Since I Couldn't Be at the Derby...

I figured pretending to be a Jockey was the next best thing. 

This past Saturday, while others were celebrating Derby & Cinco de Mayo, I took a horseback riding lesson at Fun with Horses. Of course, it was a Living Social Deal. The lesson was an hour long. In that hour, I learned how to bridle the horse and lead her to the hitching post. I was taught how to groom her by using a curry comb  first to loosen the dirt and hair, followed by a dandy brush, which removes the loosened dirt and hair. I used the hoof pick to remove the mud and dirt that was caked in the hooves. I was taught how to put the back pads and saddle on, as well as how to put the cinch on the saddle and halt the horse. I now know to always lead and mount the horse from the left side and stay clear of the kicking zone. After all this, Honeygirl was ready to go. I lead her into the arena and used a mounting block to get on the horse. I learned how to make the horse go, stop, and turn. We even weaved in and out of cones. 

I was a real pro, except when it came time for the dismount. Who knew getting off a horse could be so difficult? I always assumed the left foot stayed in the stirrup to assist in getting down. Apparently, not. I actually couldn't even use the stirrups when I was riding because my shoes didn't have a heel. I was told my foot could slip, I could fall off, and my leg would be caught in the stirrup. I would be stuck and dragged by the horse. Needless to say, I was okay with not using the stirrups while riding. But for dismounting, I was a little confused. I was told to put my left hand on the horse's wither (neck), swing my right leg over the back of the horse, and land with my knees slightly bent.

Easier said, than done. 

I was in position to dismount the horse. My left hand was in place. I attempted to swing my right leg over the back of the horse.


Mission failed.

Skinny jeans were a poor choice of wardrobe. I was stuck. I just chilled there for a minute until I finally mustered up the strength to get my leg all the way across the back of the horse and slid off. I obviously didn't master that technique.

Crossing Jockey off my "Possible Careers" list...