My foray back into learning doesn't actually invovle a real school, luckily. I have started taking lessons at my old barn! I took the summer off to have fun and canter around like a hooligan and now it is time to start working on polishing my riding skills. I have a good amount of confidence back, so I think the time is right to move forward and see where that takes me.
I had my first lesson this past Saturday and it was fun. Alot of stuff to work on, but man it was fun. I was riding an adorable APHA pony (about 14.1hh, solid buckskin for those keeping score at home) named Charm. She has the cutest little western jog that I can actually sit to! Imagine that! (this is Charm with another student riding her last year...)
I was getting so frustrated riding Rusty in Western lessons - he just isn't built to do a slow jog or a lope. He is bouncy and kind of rough to ride in a ring setting, so I wasn't really making any progress. I think I've found the perfect job for Rusty - he is a super trail horse and a great baby-sitter. He has been a good companion this summer...more on that in a later post.
I'm really hoping to make enough progress over the fall and winter so that I can try some shows next year! This pony has been shown a couple of times and my instructor would love to take her out more, but didn't have many students riding western this summer. So, that is an exciting goal for me!
There is a great series of local shows that are really beginner friendly. We also have a bunch of nice fall fairs to try my hand at. I think this situation will be a great way for me to try showing without the expense of buying a show appropriate horse AND show tack, on top of trailering... (which costs an arm and a leg!!!) I'm feeling really positive about all of this, so the fall/winter should be interesting!
9 comments:
Sounds like you've got it all figured out. Have fun with your lessons and hope you get to go to some local shows.
Way exciting!! I think that is a great idea, and Charm is adorable!! I think you will have so much fun showing and sounds like you have a great plan!
Oh, I'm so glad you are able to do the lessons like you wanted to. They definitely help with goal setting and measuring progress.
Rusty certainly is a good trail partner! It's good to hear you had such a good time this summer. I hope your lessons at your previous barn don't mean you'll be moving back! We can still hack in the winter!
We share the goal of doing some showing next year. And I'm totally doing a hunter pace or two, even if I have to beg, borrow, or steal a horse!
Charm is so cute! Glad to hear you are feeling confident again. Good luck with the fall shows.
Sounds like fun! I'm hoping to do the same, eventually.
That is awesome! All of it, the lessons, the chance to show, Rustbuster being a happy trail pony :)
Wow-things have really changed for the better. Good for you!
Rusty probably thinks he has had enough years of bumping around an arena. Sounds like he enjoys the trails and is perfect for you for that.
Charm is a cutie and that is awesome that you get the opportunity to show without the expense.
Congratulations and good luck!
Sounds like fun! I am totally with you. Plus he is a cute as button! HA! I have used that phrase twice today but he is. Looks like the most huggable thing in the world.
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