So last week was busy because I spent mornings (and all of Friday!) in "Horse Camp for Adults"offered by my riding instructors. I got to bond with my horse Roo, and I had the best time ever...
On Friday we went on a three-hour trail ride, which is the longest time I've ever spent sitting in a saddle. It was just wonderful.
I learned SO much last week, and feel like I bonded with my horse Roo.
We rode on some beautiful sand trails in St-Lazare, Quebec. The weather was fabulous too.
We had to climb up one very steep hill, which I found mildly terrifying. I'd never done that before and I wasn't keen on the idea of Roo breaking into a trot. But he didn't. And once we made it up the hill, we had to come down the other side...
I'm in the back on the left with my instructor.
Made it up and down alive! Maybe next time I'll trot.
On the way down, the horse in front of me decided to lie down for roll in the sand! Tim, the rider,
got off in time, but then my horse started to paw the ground. I didn't know this was the horse equivalent of a dog making a nice nest to lie down in! But when my instructors to me to get Roo moving forward, I did, and he didn't lie down in the sand to join his friend. :)
And btw, horse trailers make good port-a-potties...
Who knew?
I was really sad when the week was over. It made me ridiculously happy to be on my horse every day. I never knew I would get so much enjoyment out of riding.
Hmmmm... two asses?
There were four students and two instructors and we had an amazing week. So amazing, I'm doing another three-day camp in November with Gordon.
My friend Debbie and I riding around the farm where we have our lessons.
Hope you have a great week. The OSPCA walk on Saturday was a great success and I will get some photos from that up soon. Thanks SO MUCH to those of you who donated to me!!! I was very touched by people's response. :)
Oh congratulations Natalie! You certainly are brave and what a horsewoman! I am impressed. Sounds like such an enjoyable camp. I look forward to seeing the photos from your walk this weekend. Have a great day. Jo
ReplyDeleteI have had to overcome a lot of fears learning to ride... mostly I hope I never get seriously injured! It's always a risk I guess, but I wear a helmet and am as careful as possible.
DeleteKnatalie, sounds like you had a fun week with horse camp. I used to love to ride... and rode every chance I got. My daughter has horses and she and my grand daughter do cross country. At 70, I no longer ride... although sometimes it's tempting. Love your pics!
ReplyDeleteI hope I can ride for a long time yet but I am starting kind of late in life!
DeleteCongratulations on all your success! There is a bridle trailhead near me and I can't tell you how often horses are being off loaded or on loaded when I go by with my youngest granddaughter. Possibly because she is a horse magnet. We generally pull in, and everyone knows her and lets her watch them, and approach their horses on being invited.
ReplyDeleteThat is really nice that they let your granddaughter interact with them!!
DeleteRoo is very handsome - and I am very jealous!
ReplyDeleteAnd he is such a good boy!!!!
DeleteYou gain much more than enjoyment working with horses. It gives you a much better self image and that empowerment and control of the animal.
ReplyDeleteI just love it, Red. I am surprised by how much I love it!
DeleteAwesome , looking good you and Roo . When I had my horse he did that to me , he stopped dropped and rolled and I had my leg trapped under him as I didn't jump off quick . I miss having horses but I wouldn't be able to ride now a days as my knees are buggered for that now . I am happy for you and Roo riding and horse friendships are amazing . Lovely photos . Thanks for sharing , Have a good day and a Happy First Day Of Fall .
ReplyDeleteOuch that sounds painful!! If my horse ever drops I will try to get off the saddle as fast as I can!!!!
DeleteYour saddle is very different to the ones we have here. It looks rather cowboy-ish.
ReplyDeleteI had a western saddle (actually I think it's a barrel-racing saddle!) But they have lots of "English" saddles here too. :) I had a choice of taking Western riding lessons (think trails, barrel racing, etc) or English (dressage, etc.) I picked Western although I may eventually try some English!
DeleteWhat a wonderful day. But I hope all anyone does is pee in that truck!
ReplyDeleteHahahah I hope so! Well, the horses poop. Men aren't allowed in this "restroom", only us girls! There are lots of shavings on the floor!
DeleteAnd it was a horse trailer, if that makes it any better. Probably not.
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