To coach or not to coach

My equestrian life (and in fact my whole life) is driven by one big major equestrian goal.  It's to do with Eventing.  At a high level.  A very high level.  (There's more detail to it, but I'm not quite willing to share that with the world just yet.) Everything I do I try to align towards that goal.

For a while now, I have been asking the question "to get to my goal, do I need to coach?"  Do I need to teach other riders?  Will that get me towards my goal?  Or will it be something that distracts me from my own riding journey?  Am I better off just focusing on my riding, my competing, my lessons?  Or will coaching other riders give me more flexibility?  Will it teach me something that lessons on my own horse cannot?  Will it equip me better to compete?  Will it give me another perspective?  An extra dimension?

Well, the answer came rather unexpectedly, and rather like a steam train.

One beautiful sunny day last year, we had organised two instructors to teach at a pony club rally.  One was our usual instructor, and the other was a well respected dressage instructor.  On the day our usual instructor rang in sick, while it turns out that there had a been a communication error with the other instructor and she actually wasn't coming.

So there we were, a beautiful day, eight kids mounted on ponies, and no one to teach them.  I mulled over the issue in my mind.  We must give these kids an instructor.  No one was taking a step forward.  There was no backup plan for this situation.  I wondered how the insurance side of it worked.  I wondered about this and that, and in the end I suggested that if everyone is happy, then I will teach the kids.  There was a resounding "YES PLEASE!" from all the parents.

Gulp.

Eight kids from total beginner and wavering between on the lead/off the lead, to 14-year olds, capable of jumping grade 3, and everything in between.  Talk about being thrown in at the deep end.  Well, as they say "throw me to the wolves, and I will come back leading the pack".  And that is exactly what happened!  (Not that our kids are like "wolves", but you get the drift.)

We started off with flatwork.  I ran the kids through a set of exercises that I do myself to establish a correct position on the pony, and to establish that the pony is travelling correctly.  Within two strides the ponies all improved, relaxed and moved better.  Within two strides!!!  My jaw dropped!  Then we did some other work that was basic enough for the beginners, but still beneficial for the intermediate and advanced riders.

In the second session we did poles and jumping.  Well, at the start of this class two were keen to jump, and the remainder were only going to do poles on the ground.  By the end of the session everyone bar two riders (one was a youngster and a beginner, the other was on an elderly pony that shouldn't jump) was jumping.  Everyone!  In fact, as the jumps went up, I had to step in and tell some riders to stop jumping because it was getting too high for them.

Then lunch.

After lunch we played some games.  It was just a fun relaxing session.  Oh, but so many smiles.  So much team work.  Such great friendship.

All the kids had a really good time that rally.  All the parents were very happy, because they could see amazing improvements in the way the kids were riding.  But most important of all, I had a really good time!  It was kind of like being at a party and doing lots of talking and having lots of fun.  I just loved it.

I think my question has been answered.

Pony Club

Today at Pony Club Sabina is being tested for her D certificate.  We've been going over the things she needs to know many times, and I am confident she will pass with flying colours.

A lady is assigned to examine Sabina, while I am assigned to examine someone else's child.  So I don't get the opportunity to see how the test is going.

When the test is over, Sabina's examiner secretly gives me the thumbs up, and says she did really well.  But, the real proof is in the pudding.

Up until now, mainly I've been saddling the ponies for Sabina.  This afternoon, we need to get Tornado saddled for another ride.  Sabina shows me the palm of her hand, and says "Mama, go away.  I will do it".  (Talk about "speak to the hand").

Sure enough, she saddles and bridles Tornado, including doing the girth up ... fully!  That takes some strength!  You go girl!

June Pony Club

They say that a picture tells a thousand words.  Well, here are a few words for those that still need a caption added to the above photo.

We went to pony club.  Sabina was riding Tornado, and she had an absolute ball going over the jumps.  (She has never ever jumped before).  And ... the minature (pony) can jump.

More ponies than you can poke a stick at

Today we went to Pony Club and Sabina merrily rode into her lesson. She handled Tornado well, and even seemed to be paying attention to the instructor.

