Mom really needs to get some superglue for her butt - today at the Fun show Mom decided to ride me in a walk trot class and just walk (since it was a small show and people agreed to be patient!). It was really windy and I got all wound up - so I decided to go for a run around the arena! I just forgot that the gate was closed and that Mom couldn't sit rollbacks very well! She flew into the gate really hard!

I was so afraid she'd be mad at me, I was shaking when she walked up! But she just patted my neck and we sat out the next round. I'm pretty jumpy still, I wasn't up for anymore of THAT today. But Mom insisted and got on - I was super nervous! But Anita led us a few steps and then Mom got off, so it wasn't so bad...We just had some quiet time then.

I *love* Bribe Your Horse! It's the only time Mom really plays with me! And I get to be an Arabian and throw my legs and head around all handsomely, plus got to run as fast as we could. We even got a second place! Kane beat us, but I'm not surprised, they are very good. I also surprised Mom by being pretty well behaved on the Leading Pattern class! We got second there too and did I showed off a very pretty trot and Mom threw in an improvised bow at the end! Not too shabby! ;) I love looking good.

Notes from Mo's Mom: Thought I should weigh in with my 'own' perspective of what happened today. In retrospect, the situation could have been avoidable. I had realized that that spot on the rail was causing Mo some anxiety, whether it be the barn in plain view, some leaves blowing, trees, whatever. I should have anticipated that it would upset him again. I SHOULD have turned him sooner - for whatever reason I didn't. Maybe I was worried about running into other people, worried about running into the fence, worried about flexing left versus right - for whatever reason I failed to execute a bend and turn him into a circle. And by the time my brain clicked back in, it was too late to flex him. Believe me, I tried as hard as I could. I will be the first to admit that I am *not* an expert horseman - nor I am the best rider. Is Mojito too much of a horse for me? Probably a little. Am I willing to put in the work to develop as a rider until I can keep up with him? You bet. This is not the first time I have fallen off and it probably won't be my last. 

I am incredibly glad that I uncharacteristically decided to wear my helmet today, since I have a large scuff on the back now that would have undoubtedly made a corresponding lump on the back of my head had I not been wearing it. But would I describe myself as frightened? Not really. Embarrassed and disappointed maybe. A little frustrated. But I would like for Mo to become my partner. And if I  have to work to bring myself to that level, then that's what I have to do. I know he is learning too and it is frustrating that he can make mistakes and I can simply correct them, but my mistakes as I am learning are somewhat more drastically corrected. But I guess that makes them that much more effective teaching tools.

Do I think I am in over my head? No. I have an excellent trainer, who, by the way has a website - I'll link you to it if she allows me too after mentioning our wreck today, haha. She's effective, firm, understanding and best of all willing to work through all the this garbage with Mojito and I. Am I the rider I could be? No. Is Mojito, a completely unbroke, untouched Arabian gelding an ideal mount for my first horse? Probably not. But do I feel that we can both get up to the level where we can be a safe and effective team? Absolutely - with guidance. Hence my awesome trainer. I really wish I could pay her a ton more for all she has done for us so far, and the patience she has shown! As I have said before, this is not the first time I have fallen, and probably will not be my last - but that's ok. As long as I continue to improve from it. I will continue to listen to criticism and advice from those I trust, 


As for safety - I'm not calling it quits unless those I truly trust as equine professionals and sane human beings voice their honest concerns that Mojito and I are no longer safe within reasonable limits as a riding pair and our interactions are becoming dangerous. 


Regarding my future plans, we'll take it slow. We'll do some work on a lead line again - INDOORS where we're more comfortable. Go back a few steps to where we both feel safe. And then move on. Take it a bit slower with riding outdoors - and we'll get over it! <3

Labels: falls, shows