By Trish Joyce

Our new member of the family LH Lily Puss has made a very big difference to our daily schedule.  The first few weeks were spent working out exactly how Lily likes to go under saddle on the flat, jumping and trail riding. Every rider likes their horses to go a certain way that suits them. Wes has a definite way he thinks a horse should travel including the pace and he believes we are the dictators they need to do what we want when we want with acceptance and happiness. Lily was very obese on arrival and finding a saddle to sit on top of her beautiful curves was quite difficult. Wes said just ride her a little bit every day and soon enough she will lose weight. He also said it will take a good 12 months before we know each other well, so be patient. I did exactly that, and during the 270 days of being here she has had 20 days off and still going strong. I am very fortunate to be able to ride with Sarah and Tiffany, they are so patient, and this is another time in my life to be treasured - riding together and just having fun.

The three of us riding together
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

I started doing some light sand arena work, lots of walking down the dirt road and through our little township only now and then venturing into our open jumps paddock as this was where she was her strongest! I attempted a few small jumps but found myself struggling to hold her as she liked to go forward with a raised head a bit higher than I could see ha ha. Wes said he has plans for the pair of us now that she is settled in and he knows exactly what he wants to do over the coming months. I was excited but nervous to say the least. It has been over 20 years since I ever had this much attention from my wonderful husband, was this going to enhance or hinder our relationship?

We were to start on the sand arena as Lily had a tendency to decide when she has had enough, which was after about 5 minutes. She would then lug and lean, try to run and bear down on the reins. With this Wesley helped me respond by changing the bit first and foremost. He also said this was the start of many more bits until we find the one she goes happiest in lightly and willingly. Ok, so after trying five different bits we have found one she likes, and would you believe it... we had it stored in our tack room. We are working on some techniques to create suppleness through her back and neck this will take time and patience I have plenty of that.

Riding at home on the sand arena.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

At times I felt like I was riding terribly, and all I experienced was resistance. I was exhausted and glad to dismount. I would walk away wondering if things would improve ‘ doubting myself, why is it so hard? Some days the beginning would start well, the middle ok, and then she would express she has had enough and wanted to finish. But I could not let her dictate the ride , 'I mean I am below Amateur stage here’ hanging on was hard work let alone rising to the trot sitting up straight ready to canter and staying on a nice relaxed pace. After about one lap of the arena I was puffed. It’s amazing how unfit I am, trying to ride you seem to use all different muscles all over many places. Truly during the first month I would carefully step to the very top of the mounting block and slowly slide my leg over the saddle wait for all the aches to relax and walk away for a good 3 minutes before contemplating any active riding. Now 6 months in I can mount easily and ride for a lot longer.

Jumping this cross bar looks bigger from down here.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Recently I ventured out floated for my very first trail ride here in South Gippsland meeting some long-time friends. This was another new adventure in my life and it feels fantastic, I have time to do this without worrying about the school bus nor think about how long the ride would go for. All the trails Lil and I have been on went for no shorter than 3 ½ hours of just pure bliss! Trail riding would have to be my favourite past time and how lucky am I to be doing just that. Recently I drove to meet Aileen and her trusty youngster Mel 1 hours’ drive up to the bush and on arrival noticed a very important piece of equipment was missing, a girth. I pondered for a while remembering back 30 years ago riding bareback. How hard could it be today so I vaulted on via the side of the float and off we went using the saddle blanket for some padding as her back is nowhere near as meaty as it once was. 3 ½ hours later we dismounted and suddenly all the lactic acid moved from my legs up to my head’ I was extremely rigid but loved every moment. We only walked and trotted up and down steep tracks nearly sliding off to many times to remember gripping her mane to stay up front my gorgeous Lil star carried me safely home. The beach is another most loved outing with Mickey and her Lola , my Lily occasionally helps lead the way as Lola is very young and still learning about the big wide world.

Me in car with float on.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Lily face out the float door.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Lily and I on the beach.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Lily and I on the bush trail.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Mickey and I.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Aileen & I.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Lily and I bareback.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

I was not sure whether to say because I am very nervous and basically worried about taking LH Lily Puss to my very first dressage freshmans competition at the end of this month. I have not competed for over 20 years, it is not an official event just a practise one. You’re probably thinking how silly to be so bothered but I can tell you with 1 week left , and as the day gets closer I wonder if I will actually go. Why is it when we were younger nothing fazed us, is it age that brings a new set of stressing emotions what am I actually anxious about? I am not ashamed to say we are starting at the very bottom having a crack at Level 5 as this is where I am at, not Lily but me and my head! I think I need to just do one to get started. I am going to take my time what is the rush .So stay tuned if you wish to know how we actually go!

Lily makes new friends (she is sniffing Lola).
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce

Lily meeting Mel.
Photo supplied by Trish Joyce