Yesterday, I was worried about heavy rain, but it didn't turn out to be as bad as I thought.
As usual, Ai-chan drives smoothly on the Joban Expressway.
Lately, the newly installed high-speed chargers at Tomobe make me feel at ease when driving. (There are 4 chargers on the downward side and 6 on the upward side at Tomobe. I wish other service areas would follow Tomobe's example!)
In the afternoon, the rain has stopped and a cool breeze is blowing. The conditions are perfect.
I lead the horse out of the wash area and into the spacious arena. I tighten the horse's girth and mount from a step stool.
(Instant mount, instant dismount.)
When mounting, I shift my weight toward the horse's neck to minimize stress on its legs and back.
The horse walks steadily, with a spirited gait. (Good!) It also trots well, especially around the corners.
We manage to complete the 10-meter ring-riding perfectly. (I keep an eye on points A and C, and we're well-centered.)
The instructor then asks me to try a 20-meter canter.
Given how well things are going, I expect to transition into the canter immediately, but that's not what happens.
Instead, the canter starts only after a few strides, and the instructor asks me to stop the horse.
"The reason you didn't transition into a canter right away is that you're not engaging your lower abdomen.
You're putting too much strength into your upper body, especially your arms," the instructor points out.
I try again, focusing my energy on my lower abdomen (concentrating my qi into the dantian, got it).
As instructed, the horse breaks into a canter immediately, responding perfectly to my cues.
Once we've achieved that, the 20-meter ring-riding becomes incredibly smooth and enjoyable. Occasionally, I apply leg pressure and
properly lower and secure the reins. All I have to do as a rider is sit quietly in the saddle without interfering with the horse's movement.
What a delightful time this is!
Inside, I think to myself, "This feels great." It's moments like this that make me love horseback riding.
After the ride, I thank the horse by patting its neck and then dismount.