. Unfortunately, more is forecast this week so I was even more determined to get out riding, in case I dont get a chance for a while.
Even better, I had company for the ride as Dave has Pringle over the winter and he was down to ride Pringle as well. I think I would be a bit nervous going out on my own and not sure Sam would go anyway as he is pretty stubborn when he wants to be. I dressed up warmly but for the winter, it was a pleasant day with some sunshine and didnt regret my decision not to bother with gloves.
Dave took Pringle down to the camping field to lunge him for a bit whilst I was tacking up. Its only about five minutes walk so I followed, ten minutes later on Sam. Although, it wasnt far, he started to play up as soon as we got out of the farm drive and kept trying to turn around and go home. Dave could hear me coming long before he saw me because I was yelling at Sam. Probably, not the textbook way to get him to do what I want but I got there eventually.
Once he had company, Sam was fine although Pringles western saddle wasnt fitting very well so we went back to change it for an english one before setting out down the lane, along the bridle path as far as the river. Sam was fine when he was following Pringle but got quite stroppy when I tried to go at the front and wouldn't walk side by side either. I had decided today was the day to practice my gate opening both on and off the horse so was quite pleased that managed to hop on and off quite a few times with out anyone holding my stirrup or needing a mounting block. I managed to close a few gates on horseback too. Maybe, one day I might actually get good enough at riding to help out as a trekking guide lol but think I still have a way to go. We had a few little trots but no where really suitable for a canter so on the way back we thought we'd go down the other bridle path and maybe call in the pub for a quick one. Having past the farm drive, surprisingly easily, we got onto the bridle path and shut the gate. Suddenly, the horses decided they had had enough and wanted to go home and kept trying to turn around. I came Sam a tap with the crop but was convinced he was getting ready to buck me again and Pringle had had enough too, so we headed back and took the car to the pub for lunch instead.
Sam is a lovely horse and very much a beginners horse when he is trekking with the herd, but it is amazing how different he is when he is on his own or in a very small group. I'm sure it will all benefit my riding in the end though.
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Monday 29 November 2010
Not loving the snow
I am not loving the snow at the moment. I was hoping to go up to the mountains to ride Sam last weekend but decided even if I could get up there it would be too cold and slippery to ride him. On the bright side, at least I didn't have to drive half an hour to the stables and try and get up what would be a very icy unmade road just to feed him now he is back home. Given this week's snowfall, it seems he went home at just the right time. I am hoping this is not going to be the theme of the winter though.
Monday 22 November 2010
Sam went home.
I was very sad to see Sam go back home to Trevelog on Friday. After arriving early to give him a good groom and make sure he looked his best, he was already to go. His owners picked him up and I felt a little upset but then i reminded myself, they would be keeping up at the trekking centre for me to ride over the winter. Whilst it is a bit further to travel, I won't need to go day every day whatever the weather, only when i want to ride Sam so it is probably for the best.
Whilst I was enjoying my time messing around down the stables and even the mucking out, everything else went downhill. My house wasn't getting the cleaning it needed, the ironing pile was getting bigger and the Christmas shopping hadn't been started.
Anyway, I went up to Trevelog yesterday to ride Sam and we had a lovely ride despite the cold. I had been a bit nervous as he had bucked me off the last time I rode him but he was back to his normal self. I think he was glad to be home in familiar territory as he didn't like the stables and the schooling ring which were new to him. So hopefully, he will be much happier back home and i won't fall off again.
Whilst I was enjoying my time messing around down the stables and even the mucking out, everything else went downhill. My house wasn't getting the cleaning it needed, the ironing pile was getting bigger and the Christmas shopping hadn't been started.
Anyway, I went up to Trevelog yesterday to ride Sam and we had a lovely ride despite the cold. I had been a bit nervous as he had bucked me off the last time I rode him but he was back to his normal self. I think he was glad to be home in familiar territory as he didn't like the stables and the schooling ring which were new to him. So hopefully, he will be much happier back home and i won't fall off again.
Friday 12 November 2010
A Horse of my Own - but not for long.
Haven't posted for a while partly because I have not had a computer since my last one blew up. The other reason being that whilst I knew looking after a horse would be a lot of work, it seems to take up even more time than I anticipated although to be fair that could be partly the time spent drinking tea at the stable as well as actually riding and looking after Sam.
Unfortunately, my docile placid plodding horse seems to have had a bit of a temperament change since his move. He really doesn't like the schooling ring and was developing the habit of not going forward at all and barging at the gate. My riding is not the best and so both he and I were unfamiliar with the schooling ring which probably didnt help.
That said I have now learnt how to tack up properly, a bit more about grooming and definitely more about mucking out, lol. I have also learnt how to delouse a horse after there were a few cases at the new stables, although don't think Sam actually had them.
Unfortunately, the last week has been a bit of a disaster. On Saturday, after a nice little walk and trot out in the lanes, I decided to hang back once we got back to the farm and ride him round the field whilst the others went back to the stables. After a very reluctant start, it took me about four attempts to turn him round and go back in the opposite way of the other horses, we managed to get into the field. Having walked him away from the gate and trotted a little we cantered back up the hill a couple of times and he went like the clappers. This from the horse who is normally reluctant to get out of a trot to the point on most of the treks where I have ridden Sam I miss half the canters. Unfortunately, when I went to walk him back in the other direction for the third time, he took off from a walk in a canter/gallop not sure which and I promptly fell off, although I did manage to land on my feet with the reins in my hand which was something and I got back on and decided it was time to ride back to the stables. My friend ticked me off for cantering him an open field but I hadn't believed he had it in to go that fast. Won't make that mistake again.
My friend rode him for me on Monday (she can actually ride properly) because I was working and he seemed fine. However, when I tacked him up on Wednesday to ride, I had a bit of a nightmare. I got on in the schooling ring after Saturday's hiccups and he immediately moved sideways and rammed my leg against the gate and refused to move. I managed to get him moving and he did it again nearly trapping my foot against the fence post. Got him to start walking round the school and was feeling very nervous as he seemed to be behaving strangely. I wasn't sure but he kept putting his head up and thought he was trying to buck, but this is out of character for him so thought maybe it was just my nerves. And before we were even half way round the ring, I realised he had definitely being trying to buck when I went flying up and off him and landed on the floor in a heap. Whilst it was not the first time I had fallen off, every other time it was very much my fault because my position was poor and I lost my balance and sorta slipped off the side as opposed to getting tossed in the air. Scary moment as wasn't sure how I was going to land but luckily it wasn't on my head. Hit the ground hip first. The only thing I could think was I needed to get back on or wouldn't get back on at all. I got back on briefly and he bucked twice more without unseating me before I got off again. This all happened in the space of about ten minutes.
After dismounting and untacking, we had a look at him and he seemed to be flinching when his back was touched just below the withers so I felt a bit guilty about riding him as this was probably the main reason for him bucking. It was recommended I not ride him for a few weeks and then see how his back is doing. Not sure what the problem was because it was quite sudden so guess we need to monitor it for a bit.
