The Oakley Diaries - 18: Lesson The First- Wow

I let my friend R.M. have her first real horse ride on Oakley. It was a thrill and a pleasure for us both. Firstly, because, for years, we've had an ongoing argument:

"I know how to ride."
"No, you don't."
"But I've been on lots of trail rides."
"Yes, exactly."

She has only ever been astride one of those poor, old, tired, much-used trail-horses safe for tourists and kids on birthdays to ride because they are too worn out to spook and trained to ignore whatever the rider does. So it was a delight when, after she got on (with some difficulty, never having tried to climb into a saddle without a horn), got straightened up, feet in stirrups and then have Oakley move forward. It took about five seconds and the light went on and her expression changed to one of wonder and amazement and excitement, as she felt Oakley move. She felt his power and liveliness, his muscles and his smooth gait an she realized that she was on a very fine horse.

Her eyes widened and her mouth opened and she rode for a few moments. And I knew that she knew -- at last -- what I'd been telling her all these years: she'd never really ridden.

"Oh, my. He's amazing. He feels so powerful. I barely have to lift the rein to get him to turn... and he moves as soon as I touch his side with my leg... He's so light. He's not like those trail horse, where I have to kick them and they barely move. Look!" she said, grinning, "I'm trotting!"

Secondly, It was a real pleasure for me, too, because I finally got to teach my first lesson. I've helped other riders with suggestions and observations over the years, but I've never actually taught a riding lesson. I've long pondered exactly what ought to be the first lesson anyone receives on horseback, so it was fun to finally teach someone their first lesson and I already knew exactly what they need to know.

The very first thing is how to sit in balance in a saddle. I used exercises from Centered Riding by Sally Swift. So I went over that before moving off, with a simple exercise of how to find a balanced seat while standing.

Next, how to stop. I put this next because it makes sense to me: there is no point in going unless there is a way to stop. So I taught R.M. the 'one-rein stop' because, done properly, it's effective at stopping any panicked horse. Pulling back on both reins rarely works, but pulling the horse into a tight circle and waiting for a stop is very simple and it works. Except near a tree. Also, it's important to do it properly, pulling the horses head around to the side while counting deliberately to four. Too fast, and you get one of the falling-horse stunts as seen in film and on TV.

Finally, to go forward, I told her to try and touch her heels underneath Oakley's belly. Which is a good way to guarantee her heels will be down and her aids start out being gentle.

Throughout the ride, I walked and jogged along near enough to Oakley's head to grab the bridle, just in case and so I could talk.

It was a thrill for us both, and Oakley was beautifully gentle and quiet the whole time.

We're looking forward to lesson two... eventually.

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Comment by Marlene Thoms on May 19, 2014 at 5:25pm

Sounds like a good time was had by all. She'd have a riot of a ride on my Arab. When my greenhorn sons wanted to ride him the first thing I taught was the one rein stop, you know why. My middle son calls it the "e brake"! Actually the horse is not too bad, he just has a terrific springy Arab trot.

Comment by Jackie Cochran on May 18, 2014 at 7:47pm

Good for you!  (And Oakley of course.)

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