Fools Motto
Well-Known Member
I had my stage 4 assessment earlier. I did my stage 3 some 13 years ago!! I haven't had a lesson in the best part of 5 years, and although ridden regularly all this time, it has only been basic hacking and keeping horses fit, with the odd competition thrown in for good fun. So plenty of time for plenty of bad habits!!
I want to do my stage 4, always have done, but various incidents during this time, including being told 'you can't ride well enough' from a particular acquaintance, has really put my self confidence right down.
On Tuesday, I thought sod it, took a deep breath and went straight from work to the riding centre and asked, and here I was today! Even hearing negative things about this centre, I went with an open mind, and they couldn't have been nicer. I rode a HUGE horse (16.3 is massive if all you normally ride is under 15.2! - and i'm a small, short dumpy legged (honestly, my thighs let me down!!) 5'4'' at a push!) In a fancy dressage saddle - which really puts my legs in the right place, so can't get away with any more 'farmer-hunting, yeehaa' positions! The instructor lady was very nice, and although I do have some things to iron out, my left hand should be removed for a start! I CAN ride, and ride really well!! (her words, not mine!) Apparently, 'I'm not bad for a rusty pro' (I'm sure she said pro, but whatever she did say I can't remember apart from, ' no problem with stage 4 standard') Not sure how much breathing I managed to do either, something was mentioned about that too!
I'm thrilled with myself for just going! The comments on top are a bonus. I plan to book a couple of lunge lessons to remind my legs of their correct places and perhaps to remind left hand, that it isn't needed soley to keep me in place - Poor suffering horse really appreciated it when I put my hands onto the neck strap rather than do something weird - swear it has a mind of its own, naughty left hand!! After that, I shall start stage 4 and go from there. Hopefully, I will find somewhere that can take me on to teach all the lovely riders, and riders to be!
Permission to go 'yay me'??
I want to do my stage 4, always have done, but various incidents during this time, including being told 'you can't ride well enough' from a particular acquaintance, has really put my self confidence right down.
On Tuesday, I thought sod it, took a deep breath and went straight from work to the riding centre and asked, and here I was today! Even hearing negative things about this centre, I went with an open mind, and they couldn't have been nicer. I rode a HUGE horse (16.3 is massive if all you normally ride is under 15.2! - and i'm a small, short dumpy legged (honestly, my thighs let me down!!) 5'4'' at a push!) In a fancy dressage saddle - which really puts my legs in the right place, so can't get away with any more 'farmer-hunting, yeehaa' positions! The instructor lady was very nice, and although I do have some things to iron out, my left hand should be removed for a start! I CAN ride, and ride really well!! (her words, not mine!) Apparently, 'I'm not bad for a rusty pro' (I'm sure she said pro, but whatever she did say I can't remember apart from, ' no problem with stage 4 standard') Not sure how much breathing I managed to do either, something was mentioned about that too!
I'm thrilled with myself for just going! The comments on top are a bonus. I plan to book a couple of lunge lessons to remind my legs of their correct places and perhaps to remind left hand, that it isn't needed soley to keep me in place - Poor suffering horse really appreciated it when I put my hands onto the neck strap rather than do something weird - swear it has a mind of its own, naughty left hand!! After that, I shall start stage 4 and go from there. Hopefully, I will find somewhere that can take me on to teach all the lovely riders, and riders to be!
Permission to go 'yay me'??