Having spoken to Sam's owners, he is going to go back to the trekking centre because she was a bit concerned about how much he had been playing me up and the fact he doesn't seem to like the new stables. Although she has said I can still come up and ride him over the winter, even though the centre is closed for the winter. Hopefully, in familiar territory, he will revert to being the lovely slow plodder he normally is.
Whilst it is a bit disappointing it hasn't worked out quite as planned, if he has possibly got an injury would rather she was around to oversee his care and I will still get to ride him, but in familiar territory for us both. Undoubtedly, it will be a lot less work too which may be just as well because my housework and kids have been feeling a bit neglected in favour of the horse. So a bit of a set back, but not enough to deter me from riding for the moment. Although I thought I had got off scotfree in terms of bruises etc it seems that 24 hours later, that it wasn't exactly the case although just aches and pains rather than anything serious.
Unfortunately, my docile placid plodding horse seems to have had a bit of a temperament change since his move. He really doesn't like the schooling ring and was developing the habit of not going forward at all and barging at the gate. My riding is not the best and so both he and I were unfamiliar with the schooling ring which probably didnt help.
That said I have now learnt how to tack up properly, a bit more about grooming and definitely more about mucking out, lol. I have also learnt how to delouse a horse after there were a few cases at the new stables, although don't think Sam actually had them.
Unfortunately, the last week has been a bit of a disaster. On Saturday, after a nice little walk and trot out in the lanes, I decided to hang back once we got back to the farm and ride him round the field whilst the others went back to the stables. After a very reluctant start, it took me about four attempts to turn him round and go back in the opposite way of the other horses, we managed to get into the field. Having walked him away from the gate and trotted a little we cantered back up the hill a couple of times and he went like the clappers. This from the horse who is normally reluctant to get out of a trot to the point on most of the treks where I have ridden Sam I miss half the canters. Unfortunately, when I went to walk him back in the other direction for the third time, he took off from a walk in a canter/gallop not sure which and I promptly fell off, although I did manage to land on my feet with the reins in my hand which was something and I got back on and decided it was time to ride back to the stables. My friend ticked me off for cantering him an open field but I hadn't believed he had it in to go that fast. Won't make that mistake again.
After dismounting and untacking, we had a look at him and he seemed to be flinching when his back was touched just below the withers so I felt a bit guilty about riding him as this was probably the main reason for him bucking. It was recommended I not ride him for a few weeks and then see how his back is doing. Not sure what the problem was because it was quite sudden so guess we need to monitor it for a bit.
Having spoken to Sam's owners, he is going to go back to the trekking centre because she was a bit concerned about how much he had been playing me up and the fact he doesn't seem to like the new stables. Although she has said I can still come up and ride him over the winter, even though the centre is closed for the winter. Hopefully, in familiar territory, he will revert to being the lovely slow plodder he normally is.
Whilst it is a bit disappointing it hasn't worked out quite as planned, if he has possibly got an injury would rather she was around to oversee his care and I will still get to ride him, but in familiar territory for us both. Undoubtedly, it will be a lot less work too which may be just as well because my housework and kids have been feeling a bit neglected in favour of the horse. So a bit of a set back, but not enough to deter me from riding for the moment. Although I thought I had got off scotfree in terms of bruises etc it seems that 24 hours later, that it wasn't exactly the case although just aches and pains rather than anything serious.
Saturday 23 October 2010
A Horse of My Own (well, for the winter anyway).
I have been wondering what to do in terms of riding, when the trekking centre shuts for the winter. I had toyed with the idea of lessons or maybe trying another trekking centre which doesn't close for the winter but wasn't entirely sure about either. One of my friends who works at the trekking centre had arranged to borrow a horse for the winter and after a few conversations, we decided it might be fun if someone else had a horse down in Cardiff with her. I was unsure whether I could committ to looking after a horse as my employment situation is a bit up in the air at the moment and I will have to look for a new job soon. However, my friend kindly offered that if I borrowed a horse too, she would feed it and let it out for me in the week each morning and bring him in the evenings. With two small children, mornings are always a nightmare and there would be no way I could make the hour round trip to the stable and back before the school run each day so this seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. The owner of the trekking centre very kindly agreed to loan me a horse and we agreed on Black Sam who I have ridden in the past and has a lovely temperament and is suitable for the kids to ride too. He is very forgiving of a new rider. He is the ultimate bombproof pony and not the most forward going horse so I feel confident that he will not take off with me when I don't want him to.
Black Sam arrived on Monday night and I have been really excited. Perfect timing as I have twelve days off work, starting last Wednesday, so lots of opportunities to go horse riding. He seems to be settling in well and I have finally learnt how to tack up and I am learning a bit more about feeding and grooming. I had a frustrating day yesterday, as he would not trot for me and was being very slow. He is still finding his feet in his new surroundings and he isn't used to riding in a schooling ring or riding out on his own without following another horse, so it is a learning curve for us both. I think he is also testing me a little, as well. I am hoping that having my own horse to ride as often as I like will mean that I learn a lot about riding this winter as there is no substitute for time in the saddle so I have been told.
The new stables seems really nice. The people are lovely and very helpful. There is a schooling ring to practice in, fields for grazing and a few that I can ride in as well. We are also very close to some lovely countryside and forestry trails. It is not quite as stunning as riding in the Brecon Beacons perhaps, but certainly lovely and much better than having to ride on the road with traffic all the time.
I had another ride today and he was great, much more responsive and we had a canter in the field. I managed to canter without holding onto the mane which is my normal technique. I think, even a few hours over the last few days, riding round the school without stirrups has paid off as I feel much more balanced. I am still struggling to remember everything as I have a tendency to concentrate on one thing and forget other important things like keeping my position. Yesterday, I was kicking a lot to get him to trot, abd I found my feet slipping back and myself falling forward, a bit too often when he finally did trot. Today, everything seemed to come together and despite a fair bit of rain, we had a lovely day and I got to do lots of horse riding. Looking forward to a hot bath now tonight as my muscles are feeling it, riding him in the schooling ring seems to be much harder than trekking on my muscles, possibly because I am actually starting to ride him rather than just sit on him.
Look forward to following my progress through the blog.
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| My first ride in the schooling ring with Black Sam |
The new stables seems really nice. The people are lovely and very helpful. There is a schooling ring to practice in, fields for grazing and a few that I can ride in as well. We are also very close to some lovely countryside and forestry trails. It is not quite as stunning as riding in the Brecon Beacons perhaps, but certainly lovely and much better than having to ride on the road with traffic all the time.
Look forward to following my progress through the blog.
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Facebook - Latest Status Update
Feeling very bored last night, I was trawling through facebook's status shuffle for an amusing witty status update . I lack the wit and originality to come up with own every day and it is one way to pass the time late at night when I should be in bed but am still glued to facebook. Anyway, I decided to check out the animal category in search of a status update relating to horses and I found this post which suited my mood perfectly!
A guy says to God, "God why did you create the horse?" and God replies "It was an apology to the girls for creating you guys!"
Has anyone else got any amusing one liners on a horse theme? I would love to hear them so please put add them to the comments.
A guy says to God, "God why did you create the horse?" and God replies "It was an apology to the girls for creating you guys!"
