My favourite riding lesson…
Today I rode Maz (he’s all better now) and we did so much fun stuff, I’m still fizzing hours later! First of all, I went to tack him up. He got a new rug because Ellie ripped his (eek) and it’s got spacemen on it! Like usual he was just mooching by the stable and probably would’ve followed me into the stable without a halter, but I did it anyway just for safety. I took off his rug, got out the brushes and groomed him. His coat was all dry and matted because Jenna rode him last night and didn’t hose him off, so he looked very funny 🙂 I asked Sophie about worming horses, and she showed me how to do it, when to do it and what to use which was really useful for my future pony. I also asked how you can roughly tell if a saddle fits a horse, and she showed me that too. My knowledge of parts of the saddle wasn’t that bad! She also said Zion has huge withers (he’s really uncomfortable to ride bareback for that reason) and his current saddle pinches his withers, making it sore for him to be saddled, so he now uses Maz’s which has a larger pommel until they can find him one that fits him snug like a bug. Then I picked out all four of Maz’s hooves, which he did perfectly like usual and I didn’t have to break my back hefting it up and holding it there. Also his feet had just been trimmed by their farrier so it was much easier than last time. Then I put on his saddlepad, saddle and asked Sophie to help with his girth, because I’m not strong enough just yet to do up his girth. My back hurt a little after this ride, so I’m going to try some back strengthening excersises and see how it goes because it’s hurt before from bouncy canters and I’d like to not be aching after a ride 🙂 I put on his bridle, which he did perfectly (no high heads or stubborn teeth!!) and then led him out of the stable and mounted. We warmed up and I struggled a bit to keep him moving straight, but now I think about it I wasn’t using my legs confidently and he hadn’t warmed up very much either. Once we got moving, we were on fire! We did lots of trot, and Sophie showed me how to do a basic dressage test! She had all the Dressage letters out on the arena sand, and Maz and I followed her and Zion (she was riding bareback because Maz and I were using the saddle). It was awesome and I might like it as much as jumping! I just love perfecting the paces and learning new tricks, like moderating the gaits and drifting hindquarters ect. Then I did some laps of canter, and like usual, he was an angel 🙂 I only need to sit his trot for a few uncomfortable strides and tap with the whip (I’m not stable enough in the saddle yet to use my legs for that) and off he goes into his rocking-horse canter! On the left rein we were floating and it was the best feeling, and on the right I was a little stiffer, but Sophie said that’s fine because every horse and rider has a better side. Mostly I was just a little nervous about tipping out of the saddle because Maz was all fired up and his canter was a little bouncier. But anyway, then we set up a few jumps and poles, and Maz and I did pretty awesome on those! Our first ones were a little wobbly, but once we got our rythym it felt great. Then. Sophie suggested I canter into this upright, and then after the jump, slow to a trot and trot the poles in front of it. I did the jump at a trot first, just to find balance, and then I did it! From memory our first ones were pretty wobbly and uncoordinated, but the following were great! Mostly we struggled with slowing to a trot and me rising properly after the jump. But it was INCREDIBLE. I have ticked off another one of my goals; cantering a jump! Obviously I need to practise a lot lot more, but we did awesome for a first try. Then after lots more jumps and trot-circles, we went for a trot along the top of the paddock hill and Maz and I even cantered a length! (Sophie didn’t want to canter Zion bareback I think, or maybe she was working on not letting him rush forward with Maz)
Then I cooled Maz off, untacked and went home! It was such an awesome lesson and I’m so lucky to be able to ride Maz and have incredible Sophie as my instructor. I don’t have any photos of this lesson, so I’ll just use one of Zi for the post header 🙂 Byeeeee!!
35 Comments
Maaike
Wow, you and Max are doing so well! ❤️
stellaslittleworld
Thank you! We’re ticking off so many goals together! I thought I’d be a lot wobblier after a long break of not riding, but we did awesome today!
