Sunday, January 24, 2010

Chain Reaction


A week ago fellow blogging friend Mama H wrote about "chain reactions."
On a sidenote, I have met Mama H briefly twice in person. Actually, I know her better from her blog than I do from the two times I've met her, isn't that funny? I do hope that sometime in the next year, myself and some of my pony cousins get to ride with her!


Regarding my last post....yep, you guessed it. Very soon, I am taking a saddleseat lesson. I know it sounds a bit crazy.


Last week I had a case of LSR (lesson scheduling remorse.) I mean, what kind of loose noodle cowgirl am I? How exactly did this all come about?

Here's the truth. I don't really know. What provokes us to make a random decision in our lives, leading us down a road that's never been on our map? I'm sure being around Paint Girl's workplace has gotten the ball rolling, by fostering a resurgence of my childhood interest in this style of riding (as well as the horse horse breeds you ride this way- Morgans, Saddlebreds, Arabians, and National Show horses.) The rest has been a
chain reaction. I'd been reading a few blogs about Saddlebreds and recently subscribe to The Morgan Horse magazine, a favorite of mine when I was a teenager. I don't get to ride my horse much around here in the winter, due to weather and outdoor arena conditions. It's the perfect time to move myself indoors and keep learning.


As I approach that magic last year of my thirties, I think I am feeling brave about trying new things. One day, with these thoughts in my head and while surfing online, I ended up searching for barns around my area that might give me this opportunity. I happened to find one. I wrote down their phone number and browsed the site for almost two weeks before getting up the nerve to call and set up a lesson.





I have a theory that riding different horses and learning something new will help build my confidence. It's never easy to walk into a barn you've never been in, meet someone you've never met, and climb on board a horse you don't know. I think it will make me a better horse person. A better rider. It will be a great experience for me. Who knows if I will like it or not. I don't want to make judgments before I try it.


In the end, it's about taking chances. Continuing to be a learner. Get better at my passion. I'm going to be nervous that first day. I know nothing about this barn, or the people there. Will they snicker at my clearance sale paddock boots, western riding jeans and riding helmet? I have no clue what I am doing. This is not my world. I consider myself an intermediate rider, but I have had little formal instruction. I have a natural seat and I'm good with horses, but most of what I know is self-taught.


Yes, I'm going to be anxious. But in a good way. There is nothing like something new to motivate you, to help you become a stronger person. Who knows what kind of new friends I will meet. I love meeting horse people. In some way, I know that I will get something out of this experience. What, I am not sure. That is to be determined. Isn't that exciting?


Did you know they show Appaloosas saddleseat, in both pleasure and equitation? Really! Here is an old picture from one of my issues of The Appaloosa Journal.


Funny story, but when I first started leasing My Boy, I nicknamed him "Saddlebred-head" and "the Saddlebred," because he loves to raise his head upright. He is not a peanut-pusher kind of horse, that is for sure! My Boy can breathe a sigh in relief- I have no intention of riding him saddleseat! Maybe.


I have my first lesson soon. Stay tuned!


p.s. All of the pictures of My Boy in this post were taken on a film camera, developed and loaded onto a CD, around 3 years ago. They were from when I leased My Boy. The pasture photos are from his first day in his new home at the Painted Creek, while he was under my "care lease." Three short months later, he officially became mine!

39 comments:

  1. Oh, this is exciting! I say go for it! Pause those self imposed boundaries and expand your world! I wish you much success.

    “Do you want my one-word secret of happiness? It's growth - mental, financial, [physical] you name it.” - Harold S Geneen

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  2. Way to go Pony Girl!! Your mom and I went to a horse show yesterday and we both said we would like to do some schooling shows!!I think that Dusty could do It, not so sure about King, He is pretty set on his ways. But maybe Albert?? Check out my blog!!

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  3. Change is good! It is also scarey. I always operate out of fear. I am hoping to take some lessons this spring. I feel the need to take them on Dusty though. I want him to be more comfortable in the arena. I struggle with getting him a good work out. HUGS!

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  4. I can't wait for you to take your first lesson, and hear all about it! I am sure you will take more, because now that I have ridden my first saddle seat horse, I want to do it again. It is so different from us western riders are used too.
    I also think that you are right in that why not try new things? We might be getting older, but that doesn't mean we should just stay in our comfort zone. As I like to say, taking chances is what it is all about this year!

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  5. Good for you! That's so awesome that you're giving yourself the opportunity to try something new. Can't wait to hear more about it! :)

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  6. It's going to be great, but I know how you feel. I'm self taught and have had a handful of lessons. Now I'm going to this clinic and I feel way out of my league - my boots are cracked, my saddle is synthetic, my bridle doesn't match...

