We are on our way!

Our first lesson went really well! The instructor was happy with the fit of the sidesaddle, which is a major relief as sidesaddles are so rare in NZ, let alone finding another wide fitting one. Molly only had a moment of confusion about legs on one side and thought the instructor wanted turn on the forehand. She had a quick walk, trot & canter and both reins then it was my turn.

She is such a trooper, she took to it really easily. We were cantering within 10 mintues, not very well but we did it.

So now we have taken the first step, the rest of it from here is mileage and refinement. I need to get my right hip back, as it likes to creep forward, and I need to sort out where I like to carry my hands, as it is quite strange having them either side of your knees.

Credit where credit is due

Firstly I have to say that is NOT me in my title picture. That is Anne Moss on her horse Helium. Rather unwittingly (I'm sure) Anne has been my inspiration ever since she started writing her column "C U @ X" in the Balance magzine.
http://www.libertysidesaddle.org/thebalance/index.html

I have that picture up in my tack room to inspire me and to keep in mind what I am aiming for - competing in registered dressage aside.

I intend this blog to be a journal to chart our progress as my wee horse (Molly) who has never seen a sidesaddle before, and me (with only a couple of rides under my belt) set off on our journey.

We have our first sidesaddle lesson this weekend, and I will post how Molly reacts after that. Hopefully she will take to the sidesaddle, otherwise I'm rather stuck...!