Easy Does It

Izzy has been taking horseback riding lessons for barely six months now.  We’ve been told she has a promising future in all things equine.  Or, perhaps, we are one of many parents told that because this is not a cheap activity, and there is much money to be earned in this industry.  It’s highly possible.

So we’ve made it six months without an injury.   To me, that is an accomplishment, but then again, I’m a complete novice in the equestrian world.  A few days ago we had a near miss.  Thank you Jesus for your protection!

Izzy was riding Bubbles.   I know you’re thinking, how bad can it be with a horse named Bubbles?  And to clarify further, Bubbles is a pony, which makes this story sound even less thrilling.  Anyhow, Bubbles doesn’t have much get up and go.  He needs some kicks and prodding.  And thus the introduction of the riding crop.  Izzy was given instructions on how to prod Bubbles to go from a walk to a canter with the crop.

The lesson was going along fine.  I was even able to sneak a peek at Facebook while Izzy did her posting trot around the arena.  I vaguely remember, Karen, her instructor, saying, “Ok Isabelle.  I want you to poke him with the riding crop and then canter.”  I looked up just in time to see Izzy in a full gallop coming straight toward me.  The look of complete shock on her face was priceless.  I’m sure the look on my face was too.  She leaned to one side.  And then the other.  And before either of us knew it, Bubbles came to a complete stop.

Good Boy Bubbles.

Izzy was as white as a sheet, with a dazed look on her face, but she managed to stay on the horse. Whew!  And then came the words I will never forget.

Karen, in her calm, horse trainer, fashion said, “Two things Isabelle.  One, you just about gave your mom a heart attack.  And two, you learned how not to use the riding crop and I’m certain you will never make that mistake again.”

You see the riding crop is used to enforce the rider’s instruction for the horse, not hit the horse as hard as you can to make it go.

We are learning that firm, but kind, are the keys to riding.

I believe they are the keys to many situations in life.