Very excited new comer

[toshiba]

Writing on here is almost a scary as riding and that, at times, I find VERY scary!! Although I have been riding for approx 6 years I still consider myself to be a relatively new rider of the more mature variety. I have recently started to hack out on a more regular basis, and although I have had occasional rides previously the majority of my riding took place in a school. With the guidance of my very patient sister and her family feel I have just turned a big corner and have a permanent grin on my face. The opportunity to become main carer/rider of Tosh, (also very Patient) arose in October, and we have become real buddies, and with the help of my sister he has taught me how to ride, rather than just be a passenger. This weekend Tosh and I took the lead instead of being the sheep, and even though we still have a lot to learn, like who’s boss, we are getting a really good understanding of each other. We walked, trotted and cantered ahead, which my sister tells me is excellent and very brave, and I believe her. I have just signed up to this site and have enjoyed reading all the antics you guys get up to, so thought I’d have a go, Jane

[zack&buffysmum]

Hi Jane,
Welcome to the board. I am also a 'mature' rider. I rode as a child/teenager and came back to it in my 40's.
My horse is an ex-racer who is thankfully not in the first flush of youth!! but he still has his moments. :0)
I absolutely know what you mean about scary. I'm ashamed to say I was actually in tears shortly before todays ride out, because it was blowing a gale and raining cats and dogs and my boy hates both the wind and the rain so the 2 together are usually a big NO NO as far as hacking out are concerned, but I felt I'd already let my friend down earlier in the week when we were supposed to ride and I did not feel 'up to it' so did not feel that I could do it again.
So off we went and do you know? after leaving the yard sideways, a bit of a canter on the spot at the road junction, and then jogging up the hill - he was absolutely fine!! He calmed right down, tucked himself in behind the other horse to keep the rain out of his face!! and behaved like a dream.
Some of his antics do not faze me at all in the school, but the same things on the road scare me witless although I came to the conclusion today that the THOUGHT of it is usually worse than the reality.
Congratulations for taking the lead - I still don't do that.
Anyway once again welcome to the board and stay in touch
Megan

[K8]

Hi and welcome!!

Where are you from? x

[toshiba]

Hi Megan, thanks for welcome, I'm from near Swindon, very lucky cos loads of off road hacking. It's taken a while but just getting little bit more confident, still have good and bad days but soooo enjoying it. Am very lucky as Tosh very calm, although loves a good canter, I am getting a little bit of self belief in my own abilities and have managed to handle a couple of more scary incidents without being reduced to silent tears and nothing terrible happening which has given me the courage to lead out. My sister very supportive and patient with me so looking forward to the summer. Jane

[toshiba]

Hi Kate, thanks for welcome, I'm from near Swindon, Jane

[dagbecian]

With the guidance of my very patient sister
Not always
You have done really well, I am very proud of you big sis To think not that long ago you were talking about giving up, look at you now. He's not the easiest of rides so remember that. It's been lovely having you come out riding with me I've never laughed so much ;D Also you've been a great help around the yard, can't remember when I last poo picked.
There are lots of friendly and helpfull folk on here its very addictive. You will learn so much.
Well done, heres to many more hours in the saddle.

[toshiba]

Lots of laughs, I'll say, almost fell off her horse laughing, especially when I'm wrapped around poor Tosh's neck after a spook, all ended well though, even managed a laugh myself which is massive progress. Tosh is one of the Three musketeers, the Pie Bald on the right with the gentle eyes. P.S. you'll have to show me how to put the smilies on here.

[mojo]

Hello Toshiba

I'm quite new too so welcome. It's so reassuring to know that other people have wobbly moments too but that they overcome them. That's what's brill about looking at this site though I don't get much time to. I have only owned for about 2 and half years and most of the time I've loved it but every so often I wonder if I can cope (creaky knees now I'm in my 40's and a nappy mare don't help). It's great to have good support and friends around.

[toshiba]

Hi Mojo, yeh my sis keeps telling me I'm not alone in the wobbly moments brigade, it is good to know it gets better. totally relate to the creaky knees, Jane