21 June 2009

Questioning Pella

Well, I officially started half-leasing Pella on June 1st and the experience has been fun so far. Mostly....
She's a really fun mare to ride. I finally understand the halt aids and therefore the half-halt aids and it has been a truly wonderful experience to ride a horse that knows more than I do. (Oh, so *that's* the big deal about a broke horse!) I hadn't realized how truly defensive my riding had become until I got on a horse that stops every time you clamp your thighs down. And those stiff arms? Her head pops right up in the air to tell me she doesn't approve. I've only been able to ride her in one lesson but I'm seeing a huge improvement in my riding just from what she's been teaching me during our rides. I'm more relaxed and, it turns out, a better rider than I thought I was!
That being said she has some soundness issues that I'm not sure I want to take on. They might be manageable but so far I've had quite a few days I haven't ridden just because she wasn't completely sound. And, those of you who have been with me on this journey will understand why this makes me nervous.
But more importantly, I'm not sure she's a good match for me. If you've ever been on a date and spent the entire time thinking about someone else then you're close to how I feel about Pella. She's a nice mare, very honest when she's working, and I like her. But I don't wake up on my ride days excited to go and see HER. And that seems wrong to me. I've talked to my trainer about it and we're going to look at some other horses too. I'm not saying no to this one, but I'm not sold on her either. In the meantime, I'm having a wonderful time riding and learning and I'm grateful to her for sharing her time and expertise.

2 comments:

  1. Sometimes it takes time to bond with a horse. Sometimes it's not the right horse. Only you can say how you want to go forward - trust your instincts. It never hurts to look at other horses if you're not sure.

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  2. Oh Good Jil! Nice to see you back!
    Great to hear all your discoveries too!

    I know that when I take a lesson on others horses..I also have become a rider that was hidden somewhere where on my mare. It is tough to be the nice rider -you are- on a green horse..but if you like(or have them only) green to improove them and the time/patience it takes..well...
    I am glad that you are half leasing first and trying others too...I do think you will KNOW when you meet the Who-Horse that'll take your heart away!
    yea, soundness isssues scare me too....
    Kac

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