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| Hanging out at the barn. |
This summer, there have been a lot of new students at the barn where I board and train. It's always fun to watch folks come up through the ranks, because each step they take reminds me of how far I've come with my own training.
I remember being the gal who didn't know a Kimberwick from a Sliester. Checking someone's cinch took extra time because I was still learning to retie the knot. And, when a mule kicked out while I was riding, I was convinced I'd just ridden a bucking bronco.
These days, I'm much more relaxed. No, I don't yet know the name of every piece of tack, but I know lot more than I did, and I have a much better idea of what I'm looking for. I'm quick at checking a cinch, no matter how it's fastened. And, the last time a mule kicked out while I was riding, I had the giggles for at least ten minutes.
While I can't say that there haven't been bumps in the road--how many of you have tipped over a mule at a trail show--my transition from fearful novice to confident intermediate rider has been somewhat smooth. I owe a lot to the folks who helped me along the way, but I can take a little of the credit myself for listening to those those wiser than me and making a few smart decisions.
If you're just starting out, here are five tips for making a smooth entry into the horse world:
- Find a trainer and take lessons before you buy a horse, mule, or donkey. In my younger years, I loved going on rental rides. No matter how frisky the horse, I was fearless. During my high school years, I even ran down a runaway horse on the beach, caught it by a rein, and proudly brought it back to the group. When I took up riding years later, I was surprised to find that my fearlessness was gone. A good friend recommended that I get back into horses by taking lessons. Thanks to her, I was referred to a wonderful trainer who helped me build my confidence before I attempted to take on a horse of my own.
- When it's time to buy your first equine, let someone else do it. Even if you're an equine expert, it's never a bad idea to have a second set of eyes. Someone who isn't invested in the purchase and knows you as a rider is in invaluable when it comes to choosing an equine partner. Maxine was hand-picked for me by my trainer. I didn't even know what she looked like when I agreed to let my trainer bring her in for a two week trial.
- Choose mind over beauty. Okay, I'll admit that if I'd seen the sale photo of Star (Maxine's previous name) before the trailer was headed down the pick her up, I might not have agreed to try her out. When I saw her for the first time, I'll admit I was a little disappointed. For a split second I though, "Where were all the gorgeous mules from the sales ads? Why did I have to end up with this short dumpy mule?" The, she turned and looked a me. I saw those expressive eyes of hers and melted. Before I finished our first ride, I asked my trainer to call the vet in for a purchase exam.
- Board your first equine for at least a year before caring for him/her on your own property, and spend as much time at the barn, watching everything that happens around you. In the past six years, I've soaked abscesses, seen vets pull fluid from a sick donkey's lung (I almost fainted!), kept watch while a horse experienced seizures during his last hours, witnessed naughty equine tantrums, changed IVs, given shots, helped uncast a donkey and a mule, and walked out horses, mules, and donkeys with colic.
I've also seen many fuzzy day-old babies, watched friends and equines experience countless first triumphs, and learned what works--and what doesn't--when it comes to caring for an equine. Videos, books, and magazines can offer a lot of good advice, but nothing is as good as first-hand experience. Each one of these experiences has helped me to be a better horsewoman, in good times and bad.
- Smile. If someone doesn't like your favorite breed, smile and compliment their animal anyway. If you don't like an aspect of a show, smile and kindly tell the show staff what you liked, followed by a polite suggestion for changing what you didn't. If someone cuts you off in the warm-up ring, smile and go warm up outside in the sunshine. Life's too short to frown.
