I rode my pony today!!

[jess00]

We've had Dougal, our 13.3 Irish Gypsy Cob for 6 months and I've only been on him once, in the school. My 10 year old daughter rides him most days. Before I had my daughter I rode a lot and would get on almost anything, but lost my nerve and have hardly ridden in the last 10 years. I keep saying I'm going to ride Dougal as if I'm expecting my daughter to ride him, I should too. It never happens, even though I really really want to!

Well, this morning I woke up and decided today was the day! Daughter went off to school so brought him out the field and have to admit I was very scared! I went out with one of the other ponies from the yard - a 5 year old on board with her mum walking alongside! Was out for about half an hour when they decided to go down to the beach so I decided to turn back and head for home on my own. Dougal tried to turn back to the pony a few times but I managed to keep him heading the right way and we had a lovely half hour walk and trot through the woods and village back home!

Feel on top of the world and can't wait to get on him again - if my daughter allows!!

[happysnail]

Awesome

[Mellymoo]

Brilliant, well done!!!! ;D

[julz]

Brilliant ;D that's what I did last Saturday... decided I was going to ride/school Jay at the Polo feilds...... we did so and it was fab...

[jess00]

Well done Julz! x

[wabuska]

That is wonderful. A great achievement and to take it on by yourself, hacking home alone really is something. I hope this is the start of great things. There's no need for us Mum's to miss out.

[barbra]

Fantastic Jess, well done you!!

[jess00]

Quick update. Have only ridden Dougal a few times since I last posted due to work/ holiday/ 10 year old daughter not letting me because she wants to! lol - he is her pony after all!! Have been out on a couple of hacks with other people and Dougal has been great. This morning I decided to take the step of going on a hack for an hour and a half, all on my own! It was a beautiful morning and I felt fine about it until I got on, then a few wee nerves kicked in. Dougal spooked a few times while we were out and tried to head in a different direction to the one I wanted him to go in once, but apart from that he was perfect. I sang to him most of the way round. Not sure if he appreciated my out of tune version of 'the wheels on the bus'! I was even brave enough to canter him up the side of a field at one point which was fantastic and he came back to trot as soon as I asked him to. I do so love our little pony!!! All of this with our new barefoot treeless saddle! Takes a bit of getting used to. No knee rolls so legs wobbling about a bit in rising trot which must have looked hilarious! Dougal seems to like his new saddle and is a lot more forward going with it and its so comfy. xx

[kizi]

If I'm riding a young or spooky one I always sing!!! It helps horse and rider as the tempo keeps your breathing regular etc! I usually do twinkle twinkle or row your boat, cause the rhythm suits to keep to an even tempo that is slow! I get the kids to sing twinkle too if I think a pony mite be a bit fresh and it's amazing, they visibly slow right down soon as they start!! Keeps rider concentrating too :-D Keep up the good work!

[brella]

Here goes, haven't posted for years but.....
Rode a pony on Friday that I've had my eye on since she was a baby (now 6) and it was like a dream come true! We got on really well, and I am still on a high!
Isn't it great when it goes well?