Nic's Bit

“Nic's Bit" is where my daughter Nicole shares her insights on riding. She writes and speaks from a ten-year-old's perspective.

Following is an excerpt:

December 2, 2011

Nicole (10) with Chico

I started riding when I was really young around the age of three or four. Riding has always been something that I have wanted to do with my life. I am still on my way now, and hope to get more experienced and just learn to ride free.

The only reason I have managed to keep my riding life alive is because I have had amazing influences so far, for example, my riding instructors, my best friend's Lilah, and Kayla, and most importantly my Mom.




Ever since I was young my Mom has been there for me, riding, going to shows, and sometimes taking long road trips to places like the Fidelity Classic Horse Show, the Vermont Summer Festival, and The Equine Affair. I hope to be as successful as my Mom with her business and how great a rider she is.

Now let’s take a look at some of my riding issues:

1.   I’m not very good at staying focused while riding. My instructor is always is telling Lilah, and Kayla how they “pump their arms too much” or they’re “bouncing around a lot,” but whenever my instructor comes to me he says “Nicole you start off beautifully, but then all of a sudden you start twirling your hair and looking out the window.” Me and my friends laugh.



Lilah, Kayla and Nicole, the "PUFs"
(Pretty Unbelievable Friends)
have some fun after their lesson.

  2. I have a terrible stirrupless canter. Compared to Lilah, I look like a beginner. Kayla can do it amazingly and with her strong pony that is pretty impressive. All I need is a little [OK maybe a lot] of tutoring from Lilah and Kayla.

3.   My reins get way to long while in a transition, like going from trot to canter. I get ready for the canter, my pony at top speed, and by the time I get to the canter, I realize my reins are a mile long! I have to then shorten them while my instructors aren’t looking, it’s pretty tough considering they have hawk eyes!

OK, now do you see some of my problems? Good, because you never know when you might have a problem too!