Sunday 17 October 2010
Riding over the Winter
Been a bit fed up this weekend that with no childcare, I didn't get to go riding this weekend as my ex had to work all weekend. Just a shame when the weather was so lovely for horse riding to miss out because it is not going to get any better now as winter approaches.
That said I had a lovely weekend with the kids. We went shopping for Halloween costumes, checked out a new riding stables and went swimming, which was fun. It seems ages since we have spent a whole weekend together as they normally spend half the weekend with their dad and actually it was really nice to spend some proper time with them now they are both in full time school.
The trekking centre where I ride is closing for the winter soon. Up in the mountains, I think the winter is harsher than down here in the city, and the ground gets very hard too. Anyway, that means no more trekking during the winter so I need to decide how I am going to continue my riding over the winter. I was thinking about starting riding lessons but have been slightly resistant to this as it is so expensive compared to trekking and feels less fun than getting out in the mountains and the forestry.
Anyway, I have a plan which will hopefully come to fruition soon. I am too supersticious to talk about things that might happen, in case it jinxes things but keep watching for further updates.
That said I had a lovely weekend with the kids. We went shopping for Halloween costumes, checked out a new riding stables and went swimming, which was fun. It seems ages since we have spent a whole weekend together as they normally spend half the weekend with their dad and actually it was really nice to spend some proper time with them now they are both in full time school.
The trekking centre where I ride is closing for the winter soon. Up in the mountains, I think the winter is harsher than down here in the city, and the ground gets very hard too. Anyway, that means no more trekking during the winter so I need to decide how I am going to continue my riding over the winter. I was thinking about starting riding lessons but have been slightly resistant to this as it is so expensive compared to trekking and feels less fun than getting out in the mountains and the forestry.
Anyway, I have a plan which will hopefully come to fruition soon. I am too supersticious to talk about things that might happen, in case it jinxes things but keep watching for further updates.
Sunday 10 October 2010
A Nice Little Lead Rein Ride for the kids
I was feeling very frustrated this weekend that due to the social diary of my eldest son and his requirement for me to play taxi, I wouldn't be able to leave them with their dad for the weekend whilst I went pony trekking. So decided that whilst the oldest was away at Beaver Scout camp, I would take my youngest son along with his godmother and her daughter up to Trevelog Trekking instead. Obviously, the next best thing to going trekking myself.
We had a lovely morning despite my friend being rather nervous about horses, she soon relaxed. After arriving at the farm, the kids spent a little bit of time fussing around the dogs before we got hats on them. We borrowed Black Sam, one of my favourite bombproof ponies at the trekking centre who has a lovely gentle nature and is perfect for the kids.
We headed out of the farm and down the lane for about ten minutes before we realised the little sheepdog puppy from the farm had followed us. He was very cute but we hadnt noticed him until he shot in front of us under the gate into a field of sheep to practice his herding skills. Not a good idea if the sheep don't belong to you, as a farmer finding a strange dog chasing his sheep may well shoot it. As I was leading the horse, I said to my friend "Quick, you better get over the gate and catch him." The kids and I had much merriment watching her chase the little puppy round the field with us shouting "You need to run faster than that". Having finally caught up with him, my friend carried the puppy out of the field and we took a quick detour back to the farm. Unfortunately, the puppy had tired himself out and insisted on being carried back.
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| Black Sam in the stable, ready to go out for a ride. |
We headed out of the farm and down the lane for about ten minutes before we realised the little sheepdog puppy from the farm had followed us. He was very cute but we hadnt noticed him until he shot in front of us under the gate into a field of sheep to practice his herding skills. Not a good idea if the sheep don't belong to you, as a farmer finding a strange dog chasing his sheep may well shoot it. As I was leading the horse, I said to my friend "Quick, you better get over the gate and catch him." The kids and I had much merriment watching her chase the little puppy round the field with us shouting "You need to run faster than that". Having finally caught up with him, my friend carried the puppy out of the field and we took a quick detour back to the farm. Unfortunately, the puppy had tired himself out and insisted on being carried back.
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| Ellie riding Black Sam with me and Laurence leading him. |
Despite being in the middle of October,with not particularly good weather yesterday, we had a lovely warm sunny day which was fantastic. The kids,had two good ten minute stints each before I decided to have a little ride on the way back (just in case, the horse spooked with one of the kids on his back as we passed the goat shed on the way back - well that was my excuse anyway.) Both kids had a wonderful time and were keen to come back another day. My son looked so cute, he is so small his feet didnt even reach the stirrups so he had them slipped into the leathers feet resting on the stirrups. His friend enjoyed trying to put into practice what she had learnt in the pony party she went to a few weeks ago. All in all, a lovely morning for them and I think both kids are converts to pony trekking, even if they need to wait a few years to be old enough for a proper trek.
Although only a short ride, had a little trot and Sam was very biddable. Whilst it was just a fifteen minute ride along the road, it was really nice as it was the first time I had ridden a horse on my own, totally unsupervised. And it did stop be feeling fed up for not having been horseriding this week.
Back at the farm, Black Sam hadn't actually broken into a sweat. He is used to much harder work. However, we thought he deserved a little brush down after his efforts and the kids had great fun grooming him. After a quick look at the foal and a pet of the goats, we headed off to grab some lunch at the burger van in the valley which does delicious burgers produced from a local farm which don't even deserve the same name as the food McDonalds serve. Finally, time to go and fetch my oldest son, who wasn't bothered to have missed out because he is not so keen on horses.
Saturday 9 October 2010
Christmas Gifts for Horse Lovers
Are you always stuck for something to buy your friends or loved ones at Christmas. Well, if any of them are horse lovers, I have put together a few suggestions. There are all sorts of horse related presents that would be guaranteed to please. What about a magazine subscription for a horse related magazine or an horse riding experience day, riding clothes are always a practical present or a book about horses. Here's a few more ideas.
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| Horse Decoration £35 Buy Now |
Are you always stuck for something to buy your friends or loved ones at Christmas. Well, if any of them are horse lovers, I have put together a few suggestions. There are all sorts of horse related presents that would be guaranteed to please. What about a magazine subscription for a horse related magazine or an horse riding experience day, riding clothes are always a practical present or a book about horses. Here's a few more ideas.
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| Horse Shoe/Head Bracelet Buy Now |
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| Funnel Neck Water Repellant Gilet and Jersy Top - Buy Now |
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| Mint Horse Pendant £60 Buy Now |
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| Horse Sculpture, Assorted poses £47 Buy Now |
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| Womens Printed Welly £35 Buy Now |
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| Black Horse Screen Wipe £8 Buy Now |
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| A Stable Life Series 2 £19.95 Buy Now |
Sunday 3 October 2010
Making the most of the weather whilst it lasts.
After the bucketfuls of rain on Friday, I was not feeling overly optimistic about pony trekking all day Saturday. I envisaged getting very wet and cold up in the mountains for four hours. I am delighted to say the weather lifted and we had a lovely day, where it only rained during lunchtime when we were in the pub.