I was standing outside the arena, watching the world go by, thinking how in the world I am now going to upgrade her pony. I mean, I don't really want to go trapsing around the state, looking for the perfect pony for my daughter, preferably a palomino colour (more about that some other time). Another adult came along and I opened my big mouth.

"Well, why don't you go and talk to M. She's got a pony here for sale, that might be suitable.", was the response I got.

By the time lunchtime rolled around and all the kids were having a break, Sabina was back in the arena on the said pony. After a lot of walking, a few halts, several attempted transitions into trot, and finally the trot itself, Sabina was allowed to have some lunch, while I went to talk to M.

Later in the afternoon, the said pony was delivered (together with rug and bridle) to our property for a two week trial, with the potential to extend it to a one month trial. Perfect timing. It's school holidays at the moment, so we will be able to test ride the pony a fair bit.

Two ponies

Today we took Tornado and Dingo to pony club. At pony club there are rules. One of them is that adults are not allowed to ride while the kids are riding. Makes perfect sense.

So I rode Dingo as soon as we got there, then I helped Sabina saddle up. Once she was in her lesson I looked for a good excuse to make myself scarce. I hate being the mum on the sidelines, who constantly gives her daughter advice over the fence. That's the instructor's job. But when I sit there at that fence, I must admit, I just can't help myself.

Thank goodness that a friend's daughter tugged at my sleeve - can she ride Dingo? She's been having a few rides on him already, and I knew that he should be fine in the beginner's group.

So, I helped her with Dingo in the beginner's group, every now and then sneaking a peek at Sabina in her lesson. She looked like she was having a ball!

Pony Club Trail Ride

We wake up refreshed. Sabina gets dressed, finds Chelsea, and off they go, hand in hand.

My morning is busy with packing up tent, and checking that I have brought all the right gear for the horses. Yes, horses. We're off on a trail ride today. Sabina will be riding Tornado, and I have brought a horse for myself too.

When Sabina hears that Chelsea may not be riding, she almost forgoes the whole activity. Luckily, Chelsea is keen to come along, even if it means riding double on the pony with her older sister.

There is a fair bit of assembling and standing around. Sabina is somewhat impatient. Then when we finally get going, even Tornado is keen to strike up a trot. Sabina is annoyed at her pony, and it takes a fair bit of explaining from me, before she starts being tougher and enjoying herself. But it's great to give her the experience of riding in such a big herd.

After the trail ride, and lunch, Sabina and Chelsea play "house" in the back of the float. One is sweeping, while the other is wiping off the dust. They are welcome in my float any time!

Finally, Santa arrives in a little jog cart. All the children get presents. Sabina ends up with this huge present, the smile on her face even bigger. She rips off the wrapping paper to discover a rock guitar. The smile disappears off her face in a jiffy. "Mama, I didn't want a guitar! I don't even like guitars", she moans. I could do some moaning of my own.

When we get home, Sabina unpacks the guitar, while I unpack the car. (I could really do some moaningnow.) All of a sudden, the unwanted toy comes alive, and becomes the best thing since daily bread. Especially, when Papa gives us his best rock guitarist demo, still in his farm clothing. It has us in stitches.

Pony Club Camp Out

Pony club has organised a camp out. So we arrive at the pony club grounds in the late afternoon. Evidently too late to get a yard. Tears follow. All afternoon, I have been asking Sabina to hurry up with the packing and not get distracted, or we will be late. Which part did she not understand?

Anyhow, we come to a sharing arrangement with one lady, which means we get to put Tornado in the yard for now. Enough to stop the tears, and we will deal with the rest later.

Then we start putting up the tent. Here, Sabina is all help and focus. Once the tent is up, she is busy moving our mats and sleeping bags inside the tent. Then she disappears into the tent herself, and plays "set-up house".

Eventually, she reappears and strikes up a friendship with Chelsea. Well, from now on I get an onslaught of questions - "Mum, can we do this?", "Mum, can we use that?" - but I no longer have to worry about entertaining my little girl, and "trying" to make pony club fun.

After dinner, we have presentations. All sorts of trophies are handed out, and then all the kids get a sash and a medal - with their name engraved on it! Pretty special.

