Horseback Riding Lessons

Me riding Quinn

Lead Practice with Quinn

5 day old pony colt

 Horseback riding is something that I have always wanted to learn and, now, I have a chance to do so! When I looked into it in Calgary, everywhere I found wanted me to pay a membership, join their club, and basically lay out a few hundred dollars before I even got to see a horse. While I can see their viewpoint, that just wasn't feasible as a student with limited funds.

In Raglan, I have been getting lessons through Spirit Rides from the amazing Stephanie (check out her website here).

There are so many options for trail rides in New Zealand that I really wanted to be more confident on horseback than I was. Most of my previous riding experience has been "Here is a horse. Sit on the saddle. Hold the reins. Stay on the horse while he follows the horse in front of him."

Me with the little colt

Stephanie started me on a pad, which is basically a slightly cushioned blanket that is shaped like a saddle. The idea is to really feel the way the horse moves and to learn to plug my butt into the horse so that I move with him instead of as a separate entity. It was such an awesome experience that I decided to go back!

I have been riding weekly for a couple of months now and have progressed to an English saddle (which feels completely different from a western saddle!!) and have worked up to a trot. There's only been one small mishap when Yasmina, a 17 hand beauty, got a bit spooked and decided she really didn't want me on her back. I was already a bit unbalanced and she managed to toss me onto the ground. No damage though and I got right back up. Andrew told me I have to get thrown 7 times to be a cowboy, so I guess only 6 more to go!

Stephanie is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, gently reminding me whenever I forget to keep my legs in position or let my hands drop from the correct position or start to let my posture slip. I know that when we go on a trail ride I'm going to hear her voice in my head correcting me, which is awesome!

I am really looking forward to attempting to gallop/canter along the beach, but I'm a little nervous too. Moving that quickly on something with a mind of its own without a seatbelt or restraint is a little bit intimidating! I'm sure it will be exciting.