Horses are like people

It was fun back in the saddle today. I had to miss last week 'cause of my friggin stomach, but today I was continuing my love affair with Feri.

He was very alert and awake, 'cause it's school holiday and he hadn't been moving all day. We were three in the class, and Feri and another horse didn't like each other. At all. I tell you, it was difficult to navigate making sure they never came close.

They are like us. Sometimes you just don't like somebody, but we have the luxury of being able to avoid those people and also the ability to not show it if we don't want to.

With horses, it's a little bit different. Body language. Ears flat back, nervous trotting, the odd kick. It was almost like I felt I couldn't control him when we galloped. Speeding like a mad man he was. Fun!

Otherwise it went pretty well, except for the volt, a circular movement. First, it was "Annika, next time the volt should be round". Hmmm. But I listen, the teacher is very good and sees every little detail, so I tried hard and made a perfectly round volt the next time over. Then it was "Annika that was pretty good but you should sit down, not ride rising trot".

She's never satisfied, but I get it. How will I learn otherwise?

Oh, and a funny thing. Another student was taking over Feri after me, and when looking at the stirrups she remarked "you have long legs". I actually think it's the first time anybody has said that to me. Not that I have short legs, but I'm not that tall. Turned out she was the same length and the stirrups fitted her perfectly. But long legs? Yes, I have them :).