Milling About, Hunt Seat Lesson

Horses of the outside world. USHJA: USHJA Wheeler Museum, Through the Lens: The Art of Hunter/Jumper Photography

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(photos pending)

Goldy
Hunt Seat Lesson
Rosewood Stables
9 November 2025

We ended up in the front ring because the course in the back ring was being set up for a show the next weekend. Oops. Both rings were being set. Cue circus. People. Trucks. Jumps going hither and yon. Worked out great for me. Coach Deana had to spend time with other rider on a green horse, who was threatening to have a big day (horse did great). Goldy and I were able to wander about at will.

Mounting Block

I had a bit of a moment. As we walked down to the ring, people were hanging sponsor banners along the property fenceline. Goldy stood at the mounting block with ears on alert. Do you know what that would have meant from my two? Goldy, per usual was chill. Noticed everything. Didn’t do anything.

Walk

I walked for a long time. It was such a joy to wander about while sitting quietly on a horse. I would have been happy to walk for the entire lesson. Pay $XX to walk? Sure.

Eventually, we chose to move on to the next gait.

Trot

When I pulled myself together, Goldy trotted boldly. I even managed some rein contact. As soon as I got tired, I fell out of position, and Goldy walked.

As I said yesterday. my hands are ignorant, as in uneducated. Last week Goldy walked as soon as I picked up the reins. [Learning My Aids]

Canter

Way better than last week. Happy kid on a happy pony. Still on long rein.

Crossrails

One tiny, tiny crossrail, taken each way at trot. I’m told Goldy has jumper mode. This was not that. I’m not sure he even hopped over it. He may have walked. Grandma mode. Bless him.

Progress Meter
Mounting block. 0%. May always be a thing.
Walk. 100%. Totally comfortable
Trot. 80%. Fell out of gait from time to time.
Canter. 50%. Big improvement from last week.
Jump. 0%. Trotting at crossrails not an issue. [Lesson and Thoughts Thereon, side note]

Back in the stone age, Previous Horse and I showed in a ring in the grassy area. Trailer was parked right about where Goldy’s right ear is in the photo.

Onwards!
Katherine