Penny meets Josse

Just back from my first riding lesson. Pirjo drove us to a stables in the forest, about 30km from Tampere.

I met Jaana and her daughter Janette who run the stables. They have quite a few horses and several different breeds. They have a lipizano horse, a Shetland pony and some Norwegian horses - I think they were Fjord horses. It was one of these that I rode.

The stables set in the forest

some of the Fjord horses

One of the Shetland ponies

I met Janette who was going to instruct me. I had to find a riding hat and then she lent me a jacket. At least I then felt the part! It was very muddy and Pirjo pointed out the she never had the right shoes - she was in pumps but seemed to manage well. We then went to get my horse - Josse. He is about 15 and is quite old, calm and lazy according to Janette.We brought him down to the stables and then I was taught how to brush him and then clean his hooves.It was quite hard work and definitely quite energetic.

Ready for action!

We were both ready and so went to the riding area. The first interesting part was getting onto the horse. Jaana picked up a tub but Janette insisted I get on unaided - it's a long way up to the stirrup and to then hoist yourself up into the saddle - but I did it. I felt quite precarious. Janette then got me to relax on Josse - and get used to sitting on him. Then I started to learn how to drive him! It's all about knee and leg movements and very slight pulls on the bridle. I got confused at times to the poor horse had no chance but Janette was a great teacher and managed me very well.

Even managing to smile though inside wondering how I won't fall off!

Trying to be relaxed!

And off we go!

I learnt to walk, turn but had a bit of problem with stopping - there are no breaks, it's all in the knee and thigh movement but I kept getting confused and used my calves so poor Josse got very muddled. Thank goodness Janette was sorting him out! We even managed a trot - wasn't too sure about it - bouncing up and down in a saddle is quite painful when you are not used to it!!!

The Janette said we had to do some stretches - I asked if this was the horse or me - well see what you think:

Will I ever get back up?

Quite a tricky movement - making sure you don't fall off

Where's the head gone??

Please can I come up now Janette?

We had about half an hour riding and the time flew. I was very pleased that I managed to stay on the horse, relaxed enough and actually quite enjoyed it!

A big hug for Josse

Next year the Grand National?!

Pirjo asked me if I would like to ride again. I certainly would provided that my hip isn't too painful tonight. I have dosed up with ibuprofen! We are hoping to book another lesson and should be able to do the carriage driving as well - that would be another really fantastic opportunity. On the way home we stopped for coffee and cake - I love this lifestyle, although I don't think my clothes will fit by the time I come home! The ice hockey was on the TV - this was the reason Pia hadn't come this afternoon - she decided to stay at home and watch the game. It is Finland versus USA. It was 0-0. When I got home I found it on the TV - as I was searching for the channel I heard lots of cheering from the surrounding flats and sure enough round that Finland had scored. Unfortunately USA then equalised and currently are 2-1 ahead. I am hoping that shortly Hannu Aravartu (apparently a very famous Finnish commentator) will soon announce that Finland have scored. It looks as though they only have about another 7 minutes to play so very tense - right on cue Finland have just scored!