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| Discussion on First Lesson In 35 Years! | |
| Author | Message |
| Member: Djws |
Posted on Friday, Jul 28, 2006 - 4:41 pm: Barely slept a wink on Wednesday night. I was excited, nervous, and scared!Thursday morning it was storming violently! I almost cancelled. For those of you that don't know, I am petrified of storms (see my post under Discussion Of Lightning Strikes-Tim's thread- for clearer explanation). I dug deep within, and forced myself out into the elements! I was told to bring my saddle, and I knew I should have loaded it into my truck the night before. I didn't. I had to go to the barn to feed Biv first anyway. I just closed my eyes (kinda), and ran across the pasture! Did my barn chores, and dashed back to truck with saddle in hand (praying my stirrups would not attract lightning)! Whew! I was tired already! DrOve the 45 minutes to the stable in a torrential downpour. Arrived wet, nervous, and yes, worse for the wear! I was going to have "some" excuse if things did not proceed well in this lesson! LOL!  I grabbed my gear (helmet/saddle), and sloshed my way into the instructor's barn. (Okay, answer this question first...do you still refer to the riding teacher as an instructor, OR, are they referred to as a trainer?) I was greeted by her assistant, Heather. Heather is 17, REED thin, blonde, blue eyed, and a VERY accomplished rider. My "old" self was immediately intimidated, and jealous. (Hey! Except for the blonde hair, that was me 35 years ago-(oh! and the VERY is an exception!) Heather explained that we were going to groom Max, the 18 year old Thoroughbred instructional mount, first. Yes, Max was a very calm, cool, "you can do almost anything to me without retaliation" horse. Heather had me halter Max, lead him from his stall, and place him in the cross ties. I passed my first test! She handed me his grooming box, and told me to "go ahead". I groomed Max, head to hoof, and I passed test number two. (Considering that I recently obtained my grooming license at the raceway, I would have left immediately if she had flunked me-from sheer embarassment-LOL)! Now, imagine this. I have not shut my mouth once since I stepped into the stable. I am behaving like a self conscious, babbling idiot, talking to this poor girl the entire time. She was handling it like a pro! Very mature 17 year old. Very nervous 52 year old! Tack time! I placed my saddle onto Max's back, reached to get the girth...it won't reach my buckles. HA! There IS a fatter horse than Biv! Heather quickly swapped girths. I started to pull it tight, I was told to leave it a bit loose, we'd tighten up after putting the bridle on. Heather looked at me strangely... I use a bitless bridle, Max has a snaffle bit. I got it on instantly. Oh, did I tell you that Max opens WIDE for his bit as soon as he sees it? I still got it on though, give me a little credit! Test number 4 passed. Hmmm, you're wondering what happened with test number 3? That was the saddle part, remember? Now, the bridle is on, time to tighten the girth, and let down the stirrups. I raise the flap to tighten the girth, and Heather chuckles. "Are you really going to leave the saddle where you have it?", she asks. I told her that is where I put it on Biv. WRONG! (Hence, the strange look)! I have a dressage saddle. Apparently, I had it WAY too forward on the withers. Maybe that's why I appear to have my knees on Biv's neck????? Maybe the saddle has been pinching his shoulders, and that's why he has been rearing? Test number 3 failed, but corrected. I could have crawled into the nearest stall. Red faced, I lead Max into the indoor arena. Heather tells me to mount, we'll walk to warm him up, and Carrie will join us for the riding portion of my lesson. Mount? Where's the mounting block? She offers to give me a leg up. DON'T LAUGH! I am 5'6", and weigh 158 pounds. "Twiggy" is not going to be able to propel my big butt up, or anywhere! She tries, tells me to bounce to get a boost, and I start laughing. To hell with this, I'll stand on a bale of hay, let's get one, I say. Saint Heather hands me the reins, and leaves to get a mounting block. Poor Max, I am literally giggling (from nerves), picturing this poor girl with a herniated disk from heave ho-ing my body onto the horse-he's being such a gentleman. Taking it all in stride. Heather returns graciously patient, with my "geriatric aid"! I climb aboard. Wow! He's much taller than Biv. I'm noticing it's a longer way to the ground, too! Heather tells me to take him to the rail at a walk. Off we go. Breathe, DJ, breathe. Remember? You CAN do this! Sit up straight, heels down, thumbs up, feel the horse, don't let your legs wiggle! 