A while ago I wrote a post about trying to get back into the swing of riding, since OH had booked us on a short trail ride at Red Rock Canyon. Let me update you with what’s been happening…
Shortly after I wrote this piece, I drove to a local stable for a half-hour lesson, English style, since the Western stable couldn’t fit us in right away and I wanted to get some practice. I was put up on a pretty Haflinger mare, who very much had a mind of her own. We were only riding around a small outdoor schooling arena, but it was such hard work getting her to trot and to keep to the line, that what with my muscles screaming about doing the rising-to-the-trot thing, and at the same time gripping her with my legs like a vice to keep her straight and me in the saddle, AND kicking her on when she dropped back to a walk, well, let’s just say I was lucky to make it back across the stable yard without collapsing in a heap of jelly. By the Sunday I was in so much pain I could hardly walk, and sitting was not a lot better. Nevertheless, last Friday, I did it again – this time I’d found a stable which had a horse big enough for OH, so we went together. I was wiser, because I told them no way was I going to trot, but even so, I ended up in pain, because the horse they gave me was an inveterate head-shaker and kept snatching at the bit and nearly pulling my arms out of their sockets.
So you can understand it when I tell you that today, when we drove to the Sovereign Western stable and were introduced to two absolutely gorgeous Quarter Horses, I was a tad apprehensive. Which particular part of my body would go through it today? Was I going to be kneecapped by a gatepost? Dumped off unceremoniously and end up with a concussion? Perhaps for a change I’d get a dislocated elbow? And you can imagine my relief when none of those things happened.
For those who have never ridden Western style, let me save you some trouble. Don’t bother with English riding. Western is the way to go. Oh boy, are those horses beautifully trained! Oh, my, aren’t those saddles lovely! And oh! Isn’t it wonderful to ride a horse on a loose rein, relaxed and sitting to the trot, and still totally in command because they are tuned in to the slightest redistribution of weight, and twitch of the hand!
I was simply amazed at the difference in my comfort level. My horse, Della, was gentle and highly responsive, which allowed me to concentrate on getting my balance right and take my time to decide which way to point her next and what to ask her to do. My instructor sat on a chair at the side and didn’t shout once. There was no need. She told me what she wanted, I told Della, and Della interpreted my clumsy attempts at direction and did exactly what I asked.
OH did pretty good too! He looked just as comfortable as I felt, and though he didn’t attempt to trot (being a complete beginner) he felt much more in control than he had at the English stable. The only sticky moment was the dismount. I could see the mathematical problem echoed in his eyes as his brow furrowed and he tried to work out range of hip motion minus height of saddle x width of horse plus distance to ground. But it was OK, he made it in one piece, and thankfully, upright.
As for me, I think I’m in love. Sadly, they wouldn’t let me bring Della home with me.
sounds perfectly wonderful! I hope your trail ride goes half as well.
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Oh, I adore horses! I haven’t been on the back of one since taking a bad fall off a VERY large horse when I was a teenager, but I love to pet their faces and feed them apples and sugarcubes. I’m glad you had a good experience. The saddles are exquisite.
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I’m sorry you had that experience. I’ve fallen off many times (and been kicked and bitten too) but never injured myself badly. It’s something I’m a little anxious about at my advanced age, but I have one thing on my side – now I’m not a teenager, I’m not about to go nuts and attempt things I’m not skilled enough for. I’m sticking to gentle hacking on well-schooled horses, and I’m hoping for the best.
As Johnny would say, ‘Fuck it’. I’m gonna do it anyway. That’s the Depp Effect.
Hi J! I learned western & tried English a time or two… MUCH prefer western here too!! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE a horse who’s trained to neck rein!!!
Give me a call on your US cell phone while you’re here (if you have ANY spare time, which you won’t!!!)
Hi J! I don’t know why anyone prefers English, but clearly they do! And I hadn’t realised all Western trained horses didn’t neck rein, but it makes sense. This stable does something called ‘reining clinics’ so I guess that’s to bring the others up to scratch, huh?
I’ll ring you while I’m over there, for sure. Bound to be a spare five minutes somewhere!
Oh, I enjoyed reading this! As a non-horse-rider, it’s fun to learn about the different styles. I was placed on a horse when I was three, and that was my last horse experience. I’d love to give it another try…
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Hello, JD! Nice to see you.
You know, one of the reasons I’m going riding regularly again now is that I have a bad back. Apart from the fact that the iGallop helped me and OH booked us for a horse ride in Utah – both of which made me think – my sister-in-law told me she’d taken up riding to keep her daughter company and she found it helped to relax her back too!
It’s very therapeutic. If you have any fondness for horses, it’s worth a try!
Don’t take too much notice of the emphasis on pain in the post above – you’ll be sore at first, but it really is worth it.
Did I miss something. What is Western Style riding. I don’t know.
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Now I have to go see where you live! Western style riding is cowboy style. US style. Big saddles, sitting to the trot, slow jogging, you know. English style is shorter but more padded saddles, rising to the trot, Sit straight, elbows in, heels down, feet parallel to the horse at all times, very disciplined.
Western Riding
English Riding
I love western style riding too, those saddles are so compfy. Its something I’ve really missed doing. Your post has reminded me that I must try harder to get back to it. Well done on all your courageous efforts, I’m really impressed !
Oh, it’s so nice to be able to impress someone! *Happy dance*
I went English style again this morning, and enjoyed it more than I expected to after that wonderful Western experience. I think the relaxed attitude spilled over. I did have to rise to the trot, but I’m not suffering quite so much this time. Yet.
Oh, you’re braver than I am. I’m sure my muscles wouldn’t be up to English style trotting – I’m even more impressed!
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