First horseback ride in 8 months

I decided that I am well enough to ride Monique even though my back and neck have been so sore. This morning I got up early, put on my riding gear and went out to the barn. They didn't have a mounting block so I used a big rock to help me get on to my tall mare. I put my leg up on the rock to hoist myself up and almost fell over. I didn't realize that my leg wasn't strong enough to pull up my weight. Then I put my foot in the stirrup and lifted my right leg over the horse. Just as I did that Monique stepped forward and I almost fell off. This lack of balance and strength was surprising to me and completely unexpected. We started off down the trail. I was expecting my old horse that is so sensitive and tuned into my aids. This was not the case and it was like riding a strange horse. Monique has been used as a lesson horse for the last year. Many different people ride her with many different riding abilities. A good safe lesson horse has to be able to handle many different styles of riding and the many different ways people ask her perform. I guess it is like giving your pet dog to someone else for a year. Then after having no contact for a year expecting your dog to be tuned into your commands and to respond to you.

My friend Kim has really helped me financially by taking care of Monique and I am so grateful. Monique loves her new job as a lesson horse and is teaching many people young and old to ride. I didn't realize that I would loose her in this process. It no longer feels like she is my horse and It makes me long for the way things used to be.