Adventures in learning horseback riding - An Introduction

I was reflecting on what got me started in horses.  Like most women, I was drawn to horses as a child, but my parents couldn't afford the luxury of lessons let alone a horse of my own.  I contented myself with the rare treat of being near horses when I visited my cousins who lived beside a horse ranch and when I was in my teens, went on an escorted trail ride once.  Friends in high-school had horses but aside getting to sit horseback a time or two, I never had the pleasure of learning to ride.

It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I jumped at the chance to take horseback lessons.  I was hooked the first day.  Sadly, though my heart was willing, my body was not.  I've never been much of a physical person, my livelihood is made behind a keyboard, sitting in a comfy computer chair.  Still, I found a way to make it work, every sweaty, painful moment of it.   I managed to find a wonderful first horse, a 13.2 hand Welsh C pony named Eric.  He was clever and bright and careful with his less than athletic rider.

Due to life-issues, my husband and I had to move shortly after getting Eric.  At our new location, I found a new trainer and enjoyed a few clinics with a couple other trainers.  I discovered how flawed my first trainer's instructions had been.  I stopped falling off nearly so much.  I don't think I was ever a very good rider, but Eric didn't mind that my hands weren't that soft and I learned a lot from him.  I enjoyed the thrill of riding and the joy of having him in my life.

Of course, more life issues came and went and I ended up passing Eric down to my young cousin as I took care of smoothing out the wrinkles in my perfect plans, he had that forgiving nature.  I wish things could have been different, but how often do we get what we wish for?

A few years went by and always I longed to ride again.  There's something about the bond with a horse and that time spent outside not thinking about work and life and the little things.  I found a local trainer and started taking lessons.  Off and on I took lessons for about two years.  I had this dream about getting myself a Spanish Horse, an Andalusian or Lusitano or some cross.  My budget was less than a quarter of what that type of horse would cost me.   It came down to, getting a horse or just keep on dreaming.

With my trainer's help, I found a nice 8 year old quarter-horse cross who's about 15.0 hands.  I named him Rory. 

He and I haven't quite clicked yet.

I wonder if I made the right choice.  I've only had Rory for 5 months now, but I feel every bit the complete, green amateur.  I am the stereotype of the middle-aged woman getting a horse.  What the hell am I doing?

Lets Try This Blogie Thing

I've been thinking about doing a blog for awhile now.  Every time I sit down to type it up, I get tripped up with the question: "Just who is going to read this?"  I guess I keep holding my breath as I try to figure out just who I'm writing for.  But really, this isn't about writing to impress people.  I mean, sure, I'd love it if suddenly my writing becomes mainstream and to get 'discovered', but the reality is that I want to write. 

Just write. 

So, selfishly I'm going to write for myself.  This should make things easier. Hopefully.  I won't have to wear my heart on my sleeve if what I say doesn't make everyone happy, or if I don't put out the right quality of writing 'someone' was expecting.

Also, it feels pretty cool to say: "I'm going to go work on my Blog."