Yippee!

T has some energy.

I rode her today for the first time, on a really hot day when I would not have blamed her for being sluggish. Instead, I hardly ever had to encourage her to walk.

She was great, handling my initial wobbliness with no problem. The saddle was a little loose, but once Dada tightened, I felt steady. Everyone said I looked good, too.

Dada said it was a perfect first lesson. We just rode around a while, not trying any patterns, just getting used to each other.

I spent too much time early looking at my hands and not watching where I was going. The result: I ran into a few branches or had to duck out of the way at the last minute. I tried to watch where I was going more later.

I do better later also because we shorten the reins and I am able to control steering without moving my hands too much.

The lesson was made even better because Dada, Kate and Lynne (and Mom, Claren and Brendan) were there. Dada, Kate and Lynne have been my biggest supporters and teachers since I started. I know I am lucky to have them.