If you know anything about me, it’s that I have a childlike enthusiasm for horses. I had my horse for three years and the new never wore off, I was still totally pumped to see him every time I set foot in the barn and he occupied my thoughts about 95% of the time.
I’m still that way. At most, I have one lesson per week, and the rest of the time between lessons is spent in giddy anticipation for the next time I swing a leg over a horse.
A friend that I grew up riding with recently texted me to ask if I could ride her horse because her schedule doesn’t allow for as much riding time as she’d like. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Today I went out to her barn to try Apache, sure that everything would be amazing and we’d click immediately.
I was very wrong. The horse isn’t at fault at all, it’s just my lack of muscle and time in the saddle. It takes a lot of practice to be a good rider, and unfortunately, ride time is just something that I don’t get enough of. I had a really hard time getting him to trot (we couldn’t even make a whole lap around the arena), and I was breaking a sweat just getting him to go at a nice marching walk.
I’m disappointed in myself, because in my lessons I’m able to walk, trot, canter, and pop over cavaletti or small jumps. I wasn’t expecting to have that rough of a time, but I’m determined to give Apache a better ride next time. His owner has generously offered to give me a second chance to see if we’ll be a good match, and I’m going to give it 100%. I would love to have the opportunity to keep riding him. I intend to make the most of that second chance. If it’s meant to be, it will work out. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, I’ll be grateful for the learning experience. If nothing else, horses will teach you to be humble and resilient.
Keep Calm and Carreon 