    But hopefully it isn't about that. :) Ride on!!

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  7. Come to the World Appaloosa Show in Fort Worth next year and you'll see that Apps can do anything, and beautifully!

    Have fun with your lessons.

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  8. Good for you!!

    Is it possible to go watch a lesson or two at this barn before you take yours? That' might help with your comfort level for when it's your turn. Sometimes baby steps are good.

    If you have half as much fun as Equestrian Girl did in that lesson she had on Friday your face will hurt from smiling so much!

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  9. Have fun on this new adventure, you will do great

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  10. Sounds like fun. I'm sure you'll be fine. If you've got good balance and a good basic seat, it can't be too much different, can it? Looking forward to hearing all about it.

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  11. Go for IT! Have fun and I know you will enjoy a new scenery. I can't wait to read about your first lesson.

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  12. Kudos to you PG :) Good Luck on your new quest! You are right...it will make you a better horseperson and a better rider. You can never stop learning in the horse world.

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  13. I see absolutely nothing wrong with a well-rounded cowgirl. You just never know until you try something just what kind of an impact that it might have on your life. Several years ago I took English/Jumping lessons from a Warmblood breeder and trainer. You should have seen the looks we got when I entered my first English schooling class riding my mule. We did much better than anyone expected. I showed English for several years after that and not only enjoyed the the learning experience, but we earned some well-deserved respect from some who didn't think it was possible!
    Live, learn and enjoy! :o)

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  14. I'm so excited for you. I can't wait to hear the details of your first lesson. I know you'll do just fine! If it makes you feel any better, almost all of my saddleseat lessons were in jeans with crusty old paddock boots. After a while I finally bought schooling jods which were nice for sticking a bit better to the saddle :).

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  15. How exciting ! looking forward to hearing how it goes.

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  16. Oh! WAY exciting! I love saddleseat, even rode it a couple times when I was in 4-H. That is a very exciting opportunity and I think branching out, trying new things/horses/barns, etc. only makes you a stronger and more confident rider!

    Can't wait to hear how it goes!

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  17. This is one of your best ideas ever! And I do believe riding different horses boosts your confidence...it did mine. When I first started ridng Zoe she was a real "brat" out on the trail...she would do that cutting horse spin and turn on you for no reason or would start backing up and not stopping for no reason. She is the one that I started to really grow with, from there each new horse brought new skills and now I will ride pretty much any horse ( except CROW< hee hee) keep us posted...sorry about the pun! I am proud of you! By the way...guess who I rode with yesterday???

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  18. Do you mean riding the way we ride? A lot of us here want to try western riding, it looks a lot of fun. What have you got to lose?

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  19. That's great for you! Trying new things IS hard. I know the first time I walked into a yoga studio I was so nervous I practically tripped over myself.

    You'll do great!

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  20. You are so adventurous! My dad always said that is the best way to ride....I always said "no daddy, I wanna be a cowgirl". But the good news is nowdays you can be both!

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  21. How exciting! SS is becoming quite popular among the 4Hers in my county and it is always fun to watch! I would give it a shot too if I had the opportunity, but for know my focus is just getting to my (and Mercy's) first reining show. Can't wait to read all of the details of your first SS lesson!

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  22. That sounds like fun! I bet everything will go splendidly!

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  23. Hi, I'm a new follower and lover of horses. I wondered if you have read about Choctaw and Cherokee horses? I posted about them today. Their genes are evidently irreplaceable and important for breeding purposes.

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  24. Way to go! Good idea to try new things, especially something you've been interested in for awhile. Never let fear stop you.

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  25. Awesome! I can't wait to hear about your lesson! My advice, just ride like you know how and take the advice they give you! lol. No really, you've got a good seat from your previous experience, you surely know how to post and how to ride the various gaits, you'll just have to do it in different equipment with slightly different form. Really, riding in a cutback saddle is not all that different from how you sit in a western saddle. Probably the most challenging part of the whole thing, if you haven't already, will be riding in a bridle that will most likely have 2 sets of reins. This is like second nature once you get used to it, but can be a bit tricky at first. But don't worry, you will do great, can't wait to hear about it! Just watch out, you might become addicted as I did. . . but luckily for you, you can do saddle seat on your app if you really want to! :) Good luck! And btw I love your blog! Will have to visit more often!

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  26. That's going to be different! I love taking lessons in winter--it gives you something to do inside, like you said. I think it's great, too, to try out different kinds of horses and riding styles--broaden your knowledge of what you love best! You'll only grow from the experience, but I so, so , so understand the LSR!!! I've had it a few times, but now have a name for it.

