For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to learn how to ride a horse. Thus, this was one of the goals that I've wanted to do for years that I included on my 50 Things To Do Before I'm 50 list.
When I set this goal, I'd only ridden a horse a couple of times in my life, each of those times it was a short ride at some type of tourist attraction where everything is designed for those of us who know nothing about riding. In fact, it's obvious from photos of me over the years that I have never spent much time around horses at all; although I rarely miss a great photo op, whether it's right here in Texas or among the Canadian Rockies or on the streets of London, England.
My original idea for this goal was to take lessons until I felt comfortable mounting and riding a horse on my own. Realistically, however, I don't anticipate needing this skill at this point in my life. I don't aspire to owning a horse, so my opportunities for riding are still pretty much limited to touristy-type rides.
But I have worked on this goal! About a year and a half ago, I took several horseback riding lessons. I did not realize until I arrived for the first lesson that I would also be grooming and saddling the horse.
I was able to practice mounting (with the aid of a step), walking, turning, stopping, and trotting in a covered arena near our home! [Unfortunately, I never remembered to get a photo while I was mounted!]
I contemplated and researched taking more lessons before checking this goal off my 50 Things To Do Before I'm 50 list; however, I don't feel the need for more training at this time. I think these few lessons helped me feel at least somewhat comfortable around horses and confident that I can enjoy a ride if the opportunity presents itself in the coming years. So, I'm checking this item off with a little variation.
Have you ridden a horse? Would you consider yourself a novice or an expert?
I took horseback riding lessons my senior year in college. After a semester of lessons, I decided it wasn't anything I wanted to pursue. They definitely did NOT come in handy the last time I rode a horse which was in Yosemite. Little did I know that we'd be going up mountain trails. I didn't embarrass myself, but decided then that my horseback riding days were over. I did, however, do pretty well on a 45 minute camel ride in the Sahara last year when were in Morocco.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ridden a horse since I took a Summer course way back in the early 1980s ... Good for you for giving it a go!
ReplyDeleteBravo you - horses can be scary. Your equine friend looks very relaxed. I have been around horses my whole life & I feel most complete when with them. I have been blessed with being able to own my own horse a few times & I ride "English". I have shown in the Hunter Ring, done 3 Day Eventing & most at home in the Dressage discipline. I'm still most hopeful I will own again :)
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