We're in bed by 10pm and settle for a very comfortable sleep. One of the horses, yarded nearby, takes it upon himself to give us weather updates throughout the night. "Neigh, rain is coming!". Sure enough, we hear the rain pitter patter on the tent. "Snort, rain is gone." Thanks mate!

Letting go

Sabina and I arrive at Pony Club. We saddle up Tornado. "Mama, can I get on?", asks Sabina. She's keen. "No! We need to get gear checked first." This is the problem with parents buying kids ponies (rather than kids learning at a riding school first) - the "rules" get overlooked.

Finally, she's allowed to hop on. We go into the beginners class. All the other kids are on ponies on a lead. "Mama, let go", come the instructions. "Really? Are you sure?", I ask. "Yes mama!". I unclip the lead rope. "Now you let me know if you need me", I smile.

Sabina steers her pony around the arena with such a serious face that the instructor keeps asking if she is ok. But she does an amazingly good job, negotiating around the other ponies, and stopping behind them when required.

As time progresses, Sabina starts smiling and even laughing. She does endless loops of the arena, and not once does she say that "it's boring". In the final lesson, Sabina is actually trotting unassisted, laughing all the way. At the very end, I am allowed to clip the lead back on so that she can trot over the trot poles. I think we even manage to sneak in a stride or two of canter.

Of course, throughout the entire exercise I am doing loops of the arena too. Mostly at walk, but also at trot. Umm, I mean running. Given my post operative state, it's a reasonable effort. I am very glad when the whole thing is over and we finally head home.

Photos from Pony Club: Sabina and Tornado

Riding by herself - reins and all.

Lining up.

Leading practice.

Waiting for instructions.

Pony Club

Sabina is off to pony club today. With entourage fit for a queen. Car, float. On the float Gally and Tornado, washed and in their summer rugs. On the car, a bike. In the car, mum and dad.

When we get to the Drouin Pony Club grounds, I quickly saddle up Gally and take him cross country. He goes really really well, and I am almost ready to start jumping the level 3 jumps. Yay. Just need a bit more "click". Pete, Sabina and Tornado (still in his rugs), watch.

Then it's Sabina's turn. Pete helps her to saddle up her pony, helmet on, mum fills out the paperwork and hands over appropriate cheque, and she's ready to ride. While we're in the lesson, Pete quickly gets the bike off the roof, and rides back home.

Meanwhile, in the arena, Sabina is riding all by herself (holding the reins and all), together with about five other little girls. During the trotting, I run alongside her, and just slow Tornado down a touch. Then we practice getting on and off. Of course, with that many beginners in the class, there is a lot of standing around. On the hot sand. In the hot sun.

"Mama, this is boring", Sabina says. "I want to go and do my own thing, and let Tornado do his own thing."

Deep down I laugh. Tornado does too much of his own thing. That's one reason we're here.

We go back to our float for a lunch break.

"Mama, I want some ice cream", declares the flushed, tired, thirsty, hungry little girl.

"I didn't bring any ice cream".

"Mama, you have to bring ice cream", she flares, "go and get it RIGHT NOW!"

I sigh, a deep, mother's sigh. I am saved by a marzipan bar, and we get enough sanity that Sabina is willing to wash her hands and face in a cool bucket of water. Then she has a drink, and we're back to the happy child I am used to. Relief. She is even willing to give back the marzipan bar, and eat a proper lunch. Yay!

In the afternoon, we go for a mock hunt. Basically, we go around the cross country course, walking over a couple of tiny little logs, looking for a hidden parcel or two. Well, maybe the logs are not so little. Tornado gets stuck on one such little log, his belly resting on the jump. It's very funny. Maybe we should have gone in the non-jumping field?

All is well. The parcel is found, and in it is a bag of lollies. We all enjoy a sausage sizzle, a drink and lollies.

"Did you enjoy the day?", I ask on the way home.

"Yes", Sabina responds enthusiastically. "But mama, I need a bigger pony!"

"Oh." In the lesson, Sabina was on the smallest pony. Everyone else thought he was awesome, but obviously she doesn't see it that way. "I'll get you a bigger pony when you learn to canter."

"Ok", she says, "can we learn today?"