I was quite excited about the trek as I was riding Prince, who I have only rode once before and is something of a step up from the beginners horses that I normally ride. Definitely required a bit more concentration, than some of the other mounts and I can't say my handling of him was expert in any sense of the word.
We set out with a group of about twelve of us and I took my preferred position near the back of the trek. May be not the best logic, but I always feel there are less horses behind to tread on you if you fall off during the canter. Once again, we were heading for the Queens Head pub, Cmvoy for the usual pub lunch so set off down the bridle path before joining the road for a short while before hitting the forestry path. As a tractor approached, they shouted a warning to me to rein in because Prince didn't like tractors. I could feel him tensing up and was hoping we wouldnt end up in the middle of the road but fortunately he only moved a couple of feet up the grass verge.
We trotted along the forestry and managed a short canter at one point before starting to descend for the road down the hill for lunch. Once again I had my hands full as Prince took a dislike to some motorbikes behind us although to be fair they were being driven very considerately and got off and walked the bikes past the horses. We dismounted then and walked the ten minutes to the pub as the road is very steep and slippery so not ideal for riding down.
After lunch, we returned along the forestry hoping for a few canters. I was a little tense about the canters having not cantered on Prince before and the others at the back found it very amusing that they see my position change and my body tense everytime they announced the next canter. Unfortunately for me, the horse in front was not very keen to canter and preferred to keep to a trot whilst the others cantered off ahead. To say Prince didnt like it was an understatement. After holding him back for a while as we are not allowed to get out of line, Prince had had enough and decided he was going to overtake whether I liked it or not. My ensuing yells of Oh Shit! Oh Shit! Oh Shit at an increasing volume prompted much laughter from the trail guides at the back and a quick glance from the guide at the front who saw I was just managing to pull back in line after overtaking about three horses. Thats the only problems with being a regular and mates with all the guides is that it is going to take me a while to live that down and I will probably never convince them I didn't think I was going to fall off. I was just worried how far we would go before he stopped! Having used all my strength to pull back and bring him out of the canter, I was pretty sure that in the end it was still his decision not mine to slow down. That said it certainly added a bit of excitement to the day's horseriding.
Back at the farm, we untacked and sorted the horses out and I decided to stay for the evening and go to the pub. The only problem was that with over an hours drive home, there was no alcohol for me. That said lovely evening was had by all and one of the guys drove back up the valley in front of me to the main road. This was very reassuring seeing as there are seven miles of windy single track road with no lights and no mobile reception so if you broke down on your own it would not be fun, especially at nearly 1 o'clock in the morning.
I was quite excited about the trek as I was riding Prince, who I have only rode once before and is something of a step up from the beginners horses that I normally ride. Definitely required a bit more concentration, than some of the other mounts and I can't say my handling of him was expert in any sense of the word.
We set out with a group of about twelve of us and I took my preferred position near the back of the trek. May be not the best logic, but I always feel there are less horses behind to tread on you if you fall off during the canter. Once again, we were heading for the Queens Head pub, Cmvoy for the usual pub lunch so set off down the bridle path before joining the road for a short while before hitting the forestry path. As a tractor approached, they shouted a warning to me to rein in because Prince didn't like tractors. I could feel him tensing up and was hoping we wouldnt end up in the middle of the road but fortunately he only moved a couple of feet up the grass verge.
We trotted along the forestry and managed a short canter at one point before starting to descend for the road down the hill for lunch. Once again I had my hands full as Prince took a dislike to some motorbikes behind us although to be fair they were being driven very considerately and got off and walked the bikes past the horses. We dismounted then and walked the ten minutes to the pub as the road is very steep and slippery so not ideal for riding down.
After lunch, we returned along the forestry hoping for a few canters. I was a little tense about the canters having not cantered on Prince before and the others at the back found it very amusing that they see my position change and my body tense everytime they announced the next canter. Unfortunately for me, the horse in front was not very keen to canter and preferred to keep to a trot whilst the others cantered off ahead. To say Prince didnt like it was an understatement. After holding him back for a while as we are not allowed to get out of line, Prince had had enough and decided he was going to overtake whether I liked it or not. My ensuing yells of Oh Shit! Oh Shit! Oh Shit at an increasing volume prompted much laughter from the trail guides at the back and a quick glance from the guide at the front who saw I was just managing to pull back in line after overtaking about three horses. Thats the only problems with being a regular and mates with all the guides is that it is going to take me a while to live that down and I will probably never convince them I didn't think I was going to fall off. I was just worried how far we would go before he stopped! Having used all my strength to pull back and bring him out of the canter, I was pretty sure that in the end it was still his decision not mine to slow down. That said it certainly added a bit of excitement to the day's horseriding.
Back at the farm, we untacked and sorted the horses out and I decided to stay for the evening and go to the pub. The only problem was that with over an hours drive home, there was no alcohol for me. That said lovely evening was had by all and one of the guys drove back up the valley in front of me to the main road. This was very reassuring seeing as there are seven miles of windy single track road with no lights and no mobile reception so if you broke down on your own it would not be fun, especially at nearly 1 o'clock in the morning.
Friday 1 October 2010
Toys for kids who love horses.
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Le Toy Van Jilly the Horse Rider - Buy Now |
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| Playmobile Carriage £19.00 Buy Now |
Friday 24 September 2010
Pony Trekking with Friends
Now my youngest is finally in full time school, I can just about fit a half days trek plus the hour's drive each way in whilst they are at school. I managed to persuade a couple of the mums to come along with me so I had some friends with me for a change. If I only went when my friends were available to come, I would hardly ever go but it is nice to have some company.
We arrived and collected our horses. I was riding Apollo again and my friend Sarah on Dun Sunny and my friend Helen on Rose. We went round the Grange which is the normal half day route which is nice because it is a very varied route. Some country road, some steep climbs up the hill, crossing the river and a nice trek across the mountain top with a few canters before descending back down towards the farm. Riding down the hill, there were a couple of horses in the next field who seemed very excited to see us and galloped down the field along the fence next to us. Was hoping our horses weren't about to try galloping with them so reined in tight til we got down the hill.
After a cup of tea and some sandwiches, we headed back with an hours to spare before the school run. Lucky me, another half days trek tomorrow.
Anyway, we dropped the kids off in school and set off. It looked like it was about to start raining and felt pretty cold so wondered what sort of ride we were going to have but luckily by 10.30, the wind had eased a bit and it felt much warmer and the rain held off.
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| Sarah on Dun Sunny |
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| Helen on Rose |
Thursday 23 September 2010
Jump - Finally another book about horses by Jilly Cooper
Let's hope this book features the illustrious Rupert Campbell-Black and that time hasn't passed quite as quickly in his world as in the real world. It must be nearly twenty five years since we were first introduced to him in Riders. I don't want to think of him being nearly sixty. For me, he was the ultimate literary fantasy of my teens. Much naughtier than Jane Austin's Mr Darcy but just as irresistible, the eternal fantasy of the bad boy that women want to tame.
