Lessons Learned

Saturday morning was the first time I ever hosted numerous riding lessons at our place. A few of my friends came over with their horses and we all took riding lessons from Billie. It went great, but I’ve learned a few things….
1. Make more blueberry muffins. By the time I got around to snagging one, they were gone. Dang!
2. Have plenty of beverages on hand. I felt like a big dummy because I only had two sodas and kool-aid to offer my guests. I forgot to buy enough beverages for everyone. Although I wasn’t getting paid for anything, I wasn’t a very good host when I can’t even offer juice with the muffins or a cold soda in the afternoon after a very hot day. Jeez.
3. Have an actual schedule. That way the instructor can know who’s up next, when she can take a break, and everyone knows when they need to be ready.
4. Don’t go last. Five people were before me, and when I finally got in the saddle, I was hitting information overload, the sun was the most intense, and I was just plum tired and so was the instructor. We got a good lesson in, but I think I would prefer going first, that way I can sit back and relax and simply watch the others instead of trying too hard to play hostess. The Saturday lessons were great though, and i'm looking forward to hosting another one.

Bug and I had a good lesson, but learning how to ask him to bend at the trot (there’s an actual name for it, but I forgot) has been the most challenging so far. For some reason I just wasn’t getting it. He did it a few times, but I think he was confused as to what I was asking, because I’m sure I wasn’t asking very clearly. He kept wanting to turn, so I need to keep my outside rein solid and he gives me a little bend to work that inside hind leg. I felt like I was a complete mess – not as much excitement and warm fuzzies as my previous lessons, but I guess you’ll have those. I’m anxious to practice practice practice. I think the first chance I get I’m going to take Bug out of the ring and see if I can just frog around at the trot in the field just to get my feet planted in the stirrup during the post.

Wish I could afford lessons at least 3 times a week – but that money tree hasn’t really bloomed yet. I have foregone my hair appt, a pedicure and a night out with the girls to afford my last two lessons…what can I sacrifice next? I’ll think of something. :)