2nd Time In The Saddle

Another riding trial was due and 'Calamity Jane' came over to 'Buttercup Farm' to pick up me and 'Mr F'. 

I gave myself extra time to fetch 'Mr F' and to tack him up. Over the months he has become content with just my company and it doesn't bother him being in the yard with just me. We took our good time and I just about remembered where all the tack went. 

Punctual as usual, 'Calamity Jane' arrived, to my surprise on horseback. She suggested that I ride with her over to her menage.

'Oh dear ... ' I thought to myself because I knew from last time that my 'steering' abilities are sure not roadworthy. However, the route was short, with a small crossing that lead into a quiet residential area.  I trusted that  'CJ' would not suggest anything that could potentially be dangerous. 'We should be fine' I thought.

I got a leg up and off we went, me trusting 'Mr F' not to misbehave. Well, we got as far as the little crossing and to my embarrassment I just did not get 'Mr F' to move down the side lane. He had figured out that we were on the way to the menage and he just wasn't having any of it.  'Calamity Jane' had to grab his lead rope and lead  us all the way to the menage, to my quiet embarrassment.

We did a repeat from last time, me still trying not to send mixed signals with my leg aids. 'Mr F' was very patient yet again but most certainly bored. There wasn't much to see and all he was doing is placing one leg in front of the other, going in circles, a bit like a goldfish in its bowl ... 

And I admit, I wasn't much excited either, although I knew I had to do this.

Seeing that I was struggeling with the steering, 'Calamity Jane' asked me if I wanted her to ride 'Mr F' for a few minutes so she could see what he can do.

"Ok, perhaps you can tell me if it is just my ill doing or his too."  'Mr F' was a little puzzled to see that I was letting 'Calamity Jane' get on and looked at me rather puzzled. She did a few rounds but I could see that she too was struggling. It certainly wasn't as easy as she may have expected. 

"I think you should ride 'Boy', my oldie. At least then you can ride a horse that is used to be ridden." she said. 

"Ok. That would be very kind. It will give me an idea as to what I actually need to do. At least I can then see if it is really just my inability or if it is both of us."  I felt  like a traitor though, already arranging going off with another horse. How silly!

We made our way back on our own, I was leading 'Mr F' back. He was glad to be back at 'Buttercup Farm' where he could go and relax with his mate 'Luke'. 

I was curious to find out what it was like to ride a horse that is supposedly 'normal' to ride, whatever 'normal' is ...