Jilly Cooper has always managed to create a wonderful blend of horses, great characters and lots of sex. For many women, Jilly Cooper's books are a guilty pleasure, best enjoyed with a glass of wine, or preferably champagne. Whilst not politically correct in anyway, and with sexual equality non-existent her books present a very traditional British image. Falling in love means staying at home, and cooking for your husband. You would think that the feminist career woman would really hate her. However, I know enough career women who love her books to know that Jilly taps into that forbidden fantasy - a nice strong man to take care of everything. You might not want it in real life but on a bad day, it's an appealing thought.
'I want to give you half a dozen babies to look after, to stop you having any thoughts about pushing off and leaving me.'
This is a quote from one her deliciously male characters Jilly has has no truck with political correctness or sexual equality but we read the books and for a few hours, we don't care.
I will definitely be heading on down to the bookshop to get a copy of this and soon!!!! Then I shall disappear for a few days until I have read it cover to cover.
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Pure Indulgence - A private riding lesson
Was feeling a bit bored and fed up today, so on the spur of the moment I decided to drive over to the riding school today and see if I could have a lesson. It was pure indulgence because I am already booked to go trekking on Friday and Saturday morning and one hours lesson on a one to one basis cost more than a two hour trek. However, it was well worth it. As those of you who have been following me will know, I am slightly ambivalent about riding lessons. My previous two riding lessons were not the greatest success. My experience of learning to horse ride has been primarily pony trekking in the mountains. The horses are not schooled in the same way and do not require leg aids. It is also a much more relaxed environment, because as long as you are safe, there is not the same concern about technique and perfect position etc.
I am so glad I went though. A one to one lesson was completely different and although I still felt less confident than I do on the trekking horses I felt like I was making progress. I found it really hard to concentrate in a group lesson because I was worrying about where the other horses were and there seemed to be a lot more time not doing very much. The lesson was a nice combination of some work in the ring and time in the paddock. The horse was a lot harder to get moving than the trekking horses which just follow the lead horse but we were in the ring on our own. I am still finding trotting around the ring tricky so we concentrated on trotting in a straight line and changing to a walk for the corner and then trotting again. I struggled a bit to get my horse trotting until I realised the reins were a bit tight. Wouldn't bother the trekking horses but it made all the difference when I figured it out. When she was trotting better, so was I. As the lesson went on, I was definitely more in control, telling her when I wanted to turn rather than her deciding to cut the corner. My horse was nice and I felt comfortable on her although she is slightly less chunky than the welsh cobs I ride.
After half an hour, we went out and had a walk and a little trot down the lane before going into the paddock for another go at trotting. I was warned that she could go into a canter so to be careful and steer her up the hill if she did. I started trotting and she went straight into a canter. At which point, I couldn't decide whether to go with it and enjoy the ride or slow her down because she hadn't been asked to canter and she was meant to be following my instructions. My indecision nearly lost me my balance and I forgot to keep my heels down and started to fall forward before recovering my position and bringing her to a stand. Not the most graceful piece of riding, but it didn't scare me and I managed to regain control without any intervention from the riding instructor which left me feeling positive. I just need to try and remember my position when I am having to steer the horse and assert my authority with her. It is so much easier when you are following another horse. I know you still need to steer around long hanging branches etc. but tend to do that just on the reins which is easier than using your legs and trying to keep the right position and give leg aids.
I am feeling now that if I can't go trekking over the winter that I will definitely have a few lessons if not weekly ones. But having tried several group lessons I think I would rather pay for a half hour private lesson than a one hour group lesson.
I am so glad I went though. A one to one lesson was completely different and although I still felt less confident than I do on the trekking horses I felt like I was making progress. I found it really hard to concentrate in a group lesson because I was worrying about where the other horses were and there seemed to be a lot more time not doing very much. The lesson was a nice combination of some work in the ring and time in the paddock. The horse was a lot harder to get moving than the trekking horses which just follow the lead horse but we were in the ring on our own. I am still finding trotting around the ring tricky so we concentrated on trotting in a straight line and changing to a walk for the corner and then trotting again. I struggled a bit to get my horse trotting until I realised the reins were a bit tight. Wouldn't bother the trekking horses but it made all the difference when I figured it out. When she was trotting better, so was I. As the lesson went on, I was definitely more in control, telling her when I wanted to turn rather than her deciding to cut the corner. My horse was nice and I felt comfortable on her although she is slightly less chunky than the welsh cobs I ride.
After half an hour, we went out and had a walk and a little trot down the lane before going into the paddock for another go at trotting. I was warned that she could go into a canter so to be careful and steer her up the hill if she did. I started trotting and she went straight into a canter. At which point, I couldn't decide whether to go with it and enjoy the ride or slow her down because she hadn't been asked to canter and she was meant to be following my instructions. My indecision nearly lost me my balance and I forgot to keep my heels down and started to fall forward before recovering my position and bringing her to a stand. Not the most graceful piece of riding, but it didn't scare me and I managed to regain control without any intervention from the riding instructor which left me feeling positive. I just need to try and remember my position when I am having to steer the horse and assert my authority with her. It is so much easier when you are following another horse. I know you still need to steer around long hanging branches etc. but tend to do that just on the reins which is easier than using your legs and trying to keep the right position and give leg aids.
I am feeling now that if I can't go trekking over the winter that I will definitely have a few lessons if not weekly ones. But having tried several group lessons I think I would rather pay for a half hour private lesson than a one hour group lesson.
Saturday 18 September 2010
Mastering the Canter
Finally made it up to Trevelog for a days ride, after what seemed like a very long three weeks during which I was definitely having withdrawal symptoms.. Weather was lovely and sunny, but not too hot. Can't ask for more in September. There was a surprise when I got to the stables. Two new 17 hand thoroughbred horses, an unusual sight in the valley where the horses are predominantly welsh cobs. I am glad to say though I was not riding one of them, and was more than happy with Apollo who I enjoyed riding last month. Don't think I am quite ready for an ex-racehorse and it is a lot further to fall from a horse that size.
So anyway, set off up the mountain for a ride over the top. After a long haul up, we finally reached the top. After the horses had recovered we had a long trot along the ridge. Finally, it was time for a canter. Surprisingly, only five of the fifteen of us held back for the canter. Although, I think some of the others intended to canter but were unable to hold their horses back and ended up trotting along behind the beginners instead. Wasn't my best start to cantering for the day as managed to nearly lose my reins on the first canter but somehow managed to recover them and completed the canter without any mishaps. It's lovely cantering along the top, but a bit unnerving sometimes as the ground can be uneven and when the horse steps in a dip, it is a bit too easy to lose your balance but a good handful of mane seems to do the trick and I avoid falling off.
Along the way, I spot my friends new foal - only three weeks old it is so cute and we pass several wild horses on the mountain who look very bemused to see the horses with riders on. We also spotted some beautiful toadstools. They were the quintessential toadstool, red with white spots like you see in the fairy tales. Very beautiful and very poisonous, known I believe as the fly agaric.. There were also copious amounts of blackberries and elderberries. Unfortunately, too difficult to pick from horseback though.
