First thing off the Bucket List

I did it!  I had my first horseback riding lesson.  First of all, let me say - I had a wonderful time and I don't know why it took me so long to try it! :)  My husband had a wonderful time too and on the way home said how we MUST do it again.  Not only did he love the horseback riding, but he loved that we spent time together out of the house, away from daily chores and obligations.  I had a Belgian draft horse that everyone who went by asked - "Oh, don't you love her? It's like sitting on a sofa."  All I wanted to answer was: "Boy you must have some really odd uncomfortable furniture!" LOL - But really, it was comfortable sitting on her, and I was able to get on and off unaided.

At first I was so scared of falling off.  I think that if I wasn't worried about protecting my knees I would have relaxed a bit, even at the prospect of falling off.  I told the instructor I just wanted a big-girl's pony ride, and that I didn't want her to let go of the lead (my husband was on his own almost from the beginning - but the instructor said that for some reason guys are a natural at this - they are all genetically cowboys, I guess).  I did get as far as an almost trot (she called it jogging) and I did learn to post (standing up and down in the saddle so you just aren't bouncing on the horse's back).  I was so proud of myself - really - and that alone made it all worthwhile.  The instructor let go of the lead once, and I was so scared (because I was afraid I still didn't have control over the horse) that I told her to hold on again, but she took a "lunge lead" which allowed her to control the horse but she could do it standing further away, so I was responsible for steering the horse.  Oh, by the way, my horse's name was Belle (and hubby's horse was Bart). 

I wasn't sore that evening or even the next morning, but by Saturday night I was starting to feel it, but the soreness passed quickly - and my knees and quads (actively used in the posting) didn't hurt at all!  Maybe I'm not as decrepit as I think I am! I wish it wasn't such an expensive hobby, because I would have signed up immediately for another lesson.  We did say, however, that it would be a perfect activity for my birthday weekend (in September). 

Anyway - just wanted to report in!  My next activity is a kayak lesson this Thursday evening.  I'm already sad that the summer is coming to a close (I know, I know - it's not even August, but when I measure the summer in weekends left before school starts, we are talking only 5....) but I'm happy that I have taken wonderful advantage of it!

Miriam