In a bizarre plot twist, I decided to take Benjamin’s horseback riding lesson yesterday while he manned the camera.  He’s been a little burned out on the whole equine scene lately, and I thought if he knew that I was willing to go through what he goes through then it might inspire him. His riding boots were just a little tight, but I thought I could survive for an hour.

However…I have  not been on a horse in 15 years. And when I did ride back in the day, I rode western. Benjamin rides english.

Melissa is our riding instructor. She is patient, encouraging, and has a good seat. When she rides, she looke like she was born on a horse. Here she’s adjusting my stirrups…….like that’s going to me any good.

“Look, Ma! No hands”  Melissa makes you ride with no hands. It gives you a chance to really focus on what your legs are doing. Or not doing, in my case.

I love english riding. I love to WATCH it. I really get into the equestrian competition during the summer Olympics. The finery and finesse of it all. The riders look so elegant and relaxed. But it is hard work. I mean really hard work! For example,  you have to be so aware of body alignment or your balance is thrown off. It reminds me a lot of ballet. But the english saddle is as foreign to me as a fish to the Mojave Desert.

This is a great photo. It’s a perfect example of horse and rider. A perfect example of what NOT to do. My knees are way too far forward, my hands are resting on the saddle, and I’m rubbing the sides of the horse with my lower legs. And I’m concentrating so hard trying not to do these things!  I look more like I should be riding a Harley. So sad….

In the meantime, Benjamin went off to photograph some frogs in a nearby waterhole.  But I have a new respect for his accomplishments.