Day 8

So the last day of our course started with a bit of talking about how we were getting on.

We talked a little at the start of the day about being with the horse- some horses need you to wait for them, others need you to get them waiting for you a little- I would characterise Zorro and Oscar in the former group, Samson very much in the latter. The goal is always to make sure that the person and the horse leave at the same time in terms of intent and movement. This goes through all our transitions and it comes down to riding with your whole body rather than just with the rein.

( Mostly pictures from here on out... )

Final Photodump

This morning Steve had a guy who does jousting stop by for a private lesson on their way home from a show- actually they stopped over last night then had the lesson this morning. The jouster's squire and general assistant for the show was none other than Rob from Lodge Ropes - it turned out that there were two of his existing customers among our number, which was pretty cool. Rob is also Australia's answer to Rick Lamb which is how Steve, Elaine and I got interviewed at lunchtime.

( Anyways, a few photos )

Now I need to pack up my little caravan and get ready to head out. I've had a really great couple of weeks, I've learned a whole lot and I'm going to miss Silversand even though I've only been here briefly. I really appreciate the sacrifice Steve and Irena make when they come over to Europe for the summer.