by Anna Kate Cox

I have been taking riding lessons at Blue Rock Horses for about two years, and it has been incredibly fun learning to ride, as well as care for, the beautiful, four-legged creature called a “horse.”

Mrs. Bricker, my riding instructor, has been an excellent teacher. Not only does she teach us riding, she also teaches all aspects of horsemanship.

The horses, High Hope and Webster, have been kind and patient with me while I learn about them, to ride them, and to care for them. I have learned many great things that I didn’t know how to do before. I’ve learned to lead, groom, tack (put on bridle, saddle, etc.), and ride a horse. Before I started riding lessons, I had only petted horses, and didn’t have a clue how you’d do any of that.

It has been such a wonderful experience getting to know this amazing animal. I’ve learned the differences between trotting, cantering and galloping. I’ve learned how to clean a horse’s hoof by “picking” it, and to examine my horse for any potential health problems. I’ve learned to post, which is rising slightly out of the saddle to make trotting more comfortable for you . I’ve learned the proper posture you should have when you are riding a horse (back strait, knees in, heels down). Mrs. Bricker teaches us to pay attention to the horse’s body language and to anticipate what the horse might do.

One of the things I have enjoyed the most about taking riding lessons is learning to do something that I hadn’t done before. It builds your confidence, character and maturity to learn how to handle such a large, strong, quick animal. Another thing I have enjoyed while learning about horses is riding fast. It feels good to go so quickly on such a pretty creature. I’ve also had fun meeting the Bricker family and their two great horses. High hope and Webster have both been mischievous sometimes, but like I said before, they have been amazingly patient and kind with beginners like me.

This wonderful experience has taught me that good horsemanship is certainly worth your time to learn. It makes you braver, more self-confident, more patient, and it’s also lots of fun. I have definitely enjoyed and benefited from learning horsemanship, and getting to know these amazing, intelligent creatures better at Blue Rock Horses.