Riding Lessons...

I have mentioned before (here) how much I always thought of horse back riding as "therapy". It was the way that I released stress and also always seemed to be part of the way that I defined myself. Because of that, the past few years without consistent riding opportunities has been really hard for me.

Back at the beginning of the year, I went and watched my cousin Megan take a riding lesson. Megan is much younger and it was so exciting for me to be able to see how much she loved what she was doing! This past weekend, I was having a particularly grumpy day and decided that I needed to take charge of my life and do something for me. So, I decided to schedule a lesson with Megan's teacher! I called her instructor and told her about myself... I have ridden and shown stock seat (western) horses for my whole life but have only been in an English saddle a handful of times. I told her that I probably won't fall off but that I might not be the prettiest picture :)

The funny thing, is that English and Western riding attire is completely different so of course I had to buy some new stuff :) I had to buy pants, boots, and a pair of half chaps. Holly, the instructor, told me that I could just wear my cowboy boots and jeans for the first couple of lessons to make sure that I liked it... but I got a little over anxious and ordered the stuff anyway. The pants that I ordered look like these (don't they look flattering??) and my boots and chaps are black!

I don't think that I'll ever give up my love for stock horses. They are truthfully what I'd rather have, but I do think that it will be great for me in lots of different ways. Mostly because I will get to ride as often as time allows but it will also help me to keep my seat in decent shape.

Be on the look out for pictures :) I'll be sure to have my photographer (Drewby) taking lots for me!