Horses for Courses

Today I rode three horses and it was a little bit of a revelation. Whilst it was always pretty obvious to me that each and every horse is not only different in temperament but ability too, I hadn't quite bargained on how we, as riders, also have to adapt our personality and sometimes riding style to suit each individual horse. It's not just a case of getting on and off you go! The first horse I rode was the Robster who's a little bit lazy (only because he's not ridden enough) and who tends to spook fairly easily (only because he's young) and, because he's sometimes like Kevin the Teenager, he's often the one that tends to put me through my paces rather than the other way around! He's adorable though and he more than makes up for his shortcomings with his lovely sweet nature. The second horse I rode was Visco. Visco has quite a reputation in the yard and is mostly described as "mental". He's a beautiful beast standing about 15.3hh and is a beautiful chestnut colour. He belongs to Anna P who (and I'm sure she won't mind me saying this) is also a little mental (in the nicest possible way of course!). Anna also has a little Jack Russell called Dippy who (yes you've guessed it) is also a little mental (again, in the nicest possible way). I only rode Visco at walking pace around the indoor school but the energy emanating from him was amazing. I really enjoyed riding him and would love another go. Anna then got back in the saddle for a canter only for Visco to spook quite badly at a fluttering pigeon who had gotten into the school. Visco took off at a fair pelt but Anna managed to stay on him until he took a corner very sharply and virtually on his knees and that's when she came off. She did bloody well staying on as long as she did though so fair play to her. Happily, both she and Visco were fine and, even though she was a little shaken, Anna got back in the saddle immediately. The third horse I rode was the handsome Jack for whom I have a rather large soft spot. Jack is a sleek, glossy bay standing a mighty 17.1hh and an ex point to pointer. I was thrilled when Anna H asked if I'd like to ride him. I'd had a little walk around on him before with Anna beside me but this time I was on my own and I walked him around the school a couple of times before trotting him. It was amazing. He's an incredibly sensitive and responsive horse and his gait is so smooth, it almost felt like I was floating. I adore Jack and I'm hoping to be able to ride him again next weekend. Suffice to say, today was a good day!

Ps The horse featured in this image is Major the gentle giant.