In the country at the stable

The sun shone and a breeze drifted through my car window as I drove to the stable. A perfect day for a riding lesson. At the stable, the gate was across the drive, so I got out opened it and secured it to the post. I drove the car through and then closed the gate--not sure if a horse was grazing on the grass. When I arrive early, I practice hapkido forms. Rather tripped over the large stones, but at least there was enough space to give it my best shot. We led Tamara in from the pasture and I groomed her. Then saddled and bridled her. I rode along the rail for a minute, did a figure eight, and then tried to back her up between two poles lying parallel on the floor of the arena. Not quite like driving a car backward. Definitely need some practice with this technique as I backed her into one side of the poles. My trainer says we will practice more next week and add a turn. I tried two-point, jumping position, and can do well--as long as the horse is standing still! I finished by grooming Tamara and then feeding her chopped carrots, apple and peppermint. We led her back to the pasture to play in the sun with her other equine friends. I feel a connection with my trainer and chatter with her constantly, probably because I am alone at work most of the time, or my husband has on his headphones and can't hear me.