Creating a Confident Rider

There's still snow on the ground, but I'm thinking ahead.  I'm planning on getting that Level 4 Rider test (finally) and after that, my Instructor's Exam.  A few of my fellow students and I are getting together with our awesome coach for a practice session every couple of weeks.  The three of us take turns teaching a ten minute lesson while the others observe and take notes.  This should dull us to the pressure of being watched and graded.  We each have some confidence issues.  The best way to build our confidence, as instructors, is to keep teaching until it feels like second nature.

I felt good about last week's session, even though my feet felt like ice after almost two hours in the arena.  (Sure we were indoors but it was still cold!  I kinda wish I could skip right to May or June.)

Confidence is so important.  When I'm riding, my horse needs to feel like he can trust me, that I'm in charge.  When I'm teaching, my student needs to feel like I know what the heck I'm talking about... and that they can understand what I'm saying.  That student is not going to feel confident or comfortable if I'm talking gibberish and blanking out.

I really don't want my students to feel nervous, suspicious of my capabilities, uncomfortable, or flat out scared.

(Although if they looked like him I'd be okay with it.)

The more I teach, the more I feel like I can actually do it.  When I ride, I'm thinking about improving my own riding and also how I'd explain it to somebody else.  

I'm learning to do that explaining more efficiently.  I tend to be too wordy; my coach needs to remind me to say less.  I write like that too and find myself editing everything I write.  Well, it's hard to edit what you say after you've said it!  Too many words confuse a person who's sitting on a horse, trying to figure out what to do with their hands and legs and trying to listen at the same time.  I have to keep it simple. 

I'm remembering to ask for feedback.  "Do you understand?  How do you think that went?  Do you think you've improved?  What could we do to make the next ride better?"

I've always been pretty good at encouraging riders and complimenting them, but again it's necessary to be specific.  If my student is riding along while I'm repeating, "Good good, that was good," they might not know exactly what was good.  Instead I'm remembering to say things like, "Your position is good, your heels are down.  You're using your legs really well, that's good."  

Nobody likes to guess.

I think my biggest breakthrough is finally understanding how to help the rider through improvements, and how to make it happen.  In my lesson plan sheets, there's a step called Progression.  I got it that this meant advancing the activities in the lesson.  For example, if I tell the rider to walk her horse to a pylon and stop, I can make it more advanced by asking for a stop, then a back-up.  

Being able to gradually do more will increase her confidence.  And, coincidentally, mine!

It's taken me about a year to really get this, even though it's so simple. After all this time, watching my own coach work, being a student in her lessons, I'm finally getting how it all works together.

The proof of a good instructor is a good rider.  I'm lucky to have found a good instructor.

My own kids have had some pretty erratic instruction.  I've taught them all along, since they were about four years old, but it's never been very formal.  Really I'm just glad I can teach them; a lot of parents can't teach their own kids.  It can turn into a battle of wills.  For us, it's been a fun family activity, even if there are sometimes frustrations.

My kids have had the advantage of having their own horse in Grandma's back yard.  Every chance we get, they're on horseback, sometimes with me coaching them along, sometimes just riding around in circles, trying not to ride their horses into each other.  They have this thing called FUN.  And in the process, with a few lessons here and there, and just going outside and learning accidentally, they've built up a good amount of confidence.  

So.  What does this teach me?  I have to be sure of myself, gently but firmly push the rider to improve, and above all, make it fun.

Then you get a rider who feels good about herself...

... and her horse...

... and that will make me feel pretty darn good about everything.  

Except for the photo of dear Johnny that I snuck in there, all of these shots were demonstated by our sweet lil mare.  She may not be the most finished and best trained horse -yet- but she's willing, gentle, and appealing.  Kids want to spend time with her.  Can't blame them; I just adore her.

I still like having a story read to me.

Last night I took a little drive up to the Sprawlville Public Library for an author reading.  I made a promise to myself about two years ago that whenever there's an author reading nearby, within driving distance, I'd make a point of showing up with my ears turned on.  I'd bring some cash just in case books are being sold.  

