Have you always ridden the discipline you ride now? My interest in horses goes way back, as I've mentioned in earlier posts. The earliest riding I did was riding bareback with a Western-style bridle with a curb bit. This is what I was introduced to, growing up, as I did, in Hermantown Minnesota. Most of the horse people I knew rode Western, and most of us had grade horses. Our riding instruction came from family members who knew how to ride, not from certified instructors or clinics or any sort of professionally directed learning.
My best friend, Nancy and I started a "riding school" at her farm in Hermantown, where our only two pupils were her little sister and her younger cousin. I'm quite certain we coerced them into being our students, but they did so good-naturedly. At the end of summer, we held this horse show in the hayfield behind Nancy's house. Note that we even have spectators! This is such a fond memory!
I've had the good fortune to be able to continue riding almost continually since then, riding the trails with my children, doing Hobo (Horseback Orienteering) rides with my friend Irene, and trail riding with friends in the area after my nest was empty. After moving to Oulu, I was delighted to meet my friend Marie, who hosted dressage clinics at her house. Dressage quickly became a passion, and remains so to this day.
Throughout the changing interests, my love for horses, and the joy that I get from the connection with them has never wavered. I'd love to hear about your journey in your discipline, or through the disciplines.
What a wonderful picture and memory! I started riding at a young age, often bareback as well, but I believe with a snaffle (although I cannot guarantee that). My siblings and I treasured our horses and ponies, who, on any given day, were racehorses, jumpers, trail horses, cowponies, barrel racers, foxhunters, etc. They pulled us down the road and helped get Christmas trees in the winter, and carried us all over the countryside in the warmer months. I credit my imagination and my love of exploration to their forgiving and generous spirits! Now, I mainly ride dressage at home. I still love the feeling of being on a horse, and the special connection one gets with practice and patience.…