Group lesson on Sunday was rather busy and included a beginner with a working student running her over crossrails. I have to say, I admire my instructor's ability to give people of different abilities lessons together. That's how kids thrive best (not that I'm a kid) - by learning from people of different abilities.
Anyways, I can't tell you how little I've ridden a mare. The only one I can honestly remember was my friend's sweet, sweet percheron. So when my instructor asked if I'd be up for riding the mare pony with a "crazy trot" I was pretty pumped. The only word of advice I was given is keep her a few horse lengths away from anyone else. No problemo. I myself have been known to kick out when people cramp my style.
We worked at the trot a bit: Posting without stirrups (I'm still waiting for the magic ahah! moment on this one, but I DO like how it helps me really sink into my seat, even when my feet are back in the stirrups after. Okay, the mare's trot was only a little wacky when you first got her going. I think what she was doing was moving her little legs very quickly to catch up with her friends (that she hates, just to be clear). So a few half-halts let her know we can go smooth and easy and it was really quite nice!
We did some jumping, actually, four jumps which alternated cross rails and 2'6", one of which was an oxer that I kept looking down at. I couldn't help it! When you're flying over the Eiffel Tower you look down, don't you? Give me some credit.
Anyways, this mare did everything I asked, was really fun to jump (point and shoot, as they say) and taught me a lot in just one lesson. My instructor doesn't put me on ponies much, she likes to give me the bigger horses, which is fine, but between you and me, I'm pretty sure this little lady can make me look better than some of the big boys, at least at the level I'm jumping.
Anyways, I can't tell you how little I've ridden a mare. The only one I can honestly remember was my friend's sweet, sweet percheron. So when my instructor asked if I'd be up for riding the mare pony with a "crazy trot" I was pretty pumped. The only word of advice I was given is keep her a few horse lengths away from anyone else. No problemo. I myself have been known to kick out when people cramp my style.
We worked at the trot a bit: Posting without stirrups (I'm still waiting for the magic ahah! moment on this one, but I DO like how it helps me really sink into my seat, even when my feet are back in the stirrups after. Okay, the mare's trot was only a little wacky when you first got her going. I think what she was doing was moving her little legs very quickly to catch up with her friends (that she hates, just to be clear). So a few half-halts let her know we can go smooth and easy and it was really quite nice!
We did some jumping, actually, four jumps which alternated cross rails and 2'6", one of which was an oxer that I kept looking down at. I couldn't help it! When you're flying over the Eiffel Tower you look down, don't you? Give me some credit.
Anyways, this mare did everything I asked, was really fun to jump (point and shoot, as they say) and taught me a lot in just one lesson. My instructor doesn't put me on ponies much, she likes to give me the bigger horses, which is fine, but between you and me, I'm pretty sure this little lady can make me look better than some of the big boys, at least at the level I'm jumping.
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