3 times around, and here comes Carrie. THE instructor. Greetings exchanged, speaks to Heather, and down to business. Okay, let's trot. Max picks up just hearing the word "trot". "Nice! You looked for your diagonal-you're on it. Good job!" Hey! Was she talking to me? Big grin! Yes, she was. Sitting trot. Slow Max down. 3 times around. Same dialogue from Carrie. Another big grin! Walk around twice, and then bring him back to us, and stop. Let's put the stirrups down another notch (ended up being two). Stretch your legs, get your heels down a bit more...much better. Turn the opposite way, and walk. Now, trot. Use your legs, keep him on the rail, don't allow him to cut the corners! Keep your legs still! My mind is whirling as she speaks her commands! My legs are killing me, burning. This is a big arena-bigger than my round pen. Keep him going!Okay, I'm getting tired...we kept going, and going... As I rounded the corner, I heard 2 words, older, and seat. Bring him around one more time, and stop. Whoa, Max! I head back to Heather, and Carrie. Okay, guys! I can't resist asking them if they were speaking of me when we rode by. Yes, they were. I told her I figured that when I heard the word "older" (okay, so I'm touchy-shoot me!) Carrie preceded to tell me what she said..."For an "older" woman that has had no professional training for 35 years, she has a natural seat, very confident looking, great hands"....I almost fell off Max at a standstill. I wanted to cry with relief. Maybe I'm not such a goof after all. Test number 5-I didn't fall off. All in all, it was a great time. I needed the boost (no pun intended) in confidence. I need the continued instruction, and I am going back next week! I slept like a baby last night. I am not sore today. I "felt" Beau's presence the entire time. Round one is over. Best lesson of the day: YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN! YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD TO BEGIN AGAIN! I may never see a show ring, but I'll know how to put my saddle on correctly! DJ P.S.: Thanks to all of you for your encouragement, and support! It DOES make a difference to have someone helping me, correcting me, and teaching me. . After my lesson, I did all of the post ride regimen with Max. Then, I stayed to talk "horses" for TWO hours...imagine that! 
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| Member: Sunny66 |
Posted on Friday, Jul 28, 2006 - 11:39 pm: Congratulations DJ Very very cool Sounds like a fabulous positive experience, and it sounds like you know more than you let on  I think "trainer" is reserved for one who trains the horse, coach or instructor is for the rider...someone correct me if I'm wrong... |
| Member: Hwood |
Posted on Friday, Jul 28, 2006 - 11:49 pm: So wonderful, DJ. Congratulations! All that lost sleep for nothing, huh? You have shown great courage . . . Bravo!
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| Member: Lilo |
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| Member: Alden |
Posted on Saturday, Jul 29, 2006 - 9:25 am: Great story DJ, not only are you a horsewoman but a good writer as well I think we are often our own harshest critics, often undeservedly harsh. I have to remind myself on occasion that I have horses to enjoy, everything else is secondary. Good day, Alden |
| Member: Mrose |
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| Member: Christos |
Posted on Saturday, Jul 29, 2006 - 11:01 am: Congratulations, DJ. Great step forward, great work!
