Riding Lessons

Riding Lessons

First off, this extremely large feline is Rupert. He's huge. He's stupidly trusting, or just plain stupid. He loves on everyone, and lies in the middle of the round pen whenever he chooses. And the horse Elise rides isn't fond of small critters. But Rupert doesn't seem to mind.

This is Skye. And Elise brushing him down prior to riding. These are excellent habits to get into when deciding if you want a horse for reals or not. Go and learn from someone who has one and keeps it very well and decide if you really want that. Elise still does. I'm debating with myself, although it is the most amazing feeling watching her do something that she claims she loves, and to see her be good at it. Priceless! Or at least worth the money I've put into it so far!

Her coach, Allie says she has great posture. Especially for a beginner. AND she's gentle on the reins. After two days in the round pen she got to go in the big arena (pics of that posted later!)

A little bit of an obstacle course. Sky is a barrel racing and pole bending horse. He's won big money for his fam and I can see his talent shine through. Elise is just getting used to walking in this pic, but she learned to trot on Day 3!

He is so big!! Look at my baby up there on that full sized animal! Yikes!

Allie is a great teacher for Elise. She's patient and firm and uses a different language than I do. It is more the language that I want to use; more empowering to Elise. This is awesome! I can't wait to see more of this.

UPDATE:

So I started this post three weeks ago. Ya, babies make me busy I guess. Elise is now trotting confidently in the BIG ARENA!! Doing regular pole bending techniques around cones (not poles because Sky would possibly take off out from under her since he LOVES that so much). She rides lessons for about 40 minutes then Allie tells her to just practice something, or have fun and she'll come and chat with me and we let Elise and Sky do their thing. Today was special because Elise was really enjoying getting Sky going fast. I can't believe she can hang on for a trot, but she can! Doesn't even look bouncy really. They work great together and I'm thinking about doing some barrel racing in the future. I've always wanted to and I heard of a group that we can compete in together as a family so I think we'll do that next year... got a small problem though. I ought to have our own horses for such a thing!! We'll see!!