It's not just for the pure entertainment value, or for the education I might get out of it.  It's this whole big karmic cosmic golden rule kind of payback optimism.  That person speaking into the microphone (or just talking loud enough to hear in a small room) is doing something that I want to do.  That's a published author.  I want to be that.  I'll go to these events, and in turn I hope that people will show up to my events in the future.

I'm going to buy a book if I can for the same reason.

Despite all kinds of phobias (I can't answer the phone or make a call easily) and anxieties (don't get me started) I am okay with being the person behind the mic facing a crowd.  Sure I get the butterflies; anybody would.  But I can do it.  I think a lifetime of having a turn doing a scripture reading or sharing a personal story at church has a lot to do with it.  Living with a recording studio helps.  I just don't have microphone fear.

On top of that, I read out loud, every night, for 14 years.  I can do it.

I've done it.  Last November I read a short story at my writers group book launch.  

So, I sat at the back row of the library community room, straining my neck to see Jane Urquhart  as she deadpanned a few humourous anecdotes, joked about her stories, and threatened that she'd already picked out the first person in the room to ask her a question.

I haven't read any of her books yet, but I've read many interviews in the book section of the newspaper.  She's a multiple award winning author.  She's become ubiquitous in this country. 

Her voice was as warm and rich as I imagined it would be.  She's an excellent reader.  I could let my eyes go out of focus and imagine the little girl living in the big house, sneaking through the shadows to get a look at the mysterious teenage orphan girl hired to clean the kitchen.  The images formed in my brain and became very real to me.  

Time to put one of her novels on my To Be Read shelf.

A Boy, A Tractor, A Grandfather

That boy gets more useful around the place every time he's there. 

GO READ MY OSCAR REPORT! C'mon, you know you wanna!

I say he's a keeper. Let's invite him back next year.
It's done! It's done!  Go check it out!  Seriously, it'll take way less time than the real thing and it's lots more fun!

I'm goin' to the Oscars! No, wait. I'm gonna WATCH the Oscars!

I do this for you, so that you don't have to.  You're welcome.  Monday at something o'clock I'll have my big ol' Oscar report on my other blog.  

As usual, I haven't forked out enough cash or effort to actually see most of the movies up for awards.  Also, my kids are at that strange age when "kiddie movies" aren't cool anymore, but I really don't feel like R rated movies are okay, so we're sort of in the PG 13 kind of world.  Mostly comedies.  Usually featuring Will Ferrell, and often making me cringe at some part because of something dirrrrrty.  Having said that, I believe that dick jokes are always better than dismemberment scenes.  But that's just me.

Aaaaaanyways.  I think Brad Pitt will get his Oscar this time.  No reason, other than it was nice of him to take me grocery shopping in my dreams.  I haven't seen "Benjamin Button" but that's mostly because nobody wants to sit in a movie theatre for darn near three hours.  I suffered through it for Johnny's Capt Jack.  

I do want to cheer on Bad Brad but first I have to clear my calendar and make a date with my daughter, since she's the only person who will go with me. This movie is based on an F Scott Fitzgerald book. Curious?


You know, you just know, that The Academy looooves to reward a good make-up/ acting job.

An' yer lookin' good, ol man! Just check you out!  

BUT.  Everybody's talking about "The Wrestler."  Ol' Mickey Rourke has been giving some pretty good interviews.  

Also, I'm going to say it, and it has nothing to do with his tragic departure:  Heath Ledger deserves the award.  Okay fine, I haven't seen the others, okay.  I just can't imagine anybody else putting in a better performance.  This is despite RDJ's presence.  Plus Philip Seymour Hoffman already has one.  Let's not get greedy.

I'd kind of like it if Anne Hathaway got an Oscar.  Three out of five actresses already have one.  I'd like to see if the girl known for playing a Princess Secret Agent Bride can nail down a Big Dramatic Role.  Maybe I'll even rent the movie.  Help me out here: was this girl named after Shakespeare's wife???

Supporting acress?  I have no idea.  Surprise me.

I'm always on the lookout for surprises.  I'm looking for the gorgeous gown, the hideous gown, the fumbled speech, the humble speech, and of course, the montage.  Things develop in a montage.  Of course I'll have to wait about three and a half hours to get it all watched, but at least there are bathroom breaks and snack breaks!

