So today I took the plunge and decided I was far enough advanced to get on Stanley my rising 3 Shire/Vanner (Cob) gelding - he is having an operation Wednesday to remove a blind wolf tooth so thought I would have a ride before his recovery period so he can ponder things, unfortunately I can’t upload the video here, Richard Boatwright when you try it only allows uploading of your videos and not from our library! 

Well it went well, went through basics as per normal then put weight in the stirrup a few times, he did walk off but I recall Richard saying it’s not really an issue at this stage, on the 4th time I committed and swung my leg over and we were off! 

Only a couple of minutes riding around or so, a couple of nice 1 rein stops and moving away, he took it all in his stride, lots more ground driving to do as he will be by nature more woe than go as we say in the UK but over the moon with the big lad.

My aim is to once recovered to have him sufficiently backed to bring him to Richard’s clinic in the UK in May to help bring him on, not sure yet if I will be riding or my better half but as I’m more confident than her I decided to throw my leg over today, even though this is the first youngster or any horse for that matter I’ve done a 1st ride on! 

My big worry was I am too big for him at present but he seemed to deal with it all, he is 14.3h and I am 6ft 1”.

Will try to get a couple more rides before his operation