Tess
Cool. Our new farrier Ella showed me how to worm Goldie. She’s training to be a vet and is horse crazy too. Just like me she wanted a horse when she was 12 they lived on a life style block but her parentes said not till she was 14 or 15.
Stella
Awesome, worming is important to make sure they stay healthy and happy. Did you get my email?
Tess
Yes. I can’t believe you might get mazzzzzzz. How? If i somehow get 2000 dollars then i will get à riding pony otherwise no 😢I’ve filled in my identification chart what do i do next?
Stella
I will explain in an email; nothing is for absolute certain but it’s looking great! Oce everyone has agreed I will tell you the full story. It’s great you’ve done your chart! Now you should hang it up somewhere you won’t lose it. It’s just for proof you own Goldie and if someone needs to contact you or the vet they can check your number. Stella
Tess
I emailed u:) 😊
Tess
What do you think of him for me? https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/equestrian/horses-ponies/ponies/listing/6082792640
Stella
Hmmm…I wouldn’t say he’s your top pick, no offense. He’s very inexperienced and you’re at risk of teaching him bad habits uknowingly (which isn’t bad, it’s just he’ll learn to take advantage of you like Zion did to me, and he wasn’t even being very naughty.) I love the second pony, I think he’s a great fit for you. Safe, and the right size, plus he’s barefoot which is excellent. Stella
Tess
I really like him. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/equestrian/horses-ponies/ponies/listing/6086638135
Tess
Ps Im writing pirongia ponies 4 and 5 plus a new series for you called the black mustang foal!!! Love your new desk❤️🤩🥰
Tess
Yeah I agree I really like the second one he’s just quite expensive….. you don’t need to say no offence every time, Im your best friend and I share the links so you can give me your opinion on them and how you think we’d go together Tess🥰
Stella
Thanks! I love my desk too. It’s fun sharing ponies and getting eacother’s feedback on it, and I love imaginging us with real riding ponies. Yes the second pony is quite expensive, but if you’re going to get a riding pony I’d reccomend getting one like him. Even though you’re awesome with Goldie, big ponies can actually be scary and for your first one, i’d look for a safe, gentle one like Maz, but one who also has a bit of spice, like Dandy 🙂 Stella 🥰
Tess
Yes I agree. How’s your week going? Have you ever thought of writing a story in a notebook? Do you visit Sofie and Maz even when you are not riding ? I jumped Goldie over a full course of 60cm with a log jump. Also did I tell you we cleared the log pile in the middle of his paddock with faith she suggested it and it is great, he cantered once with me on his back not getting led he was so excited🥰❤️🤩🎉 next time you come I want to try jumping a slightly higher jump like 35 or 40cm it would be amazing 🤩 Tess
stellaslittleworld
I’ve got a cold at the moment 🤒So that’s why there hasn’t been any posts sorry. I have thought about writing in a notebook but I prefer writing on documents because I can choose the fonts and page size and the books don’t take as long to write, heh heh. That’s awesome you cleared the log pile! Goldie will have lots more space now 🙂 I’ll definatly help you and Goldie jump a little higher next time ☺️I’m riding Maz next week and OMG all that’s left to arrange before deciding whether i’m going to get Mazzy is paddock rent!!! eee!!! Also I’m loving writing your book; it’s a new series fyi 🙂 🤩 Stella
Tess
Oh no I hope you get better soon can’t wait to read some more of your book I’m hoping to print them. So you’ve decided a price for him? Eeeeeee❤️🎉🥳🏇
Stella
Thank you 🥰Yes we have decided on a price, now all that’s left is grazing fees! They said I could use all of Maz’s tack until we buy our own! eee!
Tess
Eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! May I ask price or is it private?
Stella
Ahh thank you for your consideration! I will email it to you, just until everything is decided 🙂
Tess
Tak♥️ so you are riding him next week? Im reeeeeeeeeeealy enjoying your story🤩🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🤩me and Goldie are comfortably jumping around 60cm courses together I’ll try email you a vid
Tess
What do you think of the story I wrote for school?
