The bareback lessons are what we’re doing for now. The first thing that happens when I get on Mo is that I get scared. That unstable-in-the-vitals feeling washed across me, my hands and arms feel all loopy and shaky for just a moment, and of course I hang on for dear life with my lower [...]
That’s a good mantra and I’ve employed it more than once when His Mo-ness has been in a less-than-cooperative humor. And when I remember to use the mantra, I hear Leah’s voice and think of how I usually hear that voice, from the ground looking up at me if she’s come into the ring to [...]
I have indeed continued — I must admit, however, that I’ve been thinking a bit more about the potential seriousness of injury than I have in the past, although the worst part right now is an itchy elbow. The scuffs are covered with new pink skin and a rash, probably due to the bandaid as [...]
That was the sound my body made as I hit the ground in the outdoor sand arena, yea for it was even on little Mo, only Mo, No Problem it’s Just Mo, Oh I Used To Ride Mo When I Was a Beginner, Mo Who Is Not Gabby . . .yes, it was that Mo and [...]
Yesterday we rode to music! Leah started working with another student on a show piece, so she had the boom box out in the arena and was playing some new-age, sorta Lord of the Rings type music. As soon as Mo heard it, he started trotting away — or as soon as I heard it, [...]
Hey, I forgot to mention that I’ve been cantering Mo without stirrups! How cool is that? We just rock along (probably not today; the air quality is forecast to be very very bad) and I don’t have my feet in the stirrups and it’s just fine and dandy! Hooray!
Thanks! I’m taking notes on all of your comments!
I really liked what Denise said about feeling like a victim and waiting for something to happen and the quote about fear being a misuse of the imagination, what Annette said about reading the horse, and Erica on breathing from your center while riding. I’d like to [...]
So does anyone else have an issue over spooking horses? Does it scare the willies out of you? Have you gotten over it? How have you gotten over it? Maybe it’s never bothered you? How do you feel when your horse moves very quickly and you’re not expecting it? Is it an impediment to your [...]
I want to thank everyone for the good words of support and encouragement as I transition from Gabby to Moe. You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em, which is what my mom said when she retired from teaching at Michigan State University, and I’m glad I didn’t endure (horse-wise) [...]
My word, thanks everyone so much for your comments on the falling posts! Yes, Dom Duarte does indeed feel that it is better to stay on rather than fall off. In general , this seems to be the rule. And wouldn’t it be a dull world indeed if we went to horse shows and performances and [...]
