No, it’s not Hump Day. It was riding lesson day! And it was a good one. I went out to the pasture, harnessed my horse (not MY horse, just my learnin’ horse), brought him over to the stable, brushed him, cleaned his hooves, saddled up and I was ready to go. I’m finding that I’m feeling more comfortable around these big guys – which was one of my objectives, so I think I’ll call that progress! Little by little I’m gaining control. Yes, I’m in charge here and you’ll go where I say!

So much to remember! Heels down, toes up, posture, shifting your weight depending on this or that…I know I’ll get there, but sheesh! My instructor felt I was doing pretty well so today we picked up some speed. Aaah, now this is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m sure I must have looked comical, if not flat out ridiculous at first. “Give him a gentle kick”. So I did. I was instantly reminded of riding in the car with my dad. He wasn’t so gentle on the accelerator. The light would turn green, and BOOM! My head would snap back. Well, that’s what happened when I gave that gentle kick. The same could be said for stopping. “Whoa…” If horses could leave skid marks, mine would have. As directed, he stopped, and eventually I did too. So after a brief question and answer period, I was able to get “take offs, and landings” under control, and I made my way around the arena in a somewhat presentable fashion.

I was having so much fun I hated to leave today! As I was taking him back to the pasture and putting everything away, I thought, “Oh this is bad, I’m liking this way too much”. Some of you may remember when I wanted a dog and JD said we don’t need a dog. Our dog’s name is Lucy. Then it was, “we should put a pool in the backyard.” “We don’t need a pool.” We enjoyed that pool! Now admittedly, I know we don’t need a horse – but we have plenty of room for one…