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| Member: Christel |
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| Member: Djws |
Posted on Saturday, Jul 29, 2006 - 1:23 pm: Thanks to all of you!It WAS fun! It was important for me to receive the reassurance, and to be critiqued. I admit the praise was also welcomed. I was so afraid that I was doing EVERYTHING ineptly. I am aware that I have much to learn, and refine. Practice, practice, practice! Of all things though, wouldn't you think I'd have known the saddle was positioned incorrectly? I must have looked like I was ready to run in The Derby! It's not funny, but I am laughing at myself. I look forward to future lessons with gusto! When Biv joins me, it will be more beneficial. I am always waiting for Biv to "do something" that I won't be able to handle (like the rearing). Carrie also trains horses, and I think Biv may need some "lessons" also. We will have "couple" lessons. Dang! That will be the first date I've had in years - LOL - . Chris, trust me, you CAN do it! It has taken me nearly a year to work through this. I have been "put off" Biv on 4 occasions. A few bumps, and bruises, mixed with a crushed ego/hurt feelings, were the results. It also made me more determined. I am not a quitter. My fear has diminished, though not vanished. I have great respect for these large animals, and I remain cautious. The trust issue is huge. I don't always trust myself, so, I tend not to trust Biv (when riding-we are buddies on the ground). I am sure that he feels that vibe! He is looking to me as the leader, and I, have been depending on him. When I fail to rise to the occasion, he takes over, and watches me pick myself up off the ground. I swear he smirks when this happens! I will learn how to handle these situations, and vow to take charge. Biv and I will accomplish this together. I am sure of it. I am hungry for the knowledge, and the skills. When I am (really) old, I shall wear breeches, and ride horses!...and continue to learn! DJ |
| Member: Alden |
Posted on Saturday, Jul 29, 2006 - 6:20 pm: Something that may help over come some of the fear factor is 'visualization'. Many people use it in all kinds of disciplines. I used this when I was a Military Policeman, you don't draw your weapon everyday so you have to have a way to be ready.Chris is describing the process but in a negative way. The trick is to visualize in your head all the possible out comes to a particular situation. Then you can go one step further and practice, in your head, the outcome you desire. It may sound silly at first but it does work. It is fine to visualize the negative but focus more on the positive, or solutions to the negative, and you'll begin to do what you practice. Good day, Alden |
| Member: Kthorse |
Posted on Saturday, Jul 29, 2006 - 7:29 pm: Love your post and the way you describe it. I can feel your excitement and all your feelings. I think when we have a bad day with our horses it ruins our whole day if we have a good one we are on top of the world. Its like they have some control over our mental status. At least me it does. The highs make it so worth while.Alden is correct. I used to picture myself and imagine I was one of the top riders I admire and low and behold I felt like I was them and it all came together. Wish it happened every ride but I am happy with those moments when it all works. Its nice to know that you are better than you thought. What a great feeling. . I would not worry about the saddle thing. Most people put the saddle far forward so you are definitely not alone. My poor friend who has had horses all her life did not know that a saddle had to be reflocked. Her saddle was 25 years old. Her horse who is the biggest sweetheart never complained. One day she got severe sores on her back. We looked at her saddle and it was rocking so bad.I said when did you flock it last . She said what? Poor thing she was devastated that with all her years of owning horses she did not know this. So you see we all keep learning and none of us know everything and we all make mistakes that's how we learn. I am so happy for you. Is it wonderful the joy they give us. I feel like I am addicted. |
| Member: Mrose |
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| Member: Christel |
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| Member: Djws |
Posted on Sunday, Jul 30, 2006 - 12:44 am: Alden-Visualization...I will try it! Makes sense! Wish I could ride the way I do in my dreams-LOL! Chris- Fear is the father of courage, and the mother of safety...French proverb (I believe) Maybe we should pretend we're on the ground when we are riding (since we're comfortable there)! I like the attitude of "just do it"! You can! We need to keep our chins up (that way, we can't look down)! DJ |
| Member: Mrose |
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| Member: Djws |
Posted on Sunday, Jul 30, 2006 - 2:03 am: My humble thanks to you, Sara.I love to write, always have. Especially when I have passion about a subject. I do know about the "mom thing". My youngest is home from college for the summer. He keeps telling me that I could break my neck, or hip, riding THAT horse! I remind him that I pay the bills! Lovely banter in our household. It's good to have him home though! Just give me a barn, horses, dogs, cats, goats, and other critters. I will be in heaven! |
| Member: Canter |
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| Member: Qh4me |
Posted on Monday, Jul 31, 2006 - 11:30 am: DJ,I have enjoyed all your posts. Cried lots, but they have been very good for the heart and soul. I could really relate to this post, as this weekend, I too took my first real lesson. Mine unfortunately didn't turn out as well as yours! I was exhausted....cried in frustration....and today I can barely move! But I learned lots. I guess that's a good thing!  I agree with Sara, you should take up writing. You sure have the knack! Congrats and keep up the good work! |
