Molly in Ohio
----- Original Message -----
From: sassyme808
To: haflingerfriends@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 2:14 PM
Subject: [haflingerfriends] Weekend Rides
Good morning,
I thought I would share my good experiences on Charlie this weekend, riding in the arena and practicing what I am learning in my lessons. He and I are working towards getting into a rhythm together, and it sure is fun. We had worked through some previous mounting problems last week, and I did have to put some of those tools to use, but with good results. Charlie did stand still nicely for me to mount, but on Saturday as I settled into the saddle he spooked before I had my other foot into the stirrup. It was reminiscent of the very first time I attempted to mount, except this time I had the skills in place to handle it. Instead of panicking and scaring Charlie into throwing me, I quickly executed a one rein stop, which stopped his feet right away. I settled into the stirrup, asked him to stand still for a moment, than asked him to move off at a walk. He was still a little shook up and wanted to take off in a fast trot. Another one rein stop, then flexing to both sides, standing for a moment quietly, and he moved off at a nice walk and we had a wonderful ride! Thank goodness I had the skills and newly found confidence to handle a problem. My confidence showed him I can be a good leader and help keep him safe. On Sunday he was a dream boat and we worked on some side-passing and lots of backing, and collection. I'm getting anxious to take him out of the arena and ride him on the adjoining 40 acres, but it will be a while yet. When I do ride out, it will be with some of the other gals on their confident trail mounts to help Charles (and me!) feel confident too.
Those lessons really do pay off, so if anyone is on the fence about getting or continuing lessons......I'm a big advocate as long as you are happy with your trainer!
Marlene in (raining again) Oregon
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