Bubbles, my rescue dog, came today for the first time. She was such a hit, I’m pretty sure she will be a regular participant. She is obsessed with ball chasing and gives everyone a chance to learn how to toss a ball with the ‘chuck-it’. It’s a great tool, helping each learn how to throw a ball.
This session was face-paced, yet safe, and all three participants got to ride both Riley (with a saddle) and Sunny (bareback with pad). Riley is tried and true with beginners who are getting their confidence up and figuring out the balance and rhythm of riding a horse, he is so patient and sturdy.
Due to his steady personality many kids are excited to get to trot and keeping it safe we start the trot on-line or in-hand. The kids quickly get the hang of it and start trotting around solo, a super feeling of confidence unfolds.
As the rider begins to feel the rhythm of the horse's gait she/he begins to go with the flow. The help of a kind gentle horse creates a sense of safety and empowerment in us. We send gratitude out to our animal allies. It comes back to us 100 fold and we rest in safety.
Today we had two returning students and one new fella. All had a chance to ride both horses. First Riley with a saddle, then Sunny bareback, with a pad. A rider's body has to relax yet grip while riding bareback. It allows one to feel more connected to the horse and a little scary with no stirrups to anchor one’s body firmly atop the large animal.
(Names are changed for confidentiality)