Apologies for the late blog but it has been quite an insane two weeks, but I am back, can’t get rid of me that easily. If you recall, I did a live stream on Instagram just over a week ago. I got to bring you all with me to see how my riding lessons work with the walkie talkies. I was surprised to see how many people were interested to see how the whole process works, but of course I was glad to share. Before I continue, I just want to send out a grateful shout out to SHOOZ for the amazing riding gear they gifted me on the day on the live as you have just seen. I absolutely adore it. And to 5^th Avenue Equestrian and my trainer Adele Botha for having the patience in training me,

I know you all got to see me ride, but I couldn’t get the proper chance to explain how it works on my part. I did get the question of how it felt, while I was riding during the live. The only answer I see fit in giving is that it is like flying. It is an incredible sensation, being able to move astride a majestic animal that is twice your size. The power I feel, the independence and control I feel over the horse and myself. I suppose it is like driving a car for a sighted person, only, a million times more thrilling as you don’t know if you’ll get thrown off or not….

Horse riding got me into shape pretty quickly if I am being honest. I wouldn’t say I am at the point where I am fit enough, but I’m getting there. Slowly but surely… this is one of the positives behind horse riding as well for me. It boosts my self-confidence and independence. Being able to control the horse with no physical aid and getting fit at the same time. Just because I can’t exactly see my self-image doesn’t mean I should forget about looking after my physical health. This allows me to build on my muscle memory and strength for my balance and steering of the reins. Balance is obviously key in riding, or you’ll pretty much just slide right to the ground before speeding out of a walk.

My muscle memory comes into play when I have to ensure that my hand holds the reins at the same place constantly. I could pull the bit right out of the horse’s mouth if I’m not careful, I kind of learned that the hard way and I feel all the guiltier for maybe causing discomfort to the horse. Muscle memory and sense come in where my leg placement is concerned. I must ensure that I feel the shoulder muscle of the horse just in front of my leg to make sure I have the right position. This also keeps me from flying off the horse, which is one of my priorities… My instructor Adele will give me directions and commands via the walkie talkie.  One thing I’m grateful for being my super sense of hearing.  So, I have to being paying attention and listening at all times otherwise…

There have been certain circumstances where the horse that I am riding will spook at something in the area. Maintaining my concentration on all that I have mentioned above lessens the prospect of me falling off at these times. Plus, I have EXTREMELY fast reflexes which helps greatly. Of course, when these episodes happen, my instructor totally freaks out that I’m going to be the next horseshoes punching bag, but I’d say we are relatively safe. AND my mum NEVER EVER gets these moments on camera……. I hope the extra ellipses implies how mad I am at this fact but maybe one day I’ll have a cool stunt video for you all to see.

P.s. mum, if you are reading this, I hope you get the hint…….

We Ride To Fly, To Feel, To Touch, To Soar, To Overcome, To Relax, To Prove Them Wrong, To Belong, To Heal, To Love & Be Loved Back, To Communicate Without Words, We Ride To Live…