interesting lesson lol

[fleabitten]

Quite a challenge on Saturday. Was put on 2 new horses i havent been on before. one was at least 16.2hh and the other was a bernie lookalike at about 15.1hh lol!

We had to work in open order at walk trot and canter (which reminds me, i have made a mental note to put together a plan for that as i just sort of make it up as i go along and its sort of haphazard - any tips or ideas most welcome!) You would think by this stage i would be able to ride my own lines in the school lol!

Anyway, i got on ok with the first horse O. I did my first proper leg yeild (i think) in trot. Mum asked me was i doing some funny thing down in the corner so if she noticed it i must have been. Just did 2 or 3 steps but very chuffed with myself as was sort of experimenting. I just pressed my outside leg on and kept rising and i think he sort of did it as we kept facing straight but were going a bit sideways. Was afraid of getting tangled up as i havent really been taught how to do it so just quit whilst i was ahead lol! Had a bit of trouble with cantering but managed a full lap. He was a bit fiesty but not strong and sort of gave a bit of a shake of the head when he went into canter. He was quite enjoyable to ride looking back but a little bit scary. Then he heard pony hooves cantering up behind him and shot forward and did a mini rear/plunge and i was thinking 'argh!' and kept him close to the wall to stop him bolting. He came back to walk easily and was a wee pet then. We ended up laughing about it - my RI always manages to make you laugh about it which is good - even when i fell off a few weeks ago.

Bernie lookalike was much more of a steady neddy!

Thought that was quite a good challenge and experience for me riding two new horses.

Looking back at the time i was riding round on O thinking 'i would so not be buying this horse' but i think hes quite exciting really and a challenge. Not that i would jump to ride him again lol!

All in all very chuffed with myself for doing a leg yield, cantering on him even though i was a bit scared and surviving a bit of a silly 5 mins. ;D

Any tips or suggestions for planning etc in open order?

[fleabitten]

Just an afterthought....I think that break has really done me good. Im enjoying riding much more and not forcing myself to go anymore. I think its helped too that i have changed (riding) schools. I think ive grown in confidence.

[solomon]

Enjoy! That is what it's all about.

[scattymare]

It's great you're enjoying it again Flea. And having the opportunity to ride lots of different horses is great. Each one will ride differently. Riding in open order, treat as you would a schooling session at home - transitions - obviously be aware of the other riders - lots of circles varying sizes, some start smaller and spiral it out larger using your inside leg. Above all, make sure you think ahead to your next 'move' and warn the horse you are about to ask for an excersize - a half halt for example just to ensure you don't surprise them.

[fimacg]

glad you are having fun again flea, I agree with Scatty riding different horses is a great way to gain experience and confidence

[fleabitten]

Thanks for the encouragement and tips everyone, am gonna draw up a plan now