It's the morning after the day before! Not involving alcohol (actually, it did, a half pint)... but it was finally my horse riding treat yesterday.
When I got up in the morning I felt really, really nervous and there were a few tears, but once Liz arrived at 12 and we were in the car the nerves started to go. I think it was the infectious excitement from Liz. Yvonne, who we were riding with (owns a stables) has ridden for years and is an old friend of Liz... they've not seen each other in over 20 years!
We got to the yard, signed a bunch of disclaimer forms and went off to stroke the horses. I think having ten or fifteen minutes just around very steady horses and petting them started to put me at ease. The yard was very much like the old riding school I learnt at, all the same sights and smells with the same friendly, enthusiastic people.
My pony (read horse) was bought out - he was pretty large, although not as big as Liz's horse. He was called Moss and was to be my trusty steed for the hour hack. I might add, at this point, that it was beautifully sunny, with a slight wind. The stables was up high and overlooking the countryside between Harrogate and Leeds. Stunning!
I managed to get on the horse without too much trouble, had the girth tightened, and did my own stirrup lengths (mistake, I was a notch too short but I managed!)
I think because Yvonne is a no nonsense woman, I was immediately at ease. There was no time for nerves, we set off and within 10 minutes I was trotting. My knees complained immediately, but it's amazing how quickly you remember all the leg / hand instructions. On the main road for only 5 minutes, we were passed by a tractor.... normally a major issue for horses, but Moss was as steady as you like. A bomb proof horse. I immediately relaxed and the rest of the ride was a dream. In and out of lanes, up and down hills. Then Yvonne shouted from the front, as we got to a nice soft grounded climb up a hill, "Up for a canter?!" ... "No" shouts Liz behind her... "YES!!!" I shout from behind Liz.... and off we went. We had a brief stop half way up the hill and then back in to canter. I gripped on to my novice strap around the horses neck, just for safety... but it felt total normal, easier than trot. As we slowed back into a trot I told myself if we cantered again I'd sit down and push on like I used to.
A little more hacking, and then into an open, green field..... we all knew it was coming. We lined up, sat down deep, and took off at a good canter. I let didnt hold on to the strap. I had my balance. All of the joy of riding came rushing back to me, with none of the fear. Moss was steady but quick! He gave more to catch up as the two bigger horses left him a little. As we got to the end of the field and slowed, I gave him a few big pats.
We walked / trotted the rest of the way home, chattering happily. It's the first time I've had the joy of riding back, I've ridden a total of twice in the years since my last accident, and both times I was really nervous. Once in South Africa, and once again in Doncaster. This time it feels like I'd happily do it again. And I think that Liz and I will make it a good few times a year together. Liz had a great time too, and both of us can move this morning which is great. Last time, in Doncaster, I couldn't walk for a week. Because I've been to the gym lots and am a good deal fitter, I was much more ready to ride.
Once we were off the horses (after a picture was taken, which I will share once I get hold of it) we decided to all go to the pub (hence the half pint) - Yvonne said something which was probably throw away for her, but was nice for me - she could tell that I'd ridden in the past. So I haven't forgotten everything. I let the ladies catch up over what turned out to be 3 pints, and then escorted them home.
The most fun that I've had in ages, so a big thank you to Matt who paid for both of us to go as my weight loss treat and for the pints, as it turned out!!
I am off to get some bits for Matt's birthday on Friday now. A happy bunny.
G out x
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