We reached the lane and dismounted to lead the horses down the steep slope to the pub for lunch. After lunch, one of the ladies decided she had had enough and couldn't manage the afternoon trek back to the farm. Her horse, Floss, a beautiful Hanoverian cross, is very placid and knows the trek well so headed back with the rest of the trek, riderless. She was a star and didn't even need to be led just followed along with the rest of the herd, even when we got on to the road for the last haul. We did get some funny looks from walkers along the way, who seemed to think her rider had fallen off and been left behind.
On the way back, we headed up to the forestry path for some canters. I was chuffed because I managed the last long canter without holding onto the mane for the first time for more than an a couple of seconds. I felt so much more in control than with two hands on the reins than with one hand for the reins and one to hold onto the mane. Although, I'm not sure I would want to try it, on rough ground. I had a real sense of achievement to think that when I started pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons six months ago, I couldn't even trot without holding onto the saddle and now I managed a decent length canter with sufficiently good balance that I didn't feel the need to hold on.
Arriving back at the farm, it was time to untack and give the horses a well deserved wash down before their dinner. Horses dealt with, time for a quick cup of tea in the farmhouse before the drive home. What a fantastic day!
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| A slightly blurry photo of the new thoroughbred taken from horseback |
Along the way, I spot my friends new foal - only three weeks old it is so cute and we pass several wild horses on the mountain who look very bemused to see the horses with riders on. We also spotted some beautiful toadstools. They were the quintessential toadstool, red with white spots like you see in the fairy tales. Very beautiful and very poisonous, known I believe as the fly agaric.. There were also copious amounts of blackberries and elderberries. Unfortunately, too difficult to pick from horseback though.
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| Wild horse on the mountain |
We reached the lane and dismounted to lead the horses down the steep slope to the pub for lunch. After lunch, one of the ladies decided she had had enough and couldn't manage the afternoon trek back to the farm. Her horse, Floss, a beautiful Hanoverian cross, is very placid and knows the trek well so headed back with the rest of the trek, riderless. She was a star and didn't even need to be led just followed along with the rest of the herd, even when we got on to the road for the last haul. We did get some funny looks from walkers along the way, who seemed to think her rider had fallen off and been left behind.
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| Apollo and I, ready for our afternoon trek after an hour at the pub. |
On the way back, we headed up to the forestry path for some canters. I was chuffed because I managed the last long canter without holding onto the mane for the first time for more than an a couple of seconds. I felt so much more in control than with two hands on the reins than with one hand for the reins and one to hold onto the mane. Although, I'm not sure I would want to try it, on rough ground. I had a real sense of achievement to think that when I started pony trekking in the Brecon Beacons six months ago, I couldn't even trot without holding onto the saddle and now I managed a decent length canter with sufficiently good balance that I didn't feel the need to hold on.
Arriving back at the farm, it was time to untack and give the horses a well deserved wash down before their dinner. Horses dealt with, time for a quick cup of tea in the farmhouse before the drive home. What a fantastic day!
Withdrawal Symptoms
Off to Trevelog for a day's pony trekking today and I can't wait. Due to my ex's other commitments, I have had the kids all weekend for the last two weekends and haven't been on a horse for three weeks now. I have definitely been having withdrawal symptoms. Was hoping to go tomorrow as well but unfortunately left it too late to book and no horses available as they are fully booked. But I am more organised for next weekend and I will be going Friday and Saturday. One things for sure though, no more camping in the field at the farm this year. It was absolutely freezing at the end of August. That will have to wait for next year! Unfortunately, the end of the season is approaching as they close for the Winter at the end of October. I don't know what I am going to do. I will probably have to try and find some riding lessons, if I can afford them by then. I suspect I probably need them. I have really enjoyed riding this year. It has kept me sane in a difficult time in my life. I have managed to ride lots of different horses. My control of the horse has come a long way in six months, thanks to lots of help and guidance from the trekking guides but I still have a long way to go in terms of learning to horse ride, particularly with my balance and general seat position. Anyway, time to get my jodhpurs on and head for the mountains. The weather looks sunny, if a bit chilly. What more could you ask for the middle of September in Wales.
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| Taking my two babies trekking for the first time. My little one's feet don't even reach the stirrups but he had a fantastic time. |
Saturday 11 September 2010
Equestrian Fashions on the Catwalk
Equestrian fashions hitting the catwalk with gusto this year. The lucrative celebrity endorsement industry appears to have discovered horse riding with the likes of Zara Phillips launching her collection with Musto and Katie Price aka Jordan launching the fourth collection of the KP Equestrian range. It seems obvious that the industry has finally began to pay attention to Equestrian clothes. Horse riding is seen as a hobby for the affluent who will also want fashionable clothes and have the money to pay for them.
Whilst twenty nine year old Zara Phillips is granddaughter of the Queen and daughter to the Princess Royal, she is clearly not just a pretty face and has impressive riding credentials. She hopes to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London after missing out on the last two games because her horse Toytown was suffering from injuries. In keeping with this, she is endorsing a collection by Musto, a leading supplier of sailing and country sports wear, famed for developing high-performance fabrics that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
On the website Nigel Musto commented on the collaboration with Zara: “Zara Phillips has been a strong supporter of Musto and has worn the brand for many years. Her own equestrian range for Musto really takes the relationship to the next level. Zara has been heavily involved with the product designs right from the start of the project, rigorously testing each garment and ensuring she is happy with the style and fit. She is a dedicated and extremely successful horsewoman and is a natural fit with the brand. We feel her new collection will significantly enhance Musto’s already successful offering in sports apparel.”.
The collection has a classic red and black colour scheme and includes a range of pieces from a long sleeved tech t-shirt priced at £35 to a fleeced lined riding jacket costing £200, .
Zara was keen to stress she was no clothes horse and that whilst she wanted something "which you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in, in public.", the collection was about practicality and good engineering rather than high fashion. The Eventing World Champion has used her British Eventing number 176 and her initials as the collection logo. Zara who is engaged the to the Rugby player Mike Tindall, modelled a range of Musto products in a photo shoot at the 12th century Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. Whilst she looks "hot to trot" in the photos, Miss Phillips who is 11th in line to the throne appears uncomfortable with the label of "model" preferring to be described as an athlete. I think given her sporting achievements this is only fair, and her lack of vanity and committed approach to her riding has resulted in a stylish but functional range of technical clothing.
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| Photo: Musto.com |
On the website Nigel Musto commented on the collaboration with Zara: “Zara Phillips has been a strong supporter of Musto and has worn the brand for many years. Her own equestrian range for Musto really takes the relationship to the next level. Zara has been heavily involved with the product designs right from the start of the project, rigorously testing each garment and ensuring she is happy with the style and fit. She is a dedicated and extremely successful horsewoman and is a natural fit with the brand. We feel her new collection will significantly enhance Musto’s already successful offering in sports apparel.”.
The collection has a classic red and black colour scheme and includes a range of pieces from a long sleeved tech t-shirt priced at £35 to a fleeced lined riding jacket costing £200, .
