Blog: Action woman

Eighteen hands

I seem to remember being on a horse a couple of times in my life when I was about 11, it obviously wasn’t something that I had felt passionately about, as I don’t remember begging my mother if I could have more lessons. I have a lot of respect for animals, particularly those that are much bigger than me and whose back I’m going to be sat on. So it was with a little trepidation that I arrived at Çatalköy Riding Stables for my half hour lesson.
Di Silbery, the owner, introduced me to Bev Jones, the Yard Manager, who would be my instructor and Julie Harper, one of the stable’s Trail Guides, who would be leading the horse.
After filling out the form which included who was to be contacted in the case of emergency (gulp) and whether I had any conditions the stables should know about (I considered putting down hang over!), Bev outlined what we would be doing and found me a riding hat, before introducing me to my mount.
Domingo, the tallest horse in the stable at 18 hands, I was assured, was an easy going and gentle animal, ideal for beginners. To me he just looked very big! Julie led him to the wall from which I was to mount him.
Bev patiently and clearly explained how I was to do this, reminding me that I was also new to the horse, who would have to get used to me as much as I would him. I gingerly followed her instructions and sat astride this beautiful animal.
Without being too technical, Bev told me about the tackle that I needed to be aware of, the reigns, the stirrups and the saddle. Then we were led to the sand school. Once I had adjusted my feet and the way of holding the reigns according to Bev’s directions, we were ready to walk around the perimeter. Once my instructor was happy I was comfortable, she explained how to start, stop and turn the horse and encouraged me to try them all myself.
It had seemed to me that Domingo just knew what he was doing, but I was assured that once Julie took off the lead rope, it would be up to me to get him to go where I wanted him. It seemed to go well! We weaved between the cones without missing one or knocking one over and turned round and did it all again. So far so good! This was all at a gentle walk you understand.
Bev then decided we should try a little trot. She kindly explained that most people are all over the place to start with, as it is a very different sensation. She wasn’t wrong! Not only was I all over the place but it certainly was a very different feeling to the gentle walking, different as in feeling completely out of control! And there I had been thinking it was easy!
That was obviously enough of that for the first lesson and we returned to the more dignified walking! This time I had to guide Domingo between two coloured poles and stop him, there were four pairs of them across the sand school and we successfully negotiated all of those. I was quite proud of myself and of course my faithful steed.
Ian, the photographer asked if I could ride without someone walking beside the horse for him to take some pictures, I had to walk Domingo up and down twice, since I must have been concentrating too much the first time to smile.
All too soon the half hour was up and I had to ride Domingo out of the sand school and into the stables before I could dismount him. I wasn’t too happy about the procedure here when it was explained. Feet out of the stirrups, lean forward, lift your right leg over the back of the horse, being careful not to kick him as this might encourage him to move off, then slide down his side. It’s long way down there to be sliding I was thinking to myself and wondering if Bev really would be able to catch me without doing us both an injury, if I were to fall. Still, I had to get off, so did as I was told and to my surprise slid gracefully down the side of the horse and on to my feet. It was at that point I realised why people walk the way they do after riding. It gets the inside of your thighs alright!
Over a cup of tea and a Kit Kat, kindly supplied by Julie, I asked how long before I would be able to participate in the “Ever Popular Pub Ride�, which sounded very civilised to me. The one thing that was made clear to me by all three women, was that whilst they want people to learn and enjoy themselves, safety is something they take very seriously. Even the most gentle of horses can be unpredictable, a loud bang or plastic bag suddenly being caught by the wind can spook them, so before a rider can go beyond the sand school, they need to be competent. And each person learns at a different pace, so there are no set number of lessons before you can ride out, it will depend on the individual. So I guess I could be spending a few more lessons in the sand school yet!

Di Silbery opened the Çatalköy Riding Stables in June 2004, they have 13 horses, five of which are ponies. The only limitations for riders are that they must be over seven years old and under 90Kgs. The stables is open Tuesday – Friday 8.30am to noon and 2pm – 4pm. Lessons by prior appointment. The pony club is run for 7-14 year olds on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
A private half hour lesson as taken by Claire costs £15. Group lessons start at £10 per person. For experienced riders the stables run a series of trail rides. For more information contact Bev Jones on 0533 845 4742 or visit the web site on www.catalkoyridingclub.com

by Claire on 14:48 on 8th May 2007