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Had an amazing lesson today!

1K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  Thoroughbred Lover 
#1 ·
I'm very new to riding and had my seventh lesson today. The last three lessons have been frustrating due to a few reasons...fell off twice in one lesson, had a different coach for two lessons, used a different horse at one point (and his saddle hurt my ladyjunk like crazy), and had another horse being worked in the arena during two lessons. I was feeling a bit sad that I had lost my beginner's groove, but today I was totally in my element...my coach is back, I got to ride my usual horse, and I had the arena all to myself. Recipe for success!

Today was the first day that I've been able to keep my horse in a steady and continuous trot. We were able to complete a couple laps of the arena, a couple figure eights and some smaller circles, and I was able to keep my posting trot going! My hands finally figured out how to stay down and my legs finally remembered to keep squeezing to keep the rhythm going. Jake is the kind of horse who will make you work for every little bit he gives you, but once you ask correctly, he's happy to work all day long. I finally achieved that today and it was SO encouraging.

I feel like my hands, eyes, legs, feet, brain, and balance were all working in tandem today and Jake's performance was the icing on the cake. My instructor is so good - she never stops talking to me while I'm riding and I'm able to apply the corrections immediately. Her constant feedback keeps my head in the game. She was really proud of me at the end, and most importantly...I was really proud of myself!!!

We worked on diagonals towards the end of the lesson and they were more difficult - I kept picking up the wrong lead, but I know that with a few more lessons under my belt it will soon become second nature. It's fun to have little things to work towards. They sound little in your head, but actually doing it is a real challenge.

Suffice it to say, Jake got all kinds of treats when we were done. But let's face it, he would have gotten them anyway. It was just so so so nice. I can't stop smiling. :D
 
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#2 ·
Congratulations on your lesson!

What a coincidence, I just had the best lesson ever today, also! I cantered on a newish horse (and I was totally freaked out about it) and we did a timed gymkhana game! Today really reminded me that I'm doing this all for fun! Gosh, how I look forward to my weekly lessons.
Boss was also extremely well behaved, just like Jake!:-o
I feel bad that your first lessons were so stressful. And hitting the dirt twice?! Wow! Good luck in your future riding fun!:D
 
#4 ·
I'm glad you had such a great lesson :)

Just a clarification though.

Diagonals = which leg you rise to at the rising trot
Leads = which leg is leading the canter
Change of rein= changing directions so you get a different inside and outside rein and leg.
 
#10 ·
Yeah he kinda does, actually, very slight. I'm not the greatest at remembering what he looks like from week to week amidst all the other horses, but his special nose always tips me off.

I'm told he's a QH cross - not sure what he's mixed with. Forget how old he is too! I'm terrible.
 
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