Salute to a Schoolmaster

Awareness of the outside world. Awhile back, I carefully cleaned, folded, and stored a pile of old, ratty towels. They were frayed and full of holes. Too far gone to be horse or pet towels. Recently, I needed wads of absorbent material, stat. Didn’t matter what the material looked like, just had to absorb water. Ratty towels were most excellent to purpose. And this is why I never throw anything away.

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Razzy
The Hunter Place
June 2025

First lesson [In Which I Ride A Horse]

Part 0

When we started, Razzy was quick at the walk. This I did NOT need. Turns out she was just ready to get down to business. As soon as we trotted, she chugged along as her steady, reliable self. I’ve run into the same reaction from Saddlebreds. What’s with all this walk? Let’s go! Let’s get this show on the road! (If I get a chance to run thru it with them a few times – cart or saddle – they decide that they can start with a few laps of walk. But I digress.)

Part 1

In front of trot poles, Razzy likes to take a micromoment to assess the situation. I put my leg on and told her to keep a steady pace. She ignored me. I realized that she is often toting green riders. She is used to being the one to make sure everything is safe. She had a job to do and took her responsibilities seriously. Once I acknowledged her feeling of responsibility, she accepted my support as copilot and was happy to move out.

Part 2

Canter. Cue head tossing. Cue rider stress. Coach Deana told me to loosen up. I wasn’t choking up on the reins, but I was stiff. As soon as I got out of her face, she was fine.

Part 3

Razzy: Trot. Fuss. Trot. Fuss.

Rider: (having flashbacks)

Razzy: Fuss. Fuss. Fuss.

Rider: (thinking) … is she tired … am I upsetting her by being unbalanced … has the lesson gone on too long …

Instructor: Change your diagonal.

Razzy: Trot. Trot. Trot.

Yes. Pony fussed at me because I was on the wrong diagonal.

Coda

I don’t know what they pay her, but she earns every penny.

Onwards!
Katherine