Post by toki333 on Jun 7, 2008 7:47:04 GMT -5
I closed my legs on Autumn and I tried to hold the reins as my hands sweat. I could feel Autumn struggling underneath me and I tried to change the lead leg as we approached the jump. The canter was rough and choppy and I felt like crying - embarrassing myself. But at least no-one was watching. I hugged Autumn's neck and he stopped. "I'm rubbish!" I hissed and patted Autumn, it wasn't his fault. The parallel bars stood in front of us, and they quivered with my nerves. They suddenly seemed so big and I wanted to get off Autumn and walk away, but I knew if I gave up, I'd never improve. "I need lessons, I used to be good on Yasmin's pony Bird." I looked down at my feet hanging down either side of Autumn's golden belly. He was quite plump and I chuckled as I realized I was feeding him too many treats. With a new spirit I gathered my reins and circled Autumn before breaking into a smooth canter. I patted him, "good boy." Better this time! I head for the upright and his foot knocked it, but it staid in its cups. I steered the gelding to the spread and cleared it with inches to spare. So far so good, but it was the parallels that spooked Autumn. The combination was good, his hoof only clipping the top bar of the last. We cantered toward the last jump, the dreaded parallel. I swallowed my nerves and closed my legs around Autumn. His ears laid back and I steadied him before easing him over the jump. The moment lasted forever and I gasped as I heard the pole rattle and clatter to the ground. I patted Autumn. With a little more practice he will be able to clear those jumps without hesitation and hopefully with some training, without fear of them at all! 
