Walking with T

The only good thing about not riding for several weeks is how great it feels to get back on a horse.

And, wow, did it feel great today.

It was only two weeks without a ride. T hurt her mouth so I could not ride a couple weeks ago and I was out of town last week.

I got these things called Toe Stoppers to help my ankles stay in the right shape. They worked great. They go on the stirrups and keep your feet from bending too much down. They seemed to help. My ankles did feel a little tired after the ride, but it felt like they were sore from being held in the right place.

They also made it easier to "walk" with T.

Her rhythm tended to flag a little when we started to do circles. I think she was looking askance at Claren and mom, but Dada usually pointed out something else. I know I was not really watching where I was going. Again. I still think Claren was a burr under T's saddle.

Anyway, to keep up her momentum, Dada told me to squeeze my heels in rhythm with her walk. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially for those of us with no walking rhythm. But T was forgiving and we got a little rhythm going, not Motown rhythm, mind you, but a little. My legs are still feeling that as I write this; I love that.

And I got to trot with T. It was our first time. Dada and Kate jog alongside to hold me and I jiggle all around. I have no illusions about doing it on my own – I can't see where I am going – but it is so fun. In the picture, I am getting ready to trot and am smiling widely.

I didn't need to use my legs early in the lesson. T was walking fast. Kate said she was a little surprised at how fast we were going. It felt real good, but I get into bad habits when I don't ride every week. I forgot to look ahead. I leaned forward a bit. So much to improve, but now that I am riding again, I can fix them!