Twice in 30 minutes.

NoniMe · 10-12-2009, 12:56 PM

Yes.

Twice.

In about 30 minutes.

I came off Tango yesterday, twice. The first time was his fault, the second completely mine. We are indeed a sharing partnership. ROFL. We ended on an amazingly perfect note...but it took a whole lot to get there...a lot of determination and ignoring pain from me, and a lot of trust from Tango, and remembering he really does enjoy jumping.

You see, we've been "jumping." Only 18" and we haven't jumped since August. For Tango 18" is more like hopping. We haven't jumped in a while, and he forgot how much he likes it. So we had the ground poles out, and were practicing going over them. He kicked dirt onto one, the noise startled him, and the next two ground poles he darted out from; they became evil white BIG snakes, and he was going to save himself (and by default, me) from them. Circled him, and brought him over them. Took a moment, let another horse go through the course (we were having a lesson), and then it was our turn.

Tango chose to trot. The momentum helps get his widebody self over the jump (he takes all of them like he's at Rolex...sorta), so I let him. And as we approached the jump, I took a deep breath, lifted my fanny gently from the saddle, released up his neck...and his neck went down. He'd planted. His hips hadn't planted, but his front hooves had...and so did his head. Of course that sent me right over his head...as I was flying through the air, the only thought in my mind was "Oh Good Grief..." and "dammit!". I hit the ground laughing. I hit hard, but I was laughing. It was the classic refusal fall...and I didn't get "hurt", my helmet didn't even have dirt on it. I just rolled over his head, down his nose, and blammo, onto my fanny. If I'd've been thinking, I'd've tried to land it on my feet...but I was too busy laughing. Still, it hurt. But whatever...

So I got up, hand walked Tango over the jump...and then the next one, and then the next one...and then got on again. He took the poles at that point like he'd never had a break. Once the jumps were back at 18", there was no noise to bother him...and he remembered how much he really likes this jumping thing. We flew around the course, happy as larks. He was laughing under me. He was thrilled. I was grinning. I was thrilled.

So then, because Tango doesn't actually jump 18" - he hops, our instructor, after asking me if I was ready to, brought the jumps to 2 feet. No problem, and Tango sailed over them without any issues. I sailed right along with him, loving it. Not even crossrails - just straight oxers ( I think that's what they're called). Whhhhhhheeeeeeee, Tango was having a ball...and so was I.

Our instructor noticed we were having a bit of difficulty on one of the corner jumps, getting him around and lined up properly, so she put it at an angle, and gave us new directions. The jump she moved, #2, was now #3, after a loop to switch leads and get the angle correct, and then off to #4. Cool, fine, no problems. At a canter. Cool, fine, no problems.

HAH. So we took the first jump at a canter. Up and away, it was wonderful. But I forgot which jump was next, and tried to bring Tango to the angled jump; the angle was too hard to make. I had my inside leg back, pushing his hinds. My outside leg was a bit forward, to push his shoulders. And then there was the jump...right in front of us. I tried to get to 2-point, and get forward and released...but instead, because my legs were so weirdly angled, I never got there. Instead, my outside leg came right off Tango's side, and I went sailing off his back...slammed onto the ground in a near split, and spun out. Literally rotated in the air, and continued once I was on the ground. I spun out. I looked up to see my horse trot to the next jump, take it easily, then the 4th jump, and then circle back to me.

He stood there, staring at me. He was so telling me off...I sat there, hips cramping, inside knees aching, and just laughed. Our instructor was laughing, there were some folks watching and they were laughing...Tango's expression was "shoot, all you have to do is hang on. And you couldn't even do that!!! You're such a dork, Mom...I even finished all by myself. Can you just hold on a bit better???"

I got to my feet, went and got a cigarette, and took a few puffs. Nicotine fueled courage back together, I climbed back aboard my mighty steed, promised him I'd hang on...and we did the course perfectly the new way.

Then we did it again, with a good lead change worked in there...it wasn't flying, but it was there and quick. He nailed all 4 jumps. Nailed them. And the last one...it was the first time I've ever felt him gather under himself and actually "jump"...his chest lifted, I was just lightly forward, he was released, and I could feel the power from behind. The whole 2-point position made sense, the whole mechanics made sense...and it was incredible.

Our instructor called "perfect. Just perfect. Both of you. Perfect. We're done..."

I put Tango up in the sunpen, and took down the arena jumps. When I got done, I looked over at Tango...he had that blissful, tired-and-happy look I love so much on his wonderful face. I brought him in, gave him lunch, and my instructor came over.

She said "I think you need to think about letting me show him jumping at the next show or the show after that. Just to get him used to it so you can show him in spring, jumping." I dunno if I'll be ready by spring to jump him in shows, but she's welcome to take him into a bunch of shows, just to get him used to it. Knowing Tango, he'll love it.

I'm thrilled...I'm sore and achy, but not as bad as I'd feared yesterday. Thank God for a well padded arena, a well padded fanny, and a well padded sense of humor, you know? I just wish I knew how to stay on him while he's doing his shenanigans...and actually remember the course so I don't try to put him onto a jump and me be all cattywompus when we take off...which of course will send me sailing. Can't stay on if you're not on at take off...

Ow. Happy ow, but ow.

Best-
Noni

kanoo32 · 10-12-2009, 02:36 PM

Thank GOD, you have a sense of humor!!!

