Annie from the stables called me up in the middle of my sleep at 9am today to ask if I wanted a lesson at 2pm today. So, off I went in the middle of the afternoon for my eighth riding lesson.
I met one of the owners of the stables. She's an Indian, Mani? (hope the spelling of her name is correct) Her whole family owns the stables, apparently. Rich buggers. She promised to let me know if they had any events and needed handlers. So I guess that's that.

Got Peanut today, this chestnut pony who'd just given birth to the foal - Sunshine - three months or so ago. She wasn't in one of her moods today and was a gentle and sweet mare.

We got yet another instructor today - Malay or Indian guy, I think - because Joanne was still on sick leave. He made us warm up the ponies, and then did the riding trot/posting all the way.
Peanut's gait is very nice for the trot, and I found myself riding more easily once I found my rhythm, even though I lost it a few times. But her trot was smooth enough that I didn't have to force myself upwards, nor counter-balance myself against the forward motion too much.

Question: how is the trot of a horse and a pony different?

The trainer also made us ride around without stirrups, forcing us to balance ourselves deep in the saddle, and work our feet out: rotate the ankles, point the toes down, and point them up. He made us do all that while walking and trotting. Interesting experience.

So...ninth lesson on Thursday...almost done with the basic level...