A Show to Remember
Tess and Yana jumped off the fence and delight, Stella’s horse float had just pulled into the driveway. Stella quickly got out of the car “hi Tess hi Yana” she waved “ hi Stella” the girls grinned “ how’s Maz ?” Stella Lead them out. “fantastic i can’t wait for the show.” “Us too, I’ve been working really hard on my riding position because I really want to win a ribbon at the show and I brought tons of grooming products to get mellow looking pretty” Yana smiled, “and I’ve been working really hard on Goldie’s jumping” Tess added. “That’s awesome” Stella answered, “well we better get them all ready for the show.” “Yeah” Yana who was eager to start ran off to catch mellow. Soon the girls had groomed their ponies to perfection. Stella smiled at their hard work, then sat down next to Yana with her saddle to shine it. “ Let’s ask mum if we can go shopping, I’ve saved lots of money for a sparkly blue saddle pad mine is falling to pieces” Tess suggested. “ Yes I’ll go ask” Yana agreed. “Wait, I have a surprise for you girls” Stella stopped Yana, passing them each a small long parcel wrapped in horse themed paper. “ Thank you.” the girls said tearing off the paper to reveal a beautifully weaved show brow band in their favourite colours. “You made it” Yana gasped fingering the pink and white ribbon. “Yes, I hope I chose the right colours” Stella said. “ The yellow and gold looks so good together I love it thank you” Tess thanked her imagining it against her palomino Shetland pony. Yana ran off to ask about going to the saddlery warehouse and Tess and Stella just smiled. There mother readily agreed and they headed off. The girls each collected a trolly and began to fill it up with much needed things, hair nets hair donuts, new saddle pads, sparkly hoof paint, plating bands, show ties, jackets, and more. When they reached the counter to pay Silleste the girls mum declared that she was sure the girls had enough show gear to last them for 10 years. “ at least we are paying for it” Tess grinned. That night the girls could barely fall asleep, they were so excited for the show the next day.
The next morning the girls got up at six to start getting ready. After the girls feed their ponies. Silleste did their hair in flashy buns and Stella showed the girls how to properly iron their jackets. When they were finished, they looked professional, Stella and her navy jacket and white jodhpurs, Yana and her light pink jacket with black jodhpurs , and Tess with her grey jacket and cream jodhpurs. All three girls sported perfectly shined riding boots and hair nets with crystals lining the edge. “ Let’s give the ponies a quick grooming before we head off” Stella suggested. The girls agreed and they ran off to groom their ponies again. In the end, Yana‘s beautiful whitish grey mare mellow had the most flashy polished look, but the other girls were perfectly proud of their own ponies presentation. Stella’s big bay geldings coat shone like copper and Tess’s gelding Goldie, looked lovely. “ It’s time to go.” Silleste called. When I arrived at the showgrounds the girls were delighted to see horses and riders as far as the eye could see. Stella Tess and Yana soon got caught up in the hustle and bustle getting their ponies ready and settled in. Their class wasn’t until the afternoon so Stella suggested they head off and watch some of the morning classes. Yana saved them a seat in the crowd while Stella and Tess set off in search of food. The morning went too quickly and all too soon it was time to saddle up and head for their first classes. Stella was first and would be attempting a 60 cm class on Maz. “Good luck” Yana said. “ thanks” Stella nodded as she rode into the ring. “ I wish we could watch but we have got best presented ” Tess sighed. “We better go then” Yana said taking one more look at the arena Stella was in. Took a spot in the line with a bunch of other riders. “ trot on” the judge instructed. Trying to keep him close to me as he was a bit funny around other ponies.” Canter.” the judge