Windswept Lesson

[Barbaro06]

Today's riding lesson was interesting with the high winds we had here in Maryland. I know I need to slap some mosturizer on my face!

I got to use my new saddle today for the first time and it was a very comfortable ride. My instructor thought it was a good buy on my part because I am only taking lessons once a week and just getting back into riding (I'm a long way from a show!). If you're wondering what kind of saddle I got, it's a Wintec, adjustable gullet, close contact saddle, brown in color. I went with synthetic due to ease of care and the aforementioned reasons of being a "weekend warrior."

Cordy was real good (yet again). However, the girl who rode her before me was buzzing around the big ring over jumps. Cordy was into the bit something fierce. Granted she hadn't been ridden in a couple of days, but she just was on the muscle big time. When I got her, she was pretty mellow. We worked on regaining our stirrups again and worked hard on the posting trot. I'm getting a little better on my diagonals (corrected some quite by sheer miracles!) and not getting into tunnel vision although my instructor caught me zoning a few times. Cordy spooked at some tree branches cracking but I stayed aboard and told her it was OK. Overall a very good time--got to work on not getting frustrated when I don't get something first time around!

I cooled Cordy out and then brushed her down. Gave her some carrots--tossed 'em into her feed bin and she grabbed 'em up. She got hay in her forelock when she went for them...she didn't want me to pick out the hay in her forelock...kinda was like "so what, who cares...I got carrots!!!"

No lessons again until the 17th...in the meantime I work on visualizing the posting trot and diagonals!

[Derby Lyn]

Glad to hear you like the saddle. I was thinking of getting a wintec dressage saddle, and I was wondering if they were comfy. Did you get any of that snow that got us?

[magic code]

That sounds like so much fun!

I am 3 months into a comeback, just getting back into riding after having a bad fall 3 years ago. I have a huge amount of fear to get past and the past 2 weeks have been really frustrating because I feel like I'm stuck or even regressing. I'm riding at barn where all the horses are past rescues. At this barn, you don't get stirrups until you've got your seat and hands down pat (as the instructor puts it, "You don't get 'em till you don't need 'em." Other words of wisdom: "If you want something that rides the same every day, get a bicycle.") My thighs feel like they're monstrously huge after doing so much riding.
I don't know that I'll ever be completely confident on a horse but I'm so glad I started riding again. If we could just get rid of the lady in the group lesson who thinks she's the best rider, is actually the worst, and has assumed the position of associate-instructor-on-horseback during lessons.

[Barbaro06]

Glad to hear you like the saddle. I was thinking of getting a wintec dressage saddle, and I was wondering if they were comfy. Did you get any of that snow that got us?

Nope, no snow, just lots of rain between Friday and Saturday and wind Saturday night and Sunday.

[Barbaro06]

That sounds like so much fun!

I am 3 months into a comeback, just getting back into riding after having a bad fall 3 years ago. I have a huge amount of fear to get past and the past 2 weeks have been really frustrating because I feel like I'm stuck or even regressing. I'm riding at barn where all the horses are past rescues. At this barn, you don't get stirrups until you've got your seat and hands down pat (as the instructor puts it, "You don't get 'em till you don't need 'em." Other words of wisdom: "If you want something that rides the same every day, get a bicycle.") My thighs feel like they're monstrously huge after doing so much riding.
I don't know that I'll ever be completely confident on a horse but I'm so glad I started riding again. If we could just get rid of the lady in the group lesson who thinks she's the best rider, is actually the worst, and has assumed the position of associate-instructor-on-horseback during lessons.

Keep at it magic. I was in a severe car wreck back in 2004--tried to put it "behind me" in 2005 only to find out I was a nervous wreck any time I was behind the wheel. I started seeing a therapist in early 2006 to work on my anxiety regarding driving and it took six months before I was able to drive on the Capital Beltway again.

The trick is to harness the fear and turn it into positive energy. It is awesome that you're back riding. You'll be surprised how your confidence will come back--just give it time!

Does your instructor know about your bad fall? I personally don't like instructors who push you into doing things long before you're ready or overlook a rider's needs. I really like my instructor because she starts simple and then adds on as she sees me make progress and also works on the stuff I have trouble with. Are there any other places you can take lessons? There is no shame in switching barns and finding an instructor who takes the time to build your confidence especially after a bad fall. That's my opinion.

Take care and let us know how you are doing.

[cewright]

That sounds like so much fun!

At this barn, you don't get stirrups until you've got your seat and hands down pat (as the instructor puts it, "You don't get 'em till you don't need 'em." Other words of wisdom: "If you want something that rides the same every day, get a bicycle.") My thighs feel like they're monstrously huge after doing so much riding.
I don't know that I'll ever be completely confident on a horse but I'm so glad I started riding again.

Magic Code - Riding is supposed to be fun! While riding without stirrups certainly improves one's seat, in my opinion it is not an exercise for those lacking confidence. I suggest you reflect on your goals, share them with your instructor, and if you are not in sync go somewhere else.

Good luck

Chuck

[Barbaro06]

That sounds like so much fun!

At this barn, you don't get stirrups until you've got your seat and hands down pat (as the instructor puts it, "You don't get 'em till you don't need 'em." Other words of wisdom: "If you want something that rides the same every day, get a bicycle.") My thighs feel like they're monstrously huge after doing so much riding.
I don't know that I'll ever be completely confident on a horse but I'm so glad I started riding again.

Magic Code - Riding is supposed to be fun! While riding without stirrups certainly improves one's seat, in my opinion it is not an exercise for those lacking confidence. I suggest you reflect on your goals, share them with your instructor, and if you are not in sync go somewhere else.

Good luck

Chuck

Much agreed Chuck!!!

[timex]

sounds like you're having a blast, all things considered! The Wintec is a great choice. I actually still have my brother's old Wintec, from 15+ years ago, that i use for my lesson kids. it's still in great shape, and that thing has been used and abused over the years. good luck!