margaretb
Well-Known Member
Earlier in the week I posted my joy at riding Poppy with someone walking alongside. The following day I knew I had to get on her again and ride out, this time it was on my own, I did it, but the euphoria of the previous day went, as I knew it would. Poppy didn't behave as well as she did the previous day, I was nervous which she probably sensed. She did not want to turn back when I did, but I won, and did not behave very politely when a car came up the road. I pulled into a gateway, but the car was coming a little fast and Poppy stuck her bum out. I did ask the driver to slow down and got Poppy back in the gateway and all was well.
Today I knew I had to get back on her. She appears not to like her saddle going on, but once it is on she is fine. She is a bit fidgity when I got to get on (I mount from a step) but I walk her back to where I want her and can get on. Once out into the farm yard she would not stand so I walked her around in fairly small circles and then halted her, and she did quite quickly stand nicely.
I got my son to walk down the lane to the field with me and open the gate and we had a nice amble around. Funny thing is she goes fine in one direction, but going around the field in the opposite direction she is initially all over the place. I did try a 3 loop serpentine at a walk just to get her to listen to me and that wasn't too bad
It is early days, this is only the third time I have ridden her. I have to say a measure of brandy did help to settle the nerves and at the moment I am confident to get back on her tomorrow.
Sorry to go on, rest of family is utterly non horsey!
Today I knew I had to get back on her. She appears not to like her saddle going on, but once it is on she is fine. She is a bit fidgity when I got to get on (I mount from a step) but I walk her back to where I want her and can get on. Once out into the farm yard she would not stand so I walked her around in fairly small circles and then halted her, and she did quite quickly stand nicely.
I got my son to walk down the lane to the field with me and open the gate and we had a nice amble around. Funny thing is she goes fine in one direction, but going around the field in the opposite direction she is initially all over the place. I did try a 3 loop serpentine at a walk just to get her to listen to me and that wasn't too bad
It is early days, this is only the third time I have ridden her. I have to say a measure of brandy did help to settle the nerves and at the moment I am confident to get back on her tomorrow.
Sorry to go on, rest of family is utterly non horsey!
