Posts Tagged ‘equitation
Western?
One of my items on my “to accomplish” list this year is to take a Western Lesson. I “semi” completed that on Monday when I took Boomerang to a “Western” lesson at a local western barn. (I told you I waste no time!) I only say I semi-completed this goal because although I started learning the beginnings to rollbacks and sidepassing, I cheated and rode in my English tack. In my defense Boomer hadn’t been ridden in over a month (except for the few days before the lesson) and I KNEW there would be some bucking involved, and I felt more comfortable hanging on for the ride in my english tack. (P.S. I was right, and he threw more than a few bronco bucks….thanks for making me look bad Boomer!)
Anyway, I’ll check this one off the list officially when I saddle up in the Western saddle! (Perhaps next week)
One of my main motivators for taking Western Lessons is the Extreme Cowboy Race. Also, I just think it will make Boomerang a better all-around pony.
When I originally made my Western Lesson goal I was thinking – that would be great to try since I’ve never done it before. Only after a few days did I remember I HAVE TRIED IT!
It had totally slipped my mind that for a semester in college I was on the Kutztown Equestrian Team. Not only did I try my hand at Hunters…
But I also tried a little Western Pleasure riding too…
Admittedly I only lasted a semester because it wasn’t “exactly” what I thought it would be. While it was great fun meeting new people, taking riding lessons at school, and trying something I had never done – the whole Hunter/Western Pleasure thing wasn’t really for me.
I felt like I was frozen when I rode around in the Hunter arena, and I had the hardest time getting rid of what the team called “Dressage Bobble Head” – too long in the Dressage saddle didn’t really help my hunter position either. It felt so strange! Thinking Western had to be WAY better I pictured barrel racing, reining, and team penning – I was not expecting to be caked with makeup and made to wear an outfit that itched – and god forbid my chaps touched the ground!
Not that there is anything wrong with that type of riding, I just discovered that it wasn’t really for me. I’m so glad I tried it though, I think it helped make me a better rider. I rode LOTS and LOTS of horses, and I broke out of my comfort zone.
I’m very much looking forward to a little more “rough and tumble” western riding though. Who knows what will happen next, maybe I’ll try team penning or even reining! How cool!
What about you, have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new? Maybe 2011 is your chance to do something new with your horse! You can do it!
In the meantime, I’ll try to update on my Western Progress….maybe I should get a cowboy hat!
