As the weather was so good instead of my usual riding lesson in the indoor school at the Calvert trust, Exmoor, I went for a ride towards the lake at Wistlandpound.
I was hoisted onto the saddle of Teddy, my usual horse. Kerri my instructor needed to tighten the girth on Teddy’s saddle, which meant having to move my left stroke affected leg forward in order to lift the saddle flap to gain access to the girth buckle. If this had happened at previous lessons when I wasn’t feeling so positive it would have made me concerned that I might become unbalanced and fall off, but now that I have had several lessons I am more confident about my ability and I totally trust my instructors and horse.
I had a quick lap around the school to get used to being in the saddle again and then because Kerri thought that I was sitting well in the saddle we went outside and headed down a stony path towards the lake (reservoir).
Debbie who was leading my horse asked if I had been doing exercises to strengthen my core as she had noticed a big improvement in my sitting position (I hadn’t been exercising) .
When I rode down a slight slope I was reminded to put my shoulders back a little to compensate for the different movement, I just noticed a move side to side nothing more.
As we chatted in the sunshine my confidence grew even more.
At the highest point we had a view of the reservoir which because of the lack of rain this summer was very low.
We then headed back to the school where I was hoisted back into my wheelchair.
This riding lesson has been the most enjoyable one so far as not only was I back in the saddle, something I did regularly before stroke, but I was also out in the sunshine hacking through the countryside while chatting to friends.
I would once again like to thank the stable staff at the Calvert trust, Exmoor and my sister, Kim Watts (my personal photographer) for making this experience possible.
Kerri my instructor is taking part in the Superhero triathlon at Dorney Lake, Windsor on 18 August 2018 to raise money for the general care and welfare of the horses at the Calvert trust, Exmoor .
If you would like to sponsor her for this event email Kerri at kerri@calvert-trust,org.uk or donate using her Just Giving page. Any donations would be appreciated.
I would recommend riding for the disabled to everyone as it has done wonders for my balance and core strength as well as being a fun activity.
As always questions/ comments are welcome and please share on social media so others can benefit from reading this.
I am always open to topic suggestions and requests.
Until next time,
Karen
x
You have so improved since your last visit ,done so well in such a short time. Lovely that this time you were out in the fresh air relaxed and really enjoying the whole experience. Calvert trust is an amazing place and I will definitely been supporting Kerri and her team.
Thanks Pearl, they will appreciate that x
Sounds like a fantastic ride. I am glad you got the freedom to enjoy it! #keepingitreal
Looks like a great day! Well done on your improvement! 🙂 #dreamteam
Wow, I’m amazed at your courage and determination. I’m not a rider, but have a daughter-in-love who adores horses.
Horses are such wonderful creatures. I’m glad you are more confident now.Beautiful horse! #keepingitreal
Oh that;s great that you felt confident enough to ride. It looks like a great experience! #TriumphantTales
Fantastic, what an experience X
Such a great experience and so much confidence to ride a horse. Your instructors seems great. With every lesson will come more confidence – keep it up!#dreamteam
HI Karen, how wonderful that you and other disabled people can enjoy horse riding. As an able bodied person I’d be nervous on a horse, so it’s nice that you have complete trust in your instructors and horse.
Thank you for sharing this at the #keepingitreal link up.
xx
Well done on your improvement and that view is stunning! Thanks for sharing with us at #TriumphantTales, we’d love to see you back again next week.
Awesome well done Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
Wow, look at you go. There’s something so exhilarating about riding isn’t there. You look really comfortable. What a gorgeous day for it to. Thank you for joining us for the #dreamteam x
Looks like a lovely place to ride. Well done with the improvement. Thanks for linking up #twinklytuesday
Thanks for sharing your collection! Fun to see!tony clifton taxi
Well done and it looks like a stunning place to ride, especially in the sun! Thanks for linking to #AllSortsofBlogs
IveI followed your riding lrssles on Animal Tales I think so it’s great to catch up on your further adventures here and to see you making such progress. Stunning photo of the reservoir too! #AdventureCalling
This was a very nice post to read. Really enjoyed feeling part of your experience. Thanks for sharing and I hope to follow more.
Gareth
#AdventureCalling
This looks like a great program. We have similar programs here. Enjoyed reading and your photos are lovely.
Thanks, I have my sister to thank for taking the photos x
It’s great that you’re getting more confident now you’ve had several lessons. This looks like a great place to explore on horseback too. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling we’ll be back open for new posts in the morning.
Wow what a beautiful place and riding must be amazing experience. its really interesting to read how it can help you and how it can be of concern. I am looking forward to reading more
Well done for carrying on with your riding, Karen. It’s nice to see how you have been getting on. That area looks beautiful for a ride too. Thank you for joining us in the October #MyGloriousGardens linky. X
This sounds fabulous and I love the beautiful pictures, what an area to go riding in. You are inspiring when so bravely sharing your stories 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words x