First Steps In The Horse World

October 23, 2007

Paradoxically, the first horse experiences I can remember are all bad. My mom had me perched on horseback since before I could walk, and I don’t even remember learning the basics like stop, go, turn, trot, post.

I do, however, very distinctly remember a black and white pony - appropriately named Domino - stepping on my foot and leaning on it as stubbornly as a cow. Thus, it’s a little amusing that I always tell students and new-to-horses people that horses don’t like to step on our feet and either avoid it completely or move right off. The two smallest toes on my 8-year-old right foot were vividly purple, and I wished desperately that they were broken. I guess I thought that a cracked bone would somehow validate the experience; maybe I wanted to be some kind of martyr.

I may not remember learning to walk and trot, but I certainly remember cantering lessons. In fact, the second horse experience I remember was the first time I cantered on a horse . . . and it wasn’t on purpose. Lance was the steadiest school horse you could imagine, but my 9-year-old self was convinced his smooth, easy lope was running away with me. The next summer I went to day camp at the Riding Centre and begged not to ride Lance. But my mom and her best friend (who was the instructor) aren’t very sympathetic, and I’m pretty sure they assigned me to Lance just because I was afraid to ride him.

I’ve come a long way since those first two memorable experiences, and I’ve gained many more good memories along the way. This is the start of sharing these experiences and insights - starting a conversation for all horse lovers of all ages and experiences to enjoy!

Posted in General, Horsin' Around