Several of the students and I took advantage of the great weather to go for a hack the other day. The kids loved it, of course, because they weren't having to hear my voice constantly telling them to correct this or that. However, they were also reminded how functional correct riding is and why they have it drilled into them until it is second nature....hopefully.
The horses, who usually plod around the ring and are very predictable, came to life a bit with the change of scenery and open space. The two that have a dull walk in the arena, suddenly had more spring to their walk and were interested in life again. You could almost see the relief in their faces that they wouldn't have to do any circles or leg yields this lesson.
Things got even more exciting when several wild turkeys flew up from their hiding place in the woods. Two of the quietest horses spun like reining horses and were ready to flee the scene. One of them was my horse, and thankfully I stayed on. It is rather difficult to offer instruction and be taken seriously when you have just been deposited on the ground! My other student demonstrated that she too had Velcro on her bottom and a tight leg position even if her eyes were as big a saucers.
That was a great time for me to point out that the position we work so hard to achieve in the ring serves us well in all situations. Many people can look pretty over eight fences in a totally flat, well maintained arena, but not biting the dust on hilly, hard ground is just as important!
With spring on the way, I'm sure we will be able to get out and have a little fun. It makes for happier horses,braver riders, and is always eventful!
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