The Most Fun!

Yesterday morning I had more fun than I've had in a LONG time! It really wasn't anything Earth-shattering, I just rode a different horse. In fact I rode a horse I spent several months riding last year. BUT: this time I knew a little bit more about what I was doing! I showed up for a group lesson (which I haven't done in over a year) to ride Raven. She is a very cute black American Saddlebred mare. We have a bit of a troubled history, in Dec '06 I fell off this same cute horse and broke my tailbone and gave myself a concussion. But I never let my fear overtake my passion, in fact I finished my lesson with the aforementioned injuries, and competed in a show less than a month later. But back to the future: I wanted to ride her because my dream is to own/show my own ASB (saddlebred). Currently I show a NSH (national show horse, 1/2 arabian, 1/2 saddlebred) named Apachee who I love, love, love. In order to 'test' myself in accordance with my dream I rode Miss Raven. Who was definitly a challenge to collect and keep going. I'm a bit embarassed to admit I've grown accustomed to 'push button'. So I finally had to work a little to achieve the same thing. We worked both directions at a trot, trying to figure each other out. Then Melissa asked if I would like to canter her, of course I said Sure! Well once we finally got the lines of communication open, that girl TOOK OFF! It was the most exhilarating experience!! Each step felt as though we were launching off the ground! So we stopped and turned around for the other lead, WOW even better this way!! Whew, I was pretty sweaty at the end, but it was definitly worth it. I hopped on my own show horse and away we went. I think he was pretty happy that Raven had 'warmed me up'...once he got over his jealousy at having to share me. So the lesson is to take risks and try new challenges. It could end up being the best day in a LONG time!