Lesson 19 - Awesome

Wow - can't believe how long I have been back in the saddle! :)

Last week my lesson was just awesome! It was made perfect by adding one simple aid to the ride - a crop. *sigh* - I hate crops, and I won't actually hit a horse with one, but they often are enough of a "visual" aide to make things go more smoothly. We all know that Simon's normal cadence at the trot while we are warming up is barely a western jog - like a slow motion attempt at jogging, taking tiny steps, barely exerting any effort. Kim handed me the crop from the ground, and Simon turned his head so he could see it out of the corner of his eye. He knew what it was and was not sure what I was going to do with it. But just having it in my hands made him much more responsive to my leg aides, and he trotted off with more energy and length in his stride.

When Kim came to the ring to deliver the crop, the other trainer who has been in Simon's life through several owners came to the side of the ring to have a seat and watch. "Oh, great" I think to myself. Apparently no one has ever used a crop on him - it has never been needed. She probably had other thoughts, but in my mind, of course I feel like I'm being watched to make sure I don't beat the heck out of him. :) Not my style at all, anyways, but only slightly intimidating. I managed not to think about it and just enjoy Simon's energy and newfound respect for my requests for forward movement.

We had such an awesome ride! His energy made it easy to get to a good spot in front of the fences, no molasses-like takeoffs, and a couple beautiful courses. It was great! I never hit him with the crop - he was never disobedient. I did flick my wrist and tap it a few times on my thigh, but that was all it took to wake him up. Eventually, I tapped my leg a little more than I should have and as we came off a corner he seemed irritated and kindof bucked to switch leads. :) Too much, I got the message and gave the crop back to Kim. But Simon maintained his energy and we finished with 3 more beautiful jumps! I am guessing that the only time he has ever been around a crop was when a trainer was trying to teach him to do flying changes (which he really doesn't like to do). He has never been one to have trouble with momentum before me - I guess I make him more relaxed than anyone else ever has. That's a good thing. And now I have a way to wake him back up and make sure he pays attention - and that's right where I want to be.

I think my favorite thing about Simon is how loudly he speaks. I know that sounds weird - for a horse and all - but he makes it clear exactly what he thinks about a situation - especially when he's pissed. :) I guess you also have to be enough of a rider to recognize and understand his "voice" when he is speaking. But I really feel like we've built a partnership over the past 5 months and we work together for the ride - and that Simon actually likes me for a human :). It wouldn't be any fun if we didn't get along, so to speak. Kim continues to say how much he likes me and how good he is for me - maybe I'm the first human who has actually "listened." :)

It all reminded me of another Chestnut colored horse that I loved once - "Monday" was her name. A few of you know exactly who I'm talking about - and how I was the only one that she really listened to and got along with. She'd be over 30 now, but I know that she passed away 5-6 years ago. Funny to think that we almost bought her instead of Sweetie, but I have always known that Sweetie was without a doubt the best decision we ever made. Sweetie and I obviously have that close relationship - even closer than with Monday or Simon. Sweetie's just been a very lucky horse to have an only owner & rider and no one else to compare to. :) (Lucky for me! :) )