Recent content by HunkyDory

The joys of a RSs, I'm afraid but they do their best. Not sure if your instructor has suggested at which point you sit and prepare in the arena. I found it good to sit halfway between the letters. For instance, between E and K on a the left hand reign (using the circle and triangle shapes as...

I think it is more difficult if the yard doesn't have direct access to off road hacking and there is road work needed to get to it. In an ideal world, I would like to think that if I couldn't hack out because I had to ride a mile or so on the roads and didn't trust it, then I would try and do...

One of my instructors who is eagle eyed noticed I was sitting ever so slightly more to the right. My hips are imbalanced. She suggested I shift my weight to the left, which puts me in the centre. What often helps lengthen your leg reach is doing no stirrup work which gets you sitting deeper...

Are you able to ride a different pony? Maybe at a riding stables? Just thinking that getting that transition down on a forgiving pony with a smooth action will show you how smooth it can be because you aren't waiting for the lung forward. I think you are nervous of coming off so you are...

Showing won't be my thing, then! lol They all worked really hard and it was a Bank Holiday so they were all volunteering. Think I'll stick to dressage if they do it again and some low level jumping, unless I manage to reach advanced rider stage before the next one in August. Unless there...

HI Morgan123...I support it is hard to please everyone. I'm in the UK. There are all sizes involved in these one day events at my RS. It's to give riders and idea of what events are like and raise money for the pony club charity.

My RS does a couple of benefit 'one-day events' for their pony club charity during the May and August bank holidays. I've been back riding for a year and thought it would be fun to join in. Last year was a bit chaotic because people could choose three horses to ride in different events. In...

I went in to a tack and feed place, tried on the different makes and sizes, decided which one was best for me, then ordered it online. It's fine. My RS only allow riders to wear the new standard, and it is certified to that. Charles Owen. Comfy. Fits well. Doesn't look like a pimple on a...

I started about 12 months ago at 51. I rode ponies as a child and early teen but mostly through hanging around the local stables (before health & safety, menages, and 'own your own pony' days) and I had friends who had ponies. Going back to riding and horses is something I had been wanting to...

Just an update. I rode Mary last night for an hour in the same arena she struggled with a couple of weeks ago on right hand reign canter. What a difference! She did turn in on the first pass but we did some flex and bending, working some serpentines and 20 metre circles on that reign and then...

Thanks Tnavas...I'm riding for an hour tonight, so I'll see where she is up to if I get Mary.

Hi Millipops....they schooled her to canter and jump. I've watched her and she's quite able round a course. On the left reign she canters like a dream without falling in. I've even had her cantering 20 metre circles on the left reign, it's just the right one she can't seem to crack it. We've...

Thanks, Shay. That would make sense, being in pain. Especially as she is the same with any rider. Thank you.

Hi All, I've been back riding for 10 months after a break of 30 years, or so. I am at a great little school with a really good mix of horses and ponies. I have ridden quite a few different ones and they all have their little unique features. I've gauged my progress through a 16 2 dark bay...

Has to be horses. Ponies are personality plus but I love the gentleness of horses. I have to say, though, as a returning rider who has been back riding for about 6 months, when I fist got back into cantering, the best ride I had was on a grey mare who is about 14.2. Beautiful stride and...