I feel like I'm 13 again!

[spruce]

Well, following on from my thread last week about riding my boy in an open field, with my friend and then cantering him up the hill I felt great and was itching to do it again.

Due to starting a new job I couldn't ride much last week. On Saturday my friend and I rode out again and it was such a lovely day. We rode round the local village to a lane that has a lovely big field running next to it. About halfway along the field is an opening. We both looked at each other and said "yeah, lets do it" so we popped into the field and had a canter along the edge to the end where it comes back out onto the road again.

It was lovely! I felt in control and even though I almost lost a stirrup at one point I really enjoyed it.

As we came back out onto the road, some riders were coming towards us and we were both laughing with excitment and had tears streaming down our faces from the wind. We must have looked hilarious!!

I feel so much better - now I look at fields and verges and think "ooh that'll be lovely for cantering in/on" rather than thinking "I couldn't go in there."

Am contemplating entering my first ever sponsored ride in June. Just need to pluck up a little more confidence - not sure how I'd feel with lots of other horses around, especially if they are all belting off here there and everywhere.

[kya]

These are the day Spruce! Glad you had so much fun.

[spruce]

Thanks Kanga. It feels great doesn't it. I just hope I don't hit a blip (or at least one that'll knock my confidence again).

[kya]

Well, riding being what it is, we probably will have set backs, but it goes to show we can re-focus and get on with it.

[em&ed]

green with envy

[Casper]

What a fab fun ride - sounds fantastic!

[wozzer]

Well done you - I love that you are now eyeing up fields for a canter, what a great way to be feeling! xx

[spruce]

Thanks everyone. Its lovely to have like minded people to share with. Before I found this site I felt a right fool for being such a nervous rider. No-one round me could understand.

Last night my friend and I hacked out again and did the route we did at the weekend. It included the up hill canter and when we got to the bottom of the hill, my lad was like "are we going?" and started to pick up the pace. I asked him to slow up and walk nicely and he responded really well. He walked up the hill and even when my friend's horse trotted to catch up he didn't go off.

Now all I have to work on is getting him back to hacking out alone. He nap's terribly and before we moved to this yard we were regularly going out alone (mainly because we didn't have any company). Now we've fallen behind a bit and he's reverted to not likingit on his own.

[Bridle]

glad you enjoyed yourself!!

[wozzer]

Well done for making him walk the hill - in my experience it is not a good idea to always canter in the same place as they start to expect it too much! Glad you're having fun! xx

[steff]

Fantastic! Great to hear you're making progress, and that you're enjoying it as well!