Hi

Today I went up to Bicton College to be a "demo rider" for their UKCC Level 1 Coach training course - a qualification I should be due to take when the next course runs!  I was put on Champs, a 15.2hh bay horse, who had plenty of character as I was about to find out!

We were put in to groups of three (with two of the coaching candidates having to ride with me because we didn't have enough "demo riders"!) and were taught six back-to-back 15 minute sessions covering basic aspects of riding and position in all 3 paces. Champs, who hadn't been worked for a few weeks, found this highly exciting and felt the need to buck or bronk at as many transitions into trot or canter as possible, or even just passing another horse! Given the fact that Storm is fairly sane and will only put in the odd buck every now and again, it was fun getting on a horse which I could just have fun on like I did when I used to ride naughty ponies when I was younger!

I found that riding as a "demo rider" gave me a great opportunity to get an insight into how the training day was run for the candidates, and I can't wait to be in their shoes and preparing for my level one as well!

After Champs, who was the 5th horse i have ridden in the last two days, I am now suitably worn out, and can't wait to have a warm bath, stop smelling of horses and hit the sack!

Bye for now,

Libby

Added on 20th March 2012