3rd lesson (Paco)

This is Paco. Look at them liccle tiny stick legs! The first time I rode him, about a year ago I felt that I was far too heavy for him, although he didn't seem to have any problems with carrying me.

I didn't feel much different this time, only a bit apprehensive because he can be a bit of a git. He has his own mind and way of seeing things, and if they don't correlate with what you want, then you are in for a rare old time!

Fortunately we were learning school figures, and as I was tucked in right behind the leader we could keep going at a decent pace. Once Paco gets going (and I get over the feeling hat I'm sitting in a fence) his trot is nice and active and easy to rise to.

All we did was diagonals, over and over again, changing the rein and a few circles.

I was more than a bit apprehensive about the canter because I've seen so many people lose control and fall off Paco as he goes haring round the arena, so on the first rein I didn't manage to get canter at all. On the second rein it was much better, and once I realised that, yes it was a bit fast, and no he wasn't going to stay on the piste - but he also wasn't going to 180 on me, those few stride of canter I had was good, and I was OK!