My Two School Masters

For my first horsey post for the year, I wanted to review my recent transition of changing horses and what my thoughts have been. I have returned to ride Ariel a couple lessons ago after riding Bons for several weeks. I honestly didn't think that there would be such a difference or adjustment mentally but I was surprised. I started jumping on Bons and doing a few very short (like 3 jumps) courses because I was still nervous. He's the complete opposite of Ariel in the way he rides where there is a lot more horse in front, underneath and even behind--it's like driving a bus. I did mentally graduate from needing to wear my riding vest but I still struggle with several other things.

Upon returning to ride Ariel, I immediately felt the difference: Ariel felt like a pony beneath me. Her neck is short and she's shorter in general. It suddenly felt odd and strange but I didn't take long to get back into the swing of things: they felt comfortable and practiced.

• Ariel will take that little X like it's a big X even at the trot. Bons will scoff at it and trot over like it was a trot pole.
• Ariel is excited to see me and comes to the paddock gate. Bons will take one look and walk to the far side of the paddock.
• Ariel is social and enjoys the company of humans. Bons could care less and would likely rather be doing his own thing.
• Ariel changes gait on a dime. Bons takes half the arena long side to transition down.
• Ariel is an 'uphill' horse and doesn't drag me down and forward. Bons is a 'heavy on the forehand' horse and will drag me forward without me even noticing.
• Ariel has the attitude of a typical female. Bons is a compliant gelding.
• Ariel hates face contact and prefers a rider to use their seat/leg. Bons likes seat/leg but doesn't get all worked up with facial man-handling by yours truly.
• Ariel is trained well but Bons is trained impeccably from birth.

I consider both to be fantastic school masters and I am learning differently from each of them. I have had a lot of time with Ariel and I look forward to continue riding her but I also recognize that Bons will push my learning and get past some of the other subjects like rein contact and the floaty warm-blood gaits. So, as this year starts up, I will be moving forward with a mixture of the old and new.

A ride with the Bonsi-Bus and a visit with Ms. Ariel

A photo posted by Deborah (@my_examined_life) on Jan 2, 2016 at 9:47am PST