The First Lesson

I hadn't mentioned it before, but Bouffe is stabled at Gunpowder Stables in Kingsville, MD. The owner of the farm Patrice Messercola daughter Tricie, taught lessons, mostly to children, but I had seen her ride and knew she was experienced. A couple of days ago I asked her about coaching me and found out she was a three day event rider who was experienced through training level dressage, which is the discipline I wanted to show Bouffe in. So today is our first lesson.

Because of all his years on the race track Bouffe is more comfortable traveling around the ring the same direction the races  run, counterclockwise and responds to all aids better on his left side than his right; therefore, we did most of our work clockwise. 

I felt like a beginner when Tricie showed me how to hold my reins, out from the horses neck and how to squeeze with my lower leg in the long stirrup leathers. Much different from the hiked up stirrups I was used to at the racetrack. My legs are much weaker now, because of the MS, than they were the last time I rode seriously on the racetrack. My lower legs were aching from squeezing Bouffe's sides to make him bend and I thought I will never be able to post when Tricie said, "trot please."

I had never trotted in hippotherapy and was surprised how strong my legs felt as I was able to lift myself up and down off the saddle.  My confidence was growing.

Bouffe had always worn a shadow roll when he raced and I could see why, as he carried his head high as we trotted. Tricie showed me how to apply and release pressure on the reins on the outside and then the inside rein, which did help, even if ever so briefly, Bouffe to get the idea to lower his head.

Tricie said I was doing well and so was Bouffe. We ended the lesson on that positive note.