Post, Post, Post

 Yesterday had my second riding lesson. It was as exciting, if not even more so, than the last. To begin with, I watched the local Pony Club finish off their jumping lesson. It's always great to watch other peoples' lessons because it can prepare you for later things and you can learn a lot.

 After their lesson, I fetched Reno from his paddock and groomed him. Man, was he dirty. He must have rolled around in it. Anyways, by the time I was done, I was dusty, which doesn't really bother me. I have to get used to it.

Totally true!

 Once Reno was groomed and tacked, I took him to the mounting block and climbed up. I felt great to be back up him---I have been waiting all week, and wait between my first and second lesson seemedlong since I already had a taste for riding.

 At the beginning of the lesson, I reviewed what I had learned in my first lesson---stopping, starting, turning, all important stuff. Then, I practiced turning circles around the jumps the Pony Club had left up. Once I was able to do that without Meghan leading Reno, I began learning another important element of riding---posting. First, I just practiced the movement. Then I learned about when you should go up and when you should go down, practicing it at a walk. Next, I did a few strides at the trot, not too long. My calves were already burning, though. Now I have two sore calves. Well, they do say pain is gain.

 After doing the trot work, I did one more circle and cooled down with the same ride around the barn as last time. I brushed Reno and checked his hooves. I spotted a small pebble wedged in his back hooves, a small, hard to spot thing, which Meghan helped to pick out. I'm glad I spotted it; even the smallest rock can harm a horse. Then, I brought him back to his paddock, giving him a few pats. He deserved it.

 Meghan told me that I am a good learner and that I am learning quickly. Yah! I'll put some pictures up on Monday, probably, once I have time to upload them.

*****

 Last week, I also ordered breeches and a helmet. Hopefully those arrive soon. The tall boots that fit my foot were way too long(several inches), so we were having difficulty finding some that would fit me. Another girl's mom recommended half chaps and paddock boots, so we ordered those. I'll make sure to post a picture of me in my gear once it arrives.