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  27. You go for it (pony) girl!
    You are taking this lesson for all the good reasons.
    Wanting to learn new things, or at least being open for them, already makes you a better horse person.
    I won't tell you how to ride or what to do, as long as you get on and enjoy the ride. Don't let your mind mess up this wonderful experience by asking all those questions...
    No but's and no expectations - and everything will work out for you!
    :)

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  28. HA that is awesome!! You will do great, and I cannot wait to hear how it goes!! I am glad the area you live in gives you the opportunity's like this!! Have a blast, you will do great!

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  29. What an exciting journey you are now! I can't wait to see and hear about the adventures and fun you will be experiencing. I'm so happy for you!


    Great photos all!
    ~Lisa

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  30. PG, sounds like you do have a lot going on to be excited about right now! I agree, it does help to ride different horses and each one will teach you something different about yourself that you did not know! It doesn't really matter the style...it's the different horse that is good experience. My trainer is a saddle seat rider and has grown up with Saddlebreds, TW and Arabians....matter of fact, my daugther-in-law rode Barney on the trail who is his "childhood" Tennessee Walker pony....now 31 yrs. young! I did a post on it. Anyway, he has gorgeous stallions that he rides, shows and breeds. He told me that they are "more high energy" than a Quarter Horse type. If they'll judge you by your attire, then they're not the kind of people who you want to associate with any way or I wouldn't! Go in with your head high and be your wonderful self....you'll be fine. Great you're trying something new.

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  31. Thanks for the question....I'm collecting them now and will do a post....but so far only 3 people have participated.

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  32. Trying anything new when you are not ten years old is always very challenging. Hats off to you for doing it rather than sitting around in an armchair letting everybody else try new things. It is so good for our BRAINS and our BODIES to try new things, meet new people, and put ourselves in positions where we do not feel like we are on top of the world! People who are always in complete control are such bores! Good for you Pony Girl! I suspect the people in the barn will be friendly, and your saddleseat will be real comfy. Good things come to those who branch out!

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  33. PG- That is SO awesome!! As you know I am going through the same thing right now and it can make you feel like you did when you were a little girl going in to a new school. I was very nervous yesterday but as usual I found music helped. I sat in my car and listened to a cd I knew would make me feel brave and I also made sure I had things that made me fee comfortable (like my boots). In the end everyone was so friendly and there was NOTHING to worry about. You will LOVE it!! I just know it. You know what the best thing about lessons are? Someone is always telling you what to do and it is always okay to ask questions. All the guess work is taken away and your mind will be so occupied with everything that is confusing you wont have time to be nervous anymore. lol

    I LOVED my first English lesson and really didnt have time to feel like an idiot... was too busy trying to keep my butt square in the saddle:)

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  34. I'm sooo excited for you! I know you'll catch onto it fast. I know what you mean tho...I go into new barns, new trainers, new horses and this always makes me nervous but each time I suck it up and just do it, I gain SOOO MUCH by learning from different trainers AND horses. Keep us posted, can't wait to hear how it goes.

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  35. "There is nothing like something new to motivate you..." - I love that quote from you!
    I've been trying new things too in my mid thirties:)

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  36. I am sure you are going to have a blast with this! I can't wait to hear about it!

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  37. I have never wanted to ride saddle-seat. But what I do want to do is jump. And I may have a horse to show as a jumper! My pretty gray mare. My friends won't let me sidetracked from my barrel racing goals, but I'm going to learn this jumping thing!

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  38. Sorry I am coming to this post late - playing catch-up here in PA. Anyway - good luck with your new endeavor and good for you!!! Trying new things is what keeps us alive. It is too easy to get in a rut in life if we don't branch out! You will have so much fun! I can't wait to hear all the stories about your lesson.

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  39. Go Girl - I know how you feel - I turn 39 in August & have been lucky enough to have made a new friend in the last few years who is very horsey. We picked up a thoroughbred rescue last December for me to ride. Rosie, 15'3" & 7 years old. She's a sweetheart, but has definitely shown me that I still have a lot to learn. We have joined Pony Club & had our first introductory lesson to dressage. Wow it was hard work, I had only ever done a little bit of dressage on my friends horses who have all done it before. To ride a horse who had never done it before was challenging, but by the end we were changing paces when & where we were supposed to & overall completing a test, not concentrating on rider position though. What a great feeling to learn something new! I hope you enjoy your lesson.

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I love hearing from my readers!! I truly enjoy all of your feedback, advice, helpful tips, and stories. You all make me laugh and I learn so much from you, too. I will try to post replies to your comments as often as I can.

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