These Are the Days of Miricle and Wonder...

As I said the other day, the pictures of me on Odette didn't turn out. So after my lesson yesterday, on Romy, my Trainer (She Who Owns It All) had the idea (She has LOTS of ideas, this women, as you will see) to shoot some shots of me on Odette that I could post them. Next time I am going for this idea PRE-lesson, when I am always a combed out non sweating thing of beauty, but even so, they make me happy.

Every day riding now is new. Every day I learn something more. Every day I am a little bit fitter. And ok, every day I learn just how not YET fit I am. But every day I can do a little bit more. Everything is new, and it's such a wonderful place to be.

Today wasn't a lesson, as in a riding lesson. It was the lesson of You Never Do Know What Will Happen If You Get Off Your BUTT. I had a bad case of NON-motivation this morning and didn't really FEEL like riding. Too tired. Worn out. Neh. Really just wanted more tea and some nice breakfast TV. Time got to it and I told myself, Strongly, either I was going riding or I was taking my BUTT to step class.

I hate step class.

So I rode out. (As the best songs all start)

I was glad I did. Romy and I had a fine ride together. And finished up in time for work. Really glad I rode, thinks I, fine start to the day. Teach me, methinks as I unsaddle my horse.

Then I hear my Nice Trainer Lady (Who wears tall leather boots and carries a whip) call me, tell me to grab my helmet, and come into the ring, by the mounting block.

I mentioned that I couldn't help noticing SHE was on the only horse in the ring, and she hadn't asked me to bring MINE.

Ah, says she, you noticed that, dismounting her horse, Big Al, as he is known. (Quite rightly.)

Get up, she remarked, a remark I kind of knew was coming. Ah, quailed I, just a moment please my legs are shaking. No, just do, speaks her, like a Zen Master to a Grasshopper.

I did. Wasn't going to say NO, now was I? Got up. LONG way up. (Note to self: You couldn't have done that a month ago. Remember this)

Big Al didn't just get off the boat. (Actually, I believe he was flown here, from Germany) he knows what to do. And his rider, my Trainer also knows what to do. They told me. I listened and sort of... floated.

Piaffe.

(Once again, Wiki-land helps us out: Piaffe.)

The Barn Manager, bless her sweet soul, noticed what was going on, and got some pictures, and a video.

I give you my first Piaffe.



No, I haven't stopped smiling.

And I will never ever again even think about being too tired to ride.

You see, I want to do that again.

Love and Piaffe,
Lorraine