So pleased with myself

I'm back. I had a fab time and I am really pleased with myself. I got there and there were loads of cars parked up, so I realised that I wasn't going to be keeping this a secret! A couple of the girls had been to McD's and got pancakes and were sitting in the barn eating. Bev came along and got me the indemnity to sign, and off I went for my lesson in the indoor school. Murphy (piebald? skew bald?) is lovely and solid and not too bouncy in trot apparently. And while he's not as tall as our horse (Lara) it's still a long way down when you are sitting on him.

Bev led me round the school in walk for a couple of laps so I could get used to being on a horse again, then I was walking him on my own. Then we trotted - rising trot which felt quite smooth and natural and Bev reminded me how to make sure I was on the correct diagonal. Sitting trot was next, which was more comfy than I had remembered from those long distant lessons many years ago. We changed rein and trotted some more. Then on to serpentines in walk, rising trot and sitting trot, and again on both reins. More trotting on the large track on both reins, then it was time to do some exercises on Murphy. Feet out of the stirrups, lifting my feet up and pointing my knee down to stretch the thigh muscles. Bliss! Attempting box splits and leaning forwards. Not bliss. Lying back flat and then sitting up again. Comfortable in lying position, but getting back to sitting without a winch was a challenge! Feet back in the stirrups for a bit of trotting in light seat. Now that was fun, and the weight of my bum acted as a counterbalance so I didn't tip forwards ! We had covered downward transitions, with varying degrees of success. Walk to stop was ok, but trot to walk will take some more practice! Bev had warned me that my legs would be wobbly as I dismounted, and sure enough I landed on my feet then on my knees!

I had a great time. I was so pleased with what I could remember from when I last rode. My legs ache now, well the insides of my thighs do. But it's that nice ache from when you know you have worked hard, like after a run or a swim or a bike ride.

I'm there again tomorrow and Thursday for more lessons. I think I could quite easily be bitten by the riding bug again...