The above picture cracks me up. It just looks so casual, like I’m not even moving, just relaxing – “Oh hey guys, what you are up to? I’m just sitting on this horse here, I’ll probably be finished about noon.” I feel like I’ll never shut up about these dang lead changes. I still don’t have […]
Flying Lead Changes: The Reckoning
It was time for another try at getting Berry’s lead changes. Super skilled rider hopped on her again for another attempt. I warmed up Berry and we started the lesson, working on lengthening the trot and the canter. Since lengthening the canter sometimes felt like galloping, this was quite fun! It also reminded me of […]
Handing Over the Reins
We were on what felt like the millionth exercise to teach Berry and I lead changes. We started going down the long side, circling, leg yelding back to the rail, and asking for the change. The leg yeld was easy. The change was not, and wouldn’t happen. I could sense Berry’s annoyance. I ended up […]
More Course Work, with a Grid-Oxer!
I had an amazing ride on Saturday. Berry was so perfect, she was like an old school horse. She is clearly better at this course/jumping business than I am, and I am so thankful she doesn’t take advantage of my floppy self. (although I’ve been promised lots of no stirrup work, so floppy will soon […]
Flying Changes
The day has arrived – Berry and I’s lesson focusing on learning our flying changes. Hilariously enough, Berry caught on way faster than I did, and I could sense her irritation at me not getting it right. We started with cantering a squared off figure eight, preparing for the change going through the center, and […]
Getting Back in the Lesson Grove
I finally rode! With the weather improving, I needed to make up for my lesson deficiency. It’s only been three weeks, but it feels like it’s been a lifetime since I rode last. It’s not right. Anticipating that Berry would be a little bit crazy, I decided to head over there early so I would have […]
Berry Opts Out of Showing
All of last week, I was eagerly awaiting my show on Sunday. It would be my first show in a while, my first with my trainer, and my first true hunter show. My trainer thought it was a good idea to enter in the flat classes, school her over the jumps in the warm up, and […]
Berry’s Accomplishments
Berry is evolving quickly. She really flourishes with constant riding and attention. So I thought it appropriate to announce the great things she’s done over the last week. The first one: She got clipped for the first time. At least I think it was the first time, I don’t know if they clip on the […]
Relationship Talk with Berry
I had my lesson on Tuesday, and it was pretty amazing. She was either super worn out still from the poker ride, or she really is just getting better. It was a good time to have a long boring talk about our relationship! (except it wasn’t boring, it was amazing!) I’m having trouble remembering who’s […]
Berry Has Jumped
This is directed to everyone who said she just had to learn to jump in my last post. Because apparently you were all right. Kudos to you all. On Tuesday I went to my regularly scheduled riding lesson with my usual instructor. I’d just like to put out there that is was incredibly hot. Swelteringly, […]