My Training So Far~~~

[maria1008123]

Feb,3 2011

Today , Wednesday, is my first day of training at Embarr Stables.
It was snowing and the roads were very icy as my dad drove me from St.John's to the Goulds in his big Trail Blazer. When we arrived I was so jittery and nervous that I felt like my heart was going to explode. My dad walked me from the car to the barn when I saw Tucker in the cross ties peering through the barn door at me. Then I saw Carol with a big welcoming smile, I had never felt so relieved. After saying our "Hello's" we walked down to the indoor arena and by this time my feet were absolutely soaked. Of course I did not dress appropriatly.. *HeadDesk*. I was introduced to my new trainer Aleisha and her gorgeous horse Tango, a American White. From that moment time seemed to fly by as she taught me how to use all the different combs on the horses body like the body brushand face brush. Then I had to pick the horses hooves (And boy am I ever slow at that!) Then Aleisha quickly tacked the horse and I was off! I performed walk/trot transitions and leg work on the horse. Keeping my heels down and back straight with the leather reins in my hands I did different directions from K to X to E. My dad looked proud standing in the doorway to the arena. I never felt so happy to be honest. It was a great experience and I cannot wait until next week! I even said to my Dad, "If only I can just click fast forward."

Thanks Carol, Aleisha and Tango!

[Emily Walsh]

Glad you had fun!

And don't worry, soon you'll be picking out hooves like a pro
And if it takes a while don't sweat. I think it takes me...15-20 minutes to fully groom, put on a bridle, saddle and ankle boots...I'm always being told I'm slow haha. My come back is at least my horse is clean!

And enjoy this time while you can, everything is new and exciting! I still get happy when I do something new, or learn something new(well, that's like every week for me since I'm still a beginner. But my pony likes to surprise me so it's great)

[katherine]

Picking out hooves is worse this time of year too, since they get packed with snow and mud. I love grooming. Sometimes I could just go to the barn and brush with no intention of riding. It's just so relaxing and really helps you to bond with the horse. I'm sure Tango loved the attention you gave him.

Enjoy the experience while it lasts. You're going to learn so much!

[oxmaybesoxo]

You have a great teacher in both Tango and Aleasha. Tango is amazing pony with so much to teach his rider you will fall in love with his sweet personality

[maria1008123]

Thanks guys!!!! I cant wait for next week! Tango is soooo handsome!

[Rodeo]

I think picking out their feet is one of the most intimidating things for new riders. I know it was for me. I guess its the association with hooves and kicking.

Keep at it! You'll be addicted in no time!

[maria1008123]

Grooming is my second favorite next to actually riding the horse. To be able to brush the horse is sooo calming... sighs... And I have to admit that being able to pick the hooves gets kinda fun!!

[maria1008123]

I plan to take a quick trip to CloverDale Tack! But unfortunatly I dont know what time is closest from now to go!
Do any of you know?

[Emily Walsh]

I think they are open Thurs,Friday and saturday till 5. Best to call out though. Numbers in the phone book.
They can order lots in too.

[maria1008123]

Thanks!

Today I will be heading back to Embarr for my wednesday practice!! I am soo pumped!

[krys]

Its so good to hear of new students! Keep the updates coming

[maria1008123]

Today I was at my mom's house so she drove me up to Embarr for my weekly training. We accidently came a half hour early but it worked out perfectly since Aleasha didn't mind finishing up quick. So off we went into the barn to halter Tango and head to the Indoor Arena and Tack up. Aleasha pointed out to me, how to properly tack a dressage halter and saddle along with some tips for grooming.

After a quick tack up I went to the middle of the Arena and Aleasha attached a lunge rope to Tango and we started some very good balance work which involed me to not have any reigns or stirrups as we did some walk/trot transitions. I found that I was quit floppy and off balance but I will definatly work on it!

As we finished off with a walk cool down I then took Tango back to the cross ties when he suddennly spooked at some rabbits that got inside! Of course I didn't see it coming so I was dragged along like a rag doll. I was a bit shaken up but I quickly got over it for I knew that Tango had no intention of hurting me. He is such a sweet little man!

I untacked the furball and brought him back to his stall with some much needed apple treats. He was GREAT!! I must say that I learned alot this lesson. My legs are cramped and my brain is whirling with new information but I loved every second.

-M

[maria1008123]

I went horse riding today with my new riding helmet and boots.
So as I was grooming him, I was using the pick on his feet when this strange smell came from his hooves. I asked alicia and she said it was from his new shoes! Jeez it scared me at first. So we tacked up and headed out into the arena on the lunge line. I started off without having my feet in the stirrups or any reins so that I can learn to keep my balance when all of the sudden a skiddoo comes along side the barn and Tango freaks out! I couldn't grab hold of anything and he took off with me on the back. Somehow I managed to keep on. Alicia called me a "ninja", haha!

I am really proud of myself this lesson because I felt like I had more controll and that I had good positioning on the horse. I still need to work on keeping my back straight though.

Thanks Alicia and Tango!!!

[Becca]

tango is the best, hope you enjoy riding him he's a sweet old man!

[1234]

Keep it up girl, sounds like you are having the time of your life.

Not enough young people strive to invest time in learning how to do things right with horses, it is wonderful to hear how enthusiastic you are about learning with Alicia. She is a wonderful rider and teacher!