Project Pony

After a whole first semester without a horse and a proper routine - in comes Derek and I can finally feel like a part of the PHPP.

Derek is a sensitive, misunderstood man who is a bit of a project. The first priority is to get to know him and get him to relax under the saddle. He has a tendency to tense up over nothing and march on like a camel with huge leg extensions, so the main focus is to get him to relax and slow down.

I have now worked with him for about a month and there has not been a dull moment. Even though he can make you feel like it is the first time you sit on a horse, when he lets go and relaxes, everything just clicks and there is no better feeling in the world. I believe he can make me a much better rider, just because I have to be so aware of my own body. If you simply breath at the wrong time or just gently touch him with your leg without preparing him properly, he reacts with his head in the air, back dropped down to the ground and speed - so much speed. Preparation is key. Sometimes he even needs to be prepared for the preparation before the next task.

Can wait for many more happy moments with this lovely horse.