In 2001, when I was young and as fit as a butcher’s dog, I met a lady called Fran who had a beautiful gentle giant of a horse named Quattro (sadly not with us anymore). Being totally new to riding, I was more than a little terrified, however with Fran’s help I overcame it and learnt to ride.
At the time I lived in Blackpool, which I may add is flooded with riding schools and liveries – although after following Fran and Quattro to a few I soon learnt that they were all rather clicky.
I started going to a school in Wrea Green, which was the complete opposite to what I had experienced previously. Here the staff were happy to give me lots of encouragement and lessons because essentially, I was doing them a favour by working to ride. I had a different horse every week, which proved to be challenging in itself as they all have their own little quirks – but it was a great way to learn and improve.
I had my only ever accident there (I’ve probably just jinxed myself!); it was pouring with rain and the lady that was teaching us that day said ‘walk to the indoor school’……well I didn’t – I kicked my cob into trot and just as we got through the door there was a massive clap of thunder and big bolt of lightning!
Of course, he threw me off and as I still had hold of the reins, I got dragged around the arena. All I could hear was everyone screaming “let go, let go” which I eventually did. Although a little shaken, I got straight back up and back on.
Starting again
Anyhow, fast forward nearly 18 years, very nearly touching the wrong side of 50 with creaky bones, menopause and a bladder that leaks every time I cough, sneeze or giggle; I moved from Lancashire to Tarbert on the West Coast of Scotland – which is the best move I’ve ever made!
I work in a big café and events building and there I met the wonderful Caeleigh. She mentioned she has horses and asked if I wanted to go up for a ride – HELL YES!
I drove up to the stables thinking ‘It’ll be like riding a bike…’ Hahahaha – if only it was that simple!
I couldn’t remember how to tack up, I put the saddle on back to front and the bridle, oh that bloody bridle (puts face in hands). It turns out it’s not at all like riding a bike and everything has changed!
But I’ve totally fallen in love with Bobby, a beautiful black Fell with a stroppy teenagers attitude, and I would happily spend all day, every day up there with him (with all of them actually!).
Bobby can be a little nappy, and have the odd rear and I still hear Fran in my ear on a regular basis “ankles, hips and shoulders”. Now it’s joined by Caeleigh’s words of, “heels down, hands down”. Thank heavens for wonderful teachers!
This has led me to thinking, I’m seriously lucky to know people who have horses and that I’ve been able to learn from on a daily basis, but what about all those that don’t?
There is literally nothing around Tarbert if you want to learn to ride, there are a couple of arenas that you can hire – however if you don’t have a horse, are you just supposed to pretend you have one and trot around on a wooden pony? It’s just not quite the same…
The nearest riding school is at least 60 miles away and to add insult to injury we actually have stables and an outside yard literally across the road from us doing absolutely nothing, but again even if it was in use, you would have to have your own horse!
Joining EquiTeam
After I got my bug for horses and riding back again, I felt that I wanted to be more involved again and create a network of horsey friends.
Caeleigh has always talked about EquiTeam, a group of like-minded horsey people, so I took a look and wow, just wow!
As you probably guessed I signed up and despite not owning my own horse I get so much from it, from podcasts on mindset and confidence, basic training (which I need), bridle and saddle fitting, jumping and dressage, the wonderful Alan Davies and his grooming routines, not to mention all the exercise and fitness you could ever need!
The best bit is that everyone eggs each other on, shares setbacks, wins and worries. It’s an online family of friends all routing for one another and let’s face it, everyone needs that.
So I am truly grateful every single day for wonderful friends like Caeleigh that trust me enough to ride their beautiful horses. If you are lucky enough to have your own horse then treasure every moment and if you are able to pass on an opportunity there might be someone as grateful as I am ready to join you.