See you on the red carpet.  Haha.

Question: Do you read books?

Obviously you read; you're here.  Or maybe you're just looking at the pictures.  Do you still read paper things with pages?  What are you reading?  Spend money on books?  I need to know.

Barn Cat Bliss

Larry, Curly, and Moe have a pretty sweet life out there in my Dad's old barn.  They've fully recovered from their little stay at the vet's, and have proven themselves smart enough to stay off the road and supplement their daily kibble ration with some nice tasty rodents.  Plus life is fun.  Have a look...

PUPPIES! (forget your gloom and doom) PUPPIES!

We had to make a short and sweet stop at my bestest friend's house, because we hadn't been in that neck of the woods for about six weeks and HAD TO SEE THE PUPPIES! They're about a month old, and had just started out on their first steps two days before.  Oh my gosh.  I do not need another dog I do not need another dog Idonotneedanotherdog. (If you want to see a video of squeaking wobbling puppies go back to Biddie's blog.  Go on, you know you wanna.)

They are five soft wiggling bundles of cute overload.  They could halt wars and cure diseases, I'm sure.

Did I say soft?  Soooo so so soft!

They are the babies of a gorgeous tiny Yorkie- Shi-Tzu or if you want to get fancy about it, a SHORKIE, hahaha, and a large boisterous Bichon Frise.  Although I could be wrong about that; I'd just call them Pretty and Silly.  The puppies would be...BiShork?  Borkie?  Shork-frise?  Let's just call them Adorable.  (And if you wish to call them Mutts, be assured that Mutts are awesome!)

They totally put on a show for us.  They were making little growling noises as they pretended to fight, and they tried out a few little barks.  Oh man it was soooocute!

Look at the little white tuft on the end of that tail!

This is Ruby, the mama.  It's her first litter.  And her last.  She darn near died for these little guys.  They're not allowed to suckle her anymore (good thing there are lots of humans in the house willing to bottle feed puppies) but she is still a protective and loving mama.  

All ferocious 7 lbs of her.

Of course, I'm like Snow White with the critters.  I simply hold out my hands and the woodland creatures and house pets flock to me.  I'm a critter magnet.  

Handfuls of puppies!!! I'm in HEAVEN!

They were suckling my sweater.  And my knuckles.  And Bucky's ankle.  He's pretty sure they almost gummed off his Achilles tendon.  

Are you seeing those white eyelashes?  Like, just knock me over right now.  

Any idea how hard it was to NOT slip one into a coat pocket?

Or make a rash impulsive promise to fork over the cash and take one home in a few more weeks?

I do not need another dog.  My mom does not want another dog to visit her on weekends.  No more dogs.  NO, no!  But I looked over at Jethro and he's there on the couch with this dreamy eyed look of puppy love and I had to look away, quick!

Doesn't this one look a little like a Pug?   Brown and black?

Things got kind of Billie Jean for a minute. 

The kid is... not my son!

sigh.

All I get to keep is the lingering lovey feeling of tiny puppy paws and puppy tongues, and the softness of their brand new fur.  

And gums.

Awwwww.......

An old piano is an object of beauty

Our piano tuner was in the neighbourhood yesterday.  Since I had to remove every picture, vase, music book, earbud set, metronome, guitar pick, and stray magazine off of the piano, I figured it was a good time to clean the old thing up and make it shine.  

 

It is now 100 years old.  The internal workings are pretty good; it tunes up well and has that big echoing sound that only an old upright can give.  The exterior is pretty beat up though.  A few decades in a church basement will do that.  I'm choosing to call it "character" and think of all the kids who plunked out "Jesus Loves Me" in those chaotic minutes between church and sunday school.  Someday I'll tell you all about this piano becoming part of our home.

I love this.  If I had my way I'd live in a house full of furniture that looks like it could get up and scurry away on evil looking clawed feet.

The details are so special... I don't think you can find this anymore.  New pianos don't look like this, and it'll take another century before they sound like this.  I wish you could hear it.

I don't play piano but my kids do.  They couldn't keep their hands off it last night.  Not only does it look beautiful after being oiled and polished, but it sounded beautiful too.  I don't have to play it to love and appreciate it.