May 16, 2010

City Slicker

Every couple of months I travel to Hollister California to visit and ride horses with my Aunt Cindy.  She has been teaching me for about a year.  I learn something new every time. This weekend I worked on my balance in the arena followed by some trotting fundamentals.  After a bit more practice I’ll be ready to lope.

There is a time when I ride and everything meshes together.  I feel one with the horse.  These key thoughts help me to achieve that feeling.  I am still very much a novice and will be, probably for most of my life.  However, it is this feeling that keeps me riding.  That and I really like to wear a cowboy hat with boots.

;)

Riding various horses, I find they all have their own unique personality.  Each respond differently to your touch.  You have to be one with the horse.  It’s like using The Force and it really does work. 

My Key Thoughts

1. Confidence (Horses test you all the time and if your not confident you’ll loose control)

2. Direction (By envisioning where you want to go, the horse will follow)

3. Relaxed Athletic Posture (It can be incredibly easy to tense up when your on a powerful animal.  When relaxed everything meshes together)

4. Use your Legs (They are your best communications link to the animal)

5. Subtle Reign Control  (If needed they are there to help.  However less is more.)

The horses pictured are the three horses I’ve had the pleasure of riding.  Their names are Dandy, Mr. T, and Angel.  Mr. T and Dandy are my Aunt’s horses.  Angel is my cousin Monte Bryan’s.  My Aunt and I are very fortunate to be able to ride on his land. 

I’ve had the most experience on Angel who is one of my favorite horses. The more I ride a specific horse the more confidence and control I have.