Fourth riding lesson

Finally! A morning without rain!

Joanne didn't feel well today, so the girl who's training to be an instructor took over. Her name is Serene, I think.

My pony for today was this mare named Chico. We had to learn how to change directions using hand- and foot-work. So, for almost 90 minutes, all four of us were just following the rider in front in a series of turns and twist and all.

Chico was being stubborn. She was willing to do sporadic walking for the first ten minutes or so. Then she planted her hooves in the sand and refused to move, no matter how I - or even Serene - tried to coax her to. So, for about fifteen minutes, I was stuck on Chico, in the middle of the paddock, while the rest walked all around me.

It wasn't until one of the guys went off to tell Joanne about Chico's misbehavior that Joanne came with a crop and gave it to me, telling me to tap her a bit. I didn't really have to tap hard, and after the first few times, knowing I was holding a crop, Chico moved on (although a bit grudgingly, I think), following Charlie, who's her friend.

The only problem with me is that I sit pretty stiffly in the saddle. I think it's because of my unconscious positioning to place the least amount of pressure on my spine, because of my back problem. So I had to consciously keep my body relaxed, moving with the sway of Chico's walk.

Was a nice start. =)

Next lesson on Friday at 11am. W00t!

A question about changing directions: if I want to move the pony right, I'll have to open my right arm, I know. But do I squeeze the body with my right calf also? or my left calf? (and vice-versa) I keep getting them confused, because Joanne says one thing, and Serene says another.