RIDE TIME

I might be kinda scarce around here for the next month.  The weather's finally reliably improved, the leaves are about to pop on the trees, and I have to keep reminding myself that it's MAY now, not those crappy spring months of mud and slime.  But the real reason I'll be busy?

LEVEL 4 RIDER TEST.  MAY 21st.  

The date is set.  The test involves written (multiple choice, blanks, T or F kind of test) as well as stable management, lungeing, and the riding test.  Just to keep me on my toes I'll be asked questions from levels 1, 2, and 3.  

I won't be writing much, except for my journal, a few blog entries, and lesson plans!  It's okay - whatever I learn in the horse world about perseverance and presentation and perfection can all be transferred over to the writing world.

Here are my requirements...

RIDER IV

Candidates will be taught how to:

• Understand and explain basic collection
• Execute a simple change of leads from both directions
• Demonstrate proper lungeing procedures
• Demonstrate and explain side pass
• Demonstrate and explain two-track movements
• Demonstrate all practical work referred to in Rider I, II and III

I have to ride this pattern.

I've been looking at that diagram for over a year and finally believe that I can do all the required moves on that list.  I just have to work on putting all the moves together. For example, coming down from the lope to the jog, then gathering up my reins in order to collect for the two track is something I need to work on.  

It just takes practice.  

I'll be riding every day from now until then, whether I feel well or not.  If I feel gruesome I have to at least drag myself into my truck and get out there... just heave the saddle onto the horse and walk the pattern, if that's all I can do.  I tend to have memory problems, so going through the pattern repeatedly is very important.  

I will be presenting myself and the horse as though we're competing in a horse show.  All clean and shiny and well turned out.  I might even get a chance to borrow a show saddle for the day!

I'll probably be riding Bo for my test.  Bo, the borrowed gelding, the Grumpy Old Goat, the horse I love irrationally even though he acts so tough.  

And he's broke to death.  He can do everything.  He's old and needs a good warm up before working, but he's a hell of a good horse.  My only concern is those long legs of his.  See how tall he is compared to me?  I think we're required to mount from the ground.  I might have to ask special permission to use a block to stand on...

However, I also have the option of riding Skyla, the pony mare,  for my test.  And I do love Skyla!  She is absolutely adorable.

She's only 13.3 and a little better suited to my stature!  She is so much fun.  I just don't know if she'll be conditioned enough to do the pattern by the time the date comes up.

I'll just have to ride both of them each day!  I know - POOR ME.  Neither of them belong to me, but I adore them both.

And yes, if you're looking at the horse show pic above, and concerned about the direction my toes are facing... I've worked on that in the last year.  

I could have put off this test indefinitely, but another student is taking it, and since a second coach is required, it has to be planned in advance.  So, no more caution, no more doubts.  Time to saddle up and ride.  

And study.  Talk at ya later.