Zara was keen to stress she was no clothes horse and that whilst she wanted something "which you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in, in public.", the collection was about practicality and good engineering rather than high fashion. The Eventing World Champion has used her British Eventing number 176 and her initials as the collection logo. Zara who is engaged the to the Rugby player Mike Tindall, modelled a range of Musto products in a photo shoot at the 12th century Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. Whilst she looks "hot to trot" in the photos, Miss Phillips who is 11th in line to the throne appears uncomfortable with the label of "model" preferring to be described as an athlete. I think given her sporting achievements this is only fair, and her lack of vanity and committed approach to her riding has resulted in a stylish but functional range of technical clothing.
The same can not be said of Katie Price's equestrian range. Stylish it is not, the bubblegum pink range of equestrian clothes are tacky at best. However, whilst Zara's stylish collection is completely in keeping with the image of the Royal Equestrian, Katie Price's collection is equally in keeping with the image of the reality star and former glamour model and page three girl. She said of her collection that she wants to bring 'real glamour and sparkle onto the yard'.
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| KP Equestrian: Raspberry Pink Velour hoodie and joggers |
Katie will be launching her collection at this years Horse of the Year show in October. Katie commented: “Ever since I can remember, I’ve dreamt of riding at Horse of the Year Show. So I’m just so excited at being asked to ride there in October to coincide with the launch of my equestrian clothing range. I know I’m not of the same standard as those riding there competitively, but I’m working with my dressage trainer, Andrew Gould, on something that will have a definite ‘wow’ factor. I can’t wait!” Whilst, there is no doubt, Katie has long been an enthusiatic rider, she is not in the same class as Zara Phillips and the equestrian range is part of a large array of Katie Price products from perfume to books.
Characterised by its predominant colour scheme of bubblegum pink the range sports a mix of sparkly buttons and zip pulls as well as our signature silver trims and prints. It even includes diamontee decorated t-shirts. Whilst the KP Pony range has been a big hit with little girls, I challenge any grown woman to wear these outfits and keep a straight face. Without doubt, it certainly appears to lack the high levels of technical engineering and functionality of the musto range.
KP Fashions features Jackets, T shirts , Hoodies, Sweats and Velour tracksuits as well as related childrens wear range £14.99 for a vest top to £69.99 for a jacket.
Other fashionable equestrian brands include Anky Technical Casuals, Kingland and Gersemi.
Anky Techical Casuals was launched by triple Olympic champion Anky van Grunsven, one of the best modern day dressage riders in the world. Again as you would expect whilst fashion was important, there is also a focus on superior technical materials and optimum functionality. Kingsland originates from Scandinavia and is designed by Lin Kingsroed who herself comes from a family of top riders. This brand combines classic equestrian wear with up to date styling and uses top quality materials. Finally another hugely popular Scandanavian brand, Gersemi market themselves as 'The Equestrian Fashion Brand' and emphasise style and quality.
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Pit Ponies
I recently came across the website for Fforest Uchaf Horse and Pony Sanctuary - The Pit Pony Sanctuary. I was surprised to see that they still had several former pit ponies living at the sanctuary. I remember learning about Pit Ponies when I visited Big Pit, National Coal Museum,many years ago and I recall seeing the stables underground and being shocked that horses had worked underground. Worse still, many pit ponies lived, worked and slept all their lives in the mines. There were stables underground for them, as I saw at Big Pit, National Coal Museum . Most never saw any daylight unless they became ill and had to be taken out of the mine to get better.
As you would imagine, the use of ponies in the mines began in the 19th Century and expanded rapidly after a parliamentary act in 1842 banning women and children from working down the mines. The RSPCA calculated that there were around 200,000 pit ponies working in 1878.
In Britain, the first legislation governing the welfare of Pit Ponies was passed in 1887 followed by a Royal Commission in 1911 which took evidence about the working conditions of pit ponies resulting in further legislation which made protective head gear compulsory for the ponies.
By the nineteen thirties and forties, the number of pit ponies was in major decline as mechanisation took over and the last pieces of legislation, in respect of the welfare of pit ponies was passed in 1949 and 1956. These regulated the number of hours a pony was allowed to work amongst other things. By 1952, there were only 15,000 pit ponies left.
There seems to be a great deal of debate on whether these animals were badly treated or well cared for. Some people arguing their conditions were significantly better than the men they worked beside. However, what seems clear is that it was a hard and difficult life, no matter how well they were treated in some respects. Whilst it is a myth that they lost their sight through being underground, it did take a day or more for the eyes to become re-accustomed to daylight when they returned above ground and many were blinded through injury. Horses were forced to carry their head low because of the height of the tunnels which often caused back problems. Many horses were killed in explosions or when tunnels collapsed, serious injuries such as broken legs resulting in horses having to be put down were common and many horses continued to work until they died. In addition to that, the horses natural flight instinct if allowed free rein would almost definitely result in its death underground. Those that returned to the surface in retirement, like their human companions, often suffered breathing difficulties as a result of the coal dust in their lungs.
However, what shocked me the most was to discover that not only were pit ponies still working in my lifetime but that the last two pit ponies only retired in 1999. And within an hours drive of my home, I would never have imagined that animals were expected to work in these conditions little more than ten years ago.
To learn more you can read "Harnessed: colliery horses in Wales" by Author: Ceri Thompson
As you would imagine, the use of ponies in the mines began in the 19th Century and expanded rapidly after a parliamentary act in 1842 banning women and children from working down the mines. The RSPCA calculated that there were around 200,000 pit ponies working in 1878.
In Britain, the first legislation governing the welfare of Pit Ponies was passed in 1887 followed by a Royal Commission in 1911 which took evidence about the working conditions of pit ponies resulting in further legislation which made protective head gear compulsory for the ponies.
By the nineteen thirties and forties, the number of pit ponies was in major decline as mechanisation took over and the last pieces of legislation, in respect of the welfare of pit ponies was passed in 1949 and 1956. These regulated the number of hours a pony was allowed to work amongst other things. By 1952, there were only 15,000 pit ponies left.
There seems to be a great deal of debate on whether these animals were badly treated or well cared for. Some people arguing their conditions were significantly better than the men they worked beside. However, what seems clear is that it was a hard and difficult life, no matter how well they were treated in some respects. Whilst it is a myth that they lost their sight through being underground, it did take a day or more for the eyes to become re-accustomed to daylight when they returned above ground and many were blinded through injury. Horses were forced to carry their head low because of the height of the tunnels which often caused back problems. Many horses were killed in explosions or when tunnels collapsed, serious injuries such as broken legs resulting in horses having to be put down were common and many horses continued to work until they died. In addition to that, the horses natural flight instinct if allowed free rein would almost definitely result in its death underground. Those that returned to the surface in retirement, like their human companions, often suffered breathing difficulties as a result of the coal dust in their lungs.
However, what shocked me the most was to discover that not only were pit ponies still working in my lifetime but that the last two pit ponies only retired in 1999. And within an hours drive of my home, I would never have imagined that animals were expected to work in these conditions little more than ten years ago.