called squeezed Goldie sides and his pace quickened into a canter as they floated across the ring Tess couldn’t help but lose her nerves at the feel of Goldie’s canter. “ Walk.” The riders slowed to a walk slowly circling the judge. “ halt” the judge called. Tess pulled back on the reins and Goldie came to a perfect halt beside mellow. “ splendid.” the judge exclaimed.” I’m going to have a hard time choosing today.” She pased back-and-forth carefully looking over each rider and their pony. Finally she announced that she had decided who would be the winner. “In third place we have Tess Shephered and Showtym Gold-boy, second we have Ellie Locket and Flower Blossom, and first the overall winner is Yana Shephered and Showtym Marshmallow!” Tess and Yana smiled with pride as they rode up to collect their ribbons. On the way out of the best presented ring Tess and Yana bumped into Stella. “Hi, I got second in my jumping class!, did you place?” “Yup” Yana grinned, “I got first and Tess got third!” “Well I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines” Tess said while Yana and Stella entered for rider on the flat. Tess watched as Yana and Stella rode around the ring with perfect confirmation, and cheered her loudest as Stella received her first place ribbon and Yana her forth. “Congratulations” tess congratulated them, “i need to go for my class now.” “Let’s hurry and watch” Stella called to Yana as she ran after Tess. Tess took a deep breath as she entered the ring, the 50cm jumps felt bigger in the ring then they had at home. The bell rung and she urged Goldie into a canter. He flew over the first a solid looking brick wall then bravely attempted the water jump clearing it by miles. He soared over the double, taking a tight turn and clearing the colourful flower pot jump. After brushing through the brush jump and clearing the wire fence only one jump remained, the parallel oxer. Goldie took of just a moment too soon and the came out of the ring with four falts. The girls listened intently as the results were called and Tess almost screamed in delight when she came second. As she completed her lap of honour in front of a cheering crowd she knew it was certainly a show to remember.

Tess
Opps Sorry I thought it would be a link
stella
AWESOME story!!!!!! I’m loving writing this new book 🙂 That’s great you’re jumping 60cm with Goldie! I hope you guys get to Show next year!! Yup I’m riding Maz next week, hopefully livery will be arranged by then!! eee i’m so excited!
Tess
Tak. Eeeeeeeee!!! What’s your favourite pirongia ponies pony other then Maz?
stellaslittleworld
I love lost on an island!! Obviously Maz the big bay is my favourite, but Lost On An Island is equally as good. It goes:
Maz The Big Bay
Lost On An Island
Shyla The Pony Behind A Truck
The Wild Welshies
Mistletoe
Ranger The Pony In The Storm
Tess
That’s cool but I ment if the actual ponies for my character guess who. We have Goldie mellow Maz you Yana me and chilli the raptor. I’ve also got other ones I’ll send a pic when it is done.
stellaslittleworld
Ohhh the actual ponies! Except for Maz…I love Shyla, and also Raptor. Who’s your favourite pony in Perfect Ponnies and the Shepherd’s Ponies
Tess
I like inky and suger other then Goldie of course I really wish you could make me keep him. In my book I like prob chilli and peanut
stellaslittleworld
You’ll see how the book turns out…..:)
Tess
Ooooooo
Tess
Eeeee the shepherds ponies I didn’t realise you’d started that!!!!!! I looooove suger cube he is definitely my fav I loooove his color amazing 🤩 book 📖 eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!! I loooooove it 🥰💕😍🥰🥳🤩🇩🇰🏇🎠🐎🎉
Tess
the shepherds ponies I didn’t realise you’d started that!!!!!! I looooove suger cube he is definitely my fav I loooove his color amazing 🤩 book 📖 eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!! I loooooove it 🥰💕😍🥰🥳🤩🇩🇰🏇🎠🐎🎉
Stella
omgee I’m so happy you like it!!!
Tess
Yes!!! So you are not going to finish the inky story?
Stella
Oh, have you not read Perfect Ponies 3 – Champions?