Had a lesson with one of my favorite instructors, Pat, on Sunday. She was with me when I first started riding Zoe, coaching me through all my nervous hyperventilation. :) I haven't ridden with her in quite a while so I was looking forward to showing her that I'm doing so much better and can handle my horse now. Which I was sort-of able to do....
We were up at Black Walnut again, but riding with only three other riders this time. Zoe was better about the mirrors and wasn't too energetic but she wasn't the most cooperative of animals either. Pat kept calling out that Zoe was being rude (which she was) with her non-compliance to my requests to stand still. Gradually, as the hour wore on, Zoe settled in and did her job....sort-of.
My big challenge of the day was to be the one in charge. (Ha! Isn't that always my challenge with Zoe??) When trotting, Zoe wanted to go fast-fast-fast. My job was to bring her back to the pace I wanted. Oh, and to remember to breathe! Finally, Pat had me recite "Mary had a little lamb..." while posting. This helped me accomplish two things: 1) I could keep a steady pace while posting and begin to control Zoe's speed, and 2) I had to breathe in order to say the dang poem! And it totally worked. When I told E about this, she said that she's been reciting Row, Row, Row Your Boat for the same reason for years. :)
So if you ever see me riding in the future don't be surprised if you glance over and catch me mouthing the words to Mary Had A Little Lamb...