To learn more you can read "Harnessed: colliery horses in Wales" by Author: Ceri Thompson
Monday 6 September 2010
Learning to Horse Ride - Horse Riding Lessons
I haven't really had many riding lessons and whilst I know to become a really good rider they are probably important I'm just not sure how enthusiastic I get about lessons which seem so regimented compared to the pony trekking I normally do. I have been lucky enough to go pony trekking nearly every week since the start of the season and have definitely learnt a lot over the last six months. I can now trot and canter comfortably on when we are out pony trekking but ... my rise on the trot is not as well controlled as it should be and sometimes I slam down on the saddle a bit and my canter is reliant on me holding the reins in one hand and a big bunch of mane in the other to ensure I keep my balance. That said the ground tends to be pretty rough and bumpy out on the mountain so that handful of mane has definitely saved me from a couple of falls when the horse has slipped. However, in contrast to the riding school horses, the trekking horses are not schooled and do not respond to leg aids in general but are trained more along the lines of follow the leader.
My first two riding lessons were designed to give me some confidence as it was eight years since I last went pony trekking and I had booked in for a full days pony trek - mad or stupid I don't know but I survived it. The lessons were not overly successful as the horse was more interested in going to the middle of the ring to nuzzle it's owner than responding to my commands even in a walk. That said I enjoyed them and was eager for more.
The third lesson was after some 10 hours pony trekking and there was a noticeable improvement and I appeared to have a perfect command of the horse during the walk. I seemed to be mastering the leg aids with apparent ease. However, when we tried the trot I struggled despite having apparently got to grips with it whilst trekking. The problem being that whilst trekking beginners were encouraged to hold onto the saddle whilst trotting to give confidence and progress people quickly so the trek could proceed at a reasonable pace. This was considered a complete no no at the riding school I attended. Secondly, trotting round the ring required an ability to steer the horse as well as stay on which I struggled with when trying to trot. The horse was a fast trotter and I was continuously told to rein him in because he was a "trotter" and "could trot faster than most horses canter" allegedly. Given my difficulties in steering, we agreed we should try practising the trot in the lane until I had the rise confidently and could then worry about steering. The first few trots up the lane went fine as I trotted a short distance towards the instructor. Then when we turned around, he asked if I was happy to try the next trot without him in front of me. I happily agreed and asked the horse to trot on. Seconds later, it took off! I may have screamed and he was yelling "heels down" and "lean back". I was panicking as there was a bend at the end of the lane down into the farmyard with who knows what round the blind bend - kids playing, a car, another horse. I think I may have managed to slow the horse down sufficiently to stop if I had needed to, but luckily one of the grooms who was lead reining one of the kids at the end of the lane caught my reins. According to the post mortem afterwards I had, unwittingly, instructed the horse to canter by putting my feet in the wrong place.
It was a while before I ventured back for a fourth lesson but with my trail ride approaching which was intended for experienced riders, I thought a lesson may help me improve my skills in advance of the trail ride. (Although, I was the most inexperienced rider on the trail ride, I rode regularly at the trekking centre so they were fully aware of my ability or lack of it based on their own assessment rather than mine.) Unfortunately, during this lesson, they did not allow me out of a walk and said that my rise was not controlled enough and I needed to practice it at a walk for longer before they would allow me to try trotting. I was not "gripping hard enough with my thighs" and "my elbows were in the wrong place". Basically, everything was wrong. To make things worse, when I returned to the pony trekking, they spent the next couple of weeks berating me for the deterioration in my riding as I struggled to even find the rhythm for a trot when the week before it had been no problem. I was so focused on all the things I had been told I was doing incorrectly that I seemed to forget all the things I had been doing correctly and do them wrong as well.
With the end of the trekking season looming, I am not sure whether I can go five months without getting on a horse so I am considering lessons again over the winter on a regular basis. I didn't seem to gel with the last riding school I tried so I was thinking of trying somewhere different. Any tips or advice on choosing a good riding school would be welcome. What should I look for and will I ever reconcile the laid back style of riding on the treks with the more formal English riding style at the riding schools. It might be worth adding that I have no aspirations to jump, do dressage or compete in any shape or form. I just want to get out in the countryside on horseback, but to feel safer and more in control of the horse than I do at present.
My first two riding lessons were designed to give me some confidence as it was eight years since I last went pony trekking and I had booked in for a full days pony trek - mad or stupid I don't know but I survived it. The lessons were not overly successful as the horse was more interested in going to the middle of the ring to nuzzle it's owner than responding to my commands even in a walk. That said I enjoyed them and was eager for more.
The third lesson was after some 10 hours pony trekking and there was a noticeable improvement and I appeared to have a perfect command of the horse during the walk. I seemed to be mastering the leg aids with apparent ease. However, when we tried the trot I struggled despite having apparently got to grips with it whilst trekking. The problem being that whilst trekking beginners were encouraged to hold onto the saddle whilst trotting to give confidence and progress people quickly so the trek could proceed at a reasonable pace. This was considered a complete no no at the riding school I attended. Secondly, trotting round the ring required an ability to steer the horse as well as stay on which I struggled with when trying to trot. The horse was a fast trotter and I was continuously told to rein him in because he was a "trotter" and "could trot faster than most horses canter" allegedly. Given my difficulties in steering, we agreed we should try practising the trot in the lane until I had the rise confidently and could then worry about steering. The first few trots up the lane went fine as I trotted a short distance towards the instructor. Then when we turned around, he asked if I was happy to try the next trot without him in front of me. I happily agreed and asked the horse to trot on. Seconds later, it took off! I may have screamed and he was yelling "heels down" and "lean back". I was panicking as there was a bend at the end of the lane down into the farmyard with who knows what round the blind bend - kids playing, a car, another horse. I think I may have managed to slow the horse down sufficiently to stop if I had needed to, but luckily one of the grooms who was lead reining one of the kids at the end of the lane caught my reins. According to the post mortem afterwards I had, unwittingly, instructed the horse to canter by putting my feet in the wrong place.
It was a while before I ventured back for a fourth lesson but with my trail ride approaching which was intended for experienced riders, I thought a lesson may help me improve my skills in advance of the trail ride. (Although, I was the most inexperienced rider on the trail ride, I rode regularly at the trekking centre so they were fully aware of my ability or lack of it based on their own assessment rather than mine.) Unfortunately, during this lesson, they did not allow me out of a walk and said that my rise was not controlled enough and I needed to practice it at a walk for longer before they would allow me to try trotting. I was not "gripping hard enough with my thighs" and "my elbows were in the wrong place". Basically, everything was wrong. To make things worse, when I returned to the pony trekking, they spent the next couple of weeks berating me for the deterioration in my riding as I struggled to even find the rhythm for a trot when the week before it had been no problem. I was so focused on all the things I had been told I was doing incorrectly that I seemed to forget all the things I had been doing correctly and do them wrong as well.
With the end of the trekking season looming, I am not sure whether I can go five months without getting on a horse so I am considering lessons again over the winter on a regular basis. I didn't seem to gel with the last riding school I tried so I was thinking of trying somewhere different. Any tips or advice on choosing a good riding school would be welcome. What should I look for and will I ever reconcile the laid back style of riding on the treks with the more formal English riding style at the riding schools. It might be worth adding that I have no aspirations to jump, do dressage or compete in any shape or form. I just want to get out in the countryside on horseback, but to feel safer and more in control of the horse than I do at present.
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