Mondriaan

The second lesson I had was on a Saturday morning. I had visited a local horse store and bought riding trousers, and a cap. My boss had some boots, way to big, but good for a start. Kim gave me one of her old whips, and I was ready for take off. The second lesson I had was on a horse called Mondriaan. He is an old horse, 18 or 19 years old and one of the sweetest of the riding school. It took me forever to mount him, as he is not only high but also broad. I wasn't able to mount him the usual way, so a little staircase was brought in to get me on Mondriaan. Once I was on him things went very well. Mondriaan is a very easy horse. He does whatever you ask and works very hard. In the 6 months I am riding, Mondriaan is the horse I have ridden the most. He is one of my favorites. The good thing about him is that he keeps on going whatever happens. So I can work on my balance and on how to keep my feet steady while riding. The bad thing is that Mondriaan don't need any work on him. You really have to push the other horses to stay in a trot, but Mondriaan keeps on going into the trot untill you tell him to stop.



Mondriaan had the honor to help me with my first gallop. When Mondriaan is in a trot he tosses you in the air high, as that is the way he is, but it always goes very well. My first gallop went very well. Annika told me what to do and run along at the start of my gallop. Man, did it felt good to gallop. At first I was scared. What a speed these horses had. Right there and then I was in awe for the jockyes I have seen racing on various internet channels and BBC racing broadcasts. I still am to be honest. After the first few moments I started to enjoy myself and almost shouted it out like a cowboy. I am still learning how to ride a proper gallop. I think it is very hard, but great fun. It feels like flying. I really love to gallop. Mondriaan is a great horse for people who start their lessons. While the others love to play around with me, Mondriaan always stays steady. Another lady who had her first lessons in January has some problems to keep him under control, but I never have trouble with that. The only thing is that he is used to get a reward, read horse candy, from Annika after a gallop, so he doesn't take a step before he gets it. He goes from gallop to trot to walk and then straight to Annika for his reward. At one of the lessons Annika didn't have any horse candy for him and he was very confused. I could see him think "where is my candy?" It took the new lady on his back a long time to get him back to walking. It was such a funny look on his face. Mondriaan is not the eldest horse in the riding school. That honour belongs to Opa (Granddad), but more about him another time.