My First Time... on a Pony

First Time

Following the success of my last 'First Time' post (about yoga inversions), I have decided to make this a series, as I embrace my newly-discovered adventurous spirit and hope to discover some fresh ways to stay active in the process.

Next activity on my 'to try' list, then, was horse riding. This is not strictly speaking my first time in the saddle as I did have a go on a few friend's ponies as a child, but it most certainly was my first time as an adult, so I think it qualifies.

Meet Mr. Little 

Polmartin Riding

Just as you would expect a Cornish riding stable to be, Polmartin is found down a beautiful lane where friendly dogs greet you as you open your car door, and chickens hop around quite unworried by hooves. Steeped in atmosphere, the welcome we got was warm and there was none of the snobbery associated with some stables. I borrowed a hat and boots at no extra cost. 

We stayed in the covered school, but I imagine riding out from this location would be simply idyllic. 

A Little Magic

Trainee teacher Laurie (who also imparted a lot of knowledge to me) introduced me to my mount, Mr. Little. At 17 and just under 14:2 he is a safe set of hooves, and has a beautiful character not to mention the most unusual blue eyes. You can probably tell from the picture above that I adored him! 

my mount

Learning from an Expert

I had done no research into Jane, and if I had I may have been a bit daunted, as she definitely is not just a run-of-the-mill teacher: horsewoman extraordinaire since childhood, she is a stunt rider in films and TV, an exceptionally clear teacher, and funny and engaging to boot. 

She is also, to use her own word, a 'hawkeye' (which was a tiny bit unnerving for me, knowing that I knew nothing, but which ultimately makes for a better rider of course). I found out exactly what I shouldn't do as I tried to work with Mr. Little, and I am very glad of that. 

The content of the lesson surprised me a little: Jane is very much a kinaesthetic teacher, and at various times I was riding with my eyes shut, no reins, and no stirrups (yup, even when attempting my rising trot). However, she is sure to back up all of her directions with explanation, which really helped me come to a better understanding of what riding is about. 

I was most surprised to find that I could give Mr. Little instructions with just a breath. Who knew that this was possible? I certainly had no idea! With my interest in yoga this was a pleasant revelation. 

What I will remember the next time I am on horseback remains to be seen, but I feel as though I was given some of the key building blocks for beginning to ride.

In the Saddle

Riding for Fitness

I was warned that my adductor muscles (inner thigh) would ache, but being used to the cycle of working out and recovering I wasn't too concerned. They did ache a little bit, but oh goodness, one of my quadricep muscles has never ever screamed with DOMS quite so much as in the few days after riding (you may know that the quads are not one muscle, but rather a group of four). 

I was conscious of needing to use my core muscles a-plenty through the hour, but they didn't ache at all- which hopefully is a sign they are already strong. But I would deduce that for me personally, riding really would add something extra to my fitness regime. 

The Verdict

I paid £30 for a private lesson, and the experience that I had was well worth the price. The exercise that my legs evidently did and the knowledge I obtained, combined with the sense of wellbeing I got from just an hour on horseback make the cost seem extremely minor. 

I plan to take further lessons, and I would thoroughly recommend Jane at Polmartin if you want to learn how to ride properly. And Jane, if you're reading, please don't emigrate! 

You can also connect with Polmartin on Facebook. 

Lucky!