reinersblog.com

Ok, I haven’t posted in awhile because I’ve been super busy with work, but also because my confidence got kicked into the dirt a little. No one’s fault really, but it made me realize that when you pick a trainer, you really need to do your homework first.

I had my first reining lesson about three weeks ago on a school horse. Long story short, I ended up getting off the horse, in tears, and walking out of the arena. I was completely convinced that I’m too thinned-skinned for riding lessons. Now that I’ve had a chance to calm down about it, I know that’s not true, but it will be awhile before I go hunting for a coach again.

I don’t know about riding instructors, but I’ve spent enough time in school to know that each teacher has his/her own style of teaching. I, naturally, learned the most with teachers that taught in a style that is best suited the way I learn. So, while the reining instructor that I had is probably extremely effective with other types of learners, with me the results were pretty upsetting (for both of us). I feel pretty bad about the way things ended up; the poor instructor probably didn’t know what happened to make me flee the arena.

I didn’t feel like riding for a week. I was walkin’ around with droopy shoulders and a “can’t do” attitude for days and days. You can only sulk around for so long though, I mean, there ARE horses to ride after all. So, one rainy afternoon, I pulled on my most cheerful pair of funny socks and marched out into the gray, the rain, and the mud and saddled up that “angry” horse that I love so much. After a few rides (and some Les Vogt DVD watching), all my self-confidence came back and I knoooow I can learn this stuff!

You know what would be great is if I could find an instructor that has also learned from Les Vogt, and teaches in a similar manner. Too much to ask? There must be one out there somewhere (hopefully in Washington State).

Yes…those are English riding boots. They’re comfortable okay! And anyway, it’s too muddy out to wear my new boots. Jeeeeeeeez!

First ride back from Alaska, Leo and I forgot everything. There are just loads of issues: staying between the reins, picking up the right lead and not dropping the shoulder, stopping while keeping the head down and on and on. But, since we had such a great ride today, I’m going to stress about all that tomorrow.

We spent an hour in the arena and then went on a two-hour trail ride in the mountains with friends. It was beautiful out—green ferns everywhere, moss spilling off branches, creeks trickling, birds chirping. I think it’s great to get him out of the arena once in awhile. It’s sure a nice workout. We were both pretty beat when the ride was over.

Yesterday I went and saw my first reining show. I only made it toward the end, but saw three competitors and a few schoolers. One of the riders who was schooling his horse just walked his horse up to the judges, stood there, then got off his horse and walked out. We all hooted and hollered like it was the best performance ever. Everyone was laughing. I’m glad I went. Now the idea of participating in a show doesn’t seem as scary or intimidating.

There was a cutting afterward, which was also fun to watch. It was a cutter that invited me. He introduced me to some people, so I had a lot of company in the stands. They were all extremely nice people. The neatest thing about it is I think I found an instructor. He said he knew all about Les Vogt’s program, so I’m hoping that if I take lessons, I can still apply the principles I’m learning with CowHorse U.

I didn’t think I’d be able to find a reining instructor in this area and really couldn’t believe it when he said he was only 20 minutes from where Leo is. I saw him riding in the arena and he had his horse moving sooooo nicely. He did some spins and lead changes—all seemingly perfect to my amateur peepers. I was introduced to him and he said he was accepting students. Yay!