Glad you are ok, and glad you are still having fun!!

singing tree · 10-12-2009, 04:27 PM

Only you, Noni, could present all this in such a positive way. Glad your typing hands still work...

klattekm · 10-12-2009, 05:50 PM

Hahaha that was great. I've pulled one of those kinda rolling over the horse's head falls at a jump and landed laughing my butt off. Better to laugh at oneself than get scared and not get back on!

Horselady44 · 10-12-2009, 05:54 PM

Good for you thinking positive! Glad everything turned out okay

Just think of everything as a learning experience for you and Tango

NoniMe · 10-12-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klattekm

Hahaha that was great. I've pulled one of those kinda rolling over the horse's head falls at a jump and landed laughing my butt off. Better to laugh at oneself than get scared and not get back on!

Yeah, that was the classic "I'm totally new at this so let's fall over my horse's head..." I should've been prepared for it...he'd refused the poles before, you know? I should've been prepared. LOL.

It's just so very weird - and to me, funny - to feel your horse's muzzle trace a wet line down your spine. If I'd've worked it a bit, I could've landed on my feet. I was just so startled and laughing even while I was rolling over Tango that I didn't think to try. LOL at me.

As for being scared, what's funny is that I am not scared of falling while in the arena. It's turned at least three times a week, is soft and deep, and if I'm going to come off, that's the place to do it. I'm terrified of coming off on the trail...that's not soft at all. But inside the arena? Meh...it's soft, and so is my (well padded) fanny.

But the funniest moment of the entire day was when I helicoptered off Tango's back on that jump...and he just continued to finish the course...came back to me, and sort of snuffled. Made me crack up even more.

Kanoo, I don't have a lot of innate talent. I do have a good, solid sense of humor. Thank God for small favors...

ST, even if my hands weren't up to typing, I'd figure out how to type and tell the story. That's the irish in me, I suppose...

Horselady, everything is always a learning experience for me and the Big Handsome. Everything. Sometimes, the lessons are harsh, and sometimes they're funny, but they're always lessons. And I love that part of riding...something new to learn at every turn...

Best-
Noni

bubbleslove · 10-12-2009, 07:07 PM

You know, the one time I laughed about having an riding accident was when jumping. The horse I was riding refused, and I slipped right up on top of his neck. He trotted very slowly back to the gate, and I put my foot on the gate post and pushed myself back into the saddle. My instructor couldn't breathe she was laughing so hard!
Of course, right after that he spooked and dumped me on top of a fence post, almost breaking my pelvis, but at least there was some sort of light moment in that ride!
Glad you're okay!

Awesome Paints · 10-12-2009, 07:14 PM

I would have loved to have been there to see it, actually I just wish I could meet you and Tango in person.

Congrats to both of you on a good day, at least at the end.

qtrhorse1993 · 10-12-2009, 07:17 PM

sounds like you both had fun!!!

Horselessnomore · 10-12-2009, 07:29 PM

Sounds like you had a lot of fun.
Have you considered that the Tangoman has a sense of humour and does these things to see if you are still paying attention???
He sounds like quite the horse.
Glad you are OK and having a lot of fun with him.
Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to seeing a picture of Tango jumping at a show!!!

snwflk · 10-12-2009, 07:37 PM

What a week for thrills and spills.. me and iceskateing..-havent done that in 8 years? and YOU and tango.. HOpe your knee is good.. Mine is finally getting better!

Sounds like you guys will be jumpers in NO TIME

.

NoniMe · 10-12-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horselessnomore

Sounds like you had a lot of fun.
Have you considered that the Tangoman has a sense of humour and does these things to see if you are still paying attention???
He sounds like quite the horse.

Often. Like, regularly. He does have quite the sense of humor, and I know he takes great pleasure at playing tricks on me...and yes, we both check with each other to see if the other is paying any attention to what's really happening...LOL.

Quote:

Glad you are OK and having a lot of fun with him.
Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to seeing a picture of Tango jumping at a show!!!

That may happen in short order...of course, not me on top, but our instructor. However, if I can get someone to take some photos of our lessons when we're jumping, maybe I'll post them up.

Snwflk, I've got bruises on both inside knees...but no real soreness. My right shoulder and arm are sore, but no bruises. Go figure.

And yes, it was fun. It was hard at times, and at other times frustrating, but the end result was a lot of fun.

Awesome, I usually get out to Illinois about every 3rd year or so...I am probably heading out there next summer (after I graduate RN school...) for a bit of a break. We may be able to meet after all, if I manage to get there...

Bubbles, that sounds like a horse who took care of his rider...Tango, otoh, just shakes me off like a fly, and goes on to finish the course. ROFL.

Best-
Noni

beezwing · 10-13-2009, 07:18 AM

Not your fault love..I heard gravity was extra strong the other day

ouch, you are brave brave woman...give T-boy some sugar from me

k

Ponderosa Starr · 10-13-2009, 10:23 AM

Noni;
So glad and thankful you weren't hurt, but got up laughing.. That is the mark of a good horseperson - have a great sense of humor through most everything, regardless who is at fault..

I can't wait until you can get a lesson or 2 (or 3, 4 5 ...) with Brian.. He has a way about teaching that just clicks with people.. He is great with ground work, and great with jumpers too..

Hang in there!! Or should I say, "Hang ON there!"

enigma · 10-13-2009, 06:08 PM

LOL. Thanks so much for sharing.

NoniMe · 10-13-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponderosa Starr

I can't wait until you can get a lesson or 2 (or 3, 4 5 ...) with Brian.. He has a way about teaching that just clicks with people.. He is great with ground work, and great with jumpers too..

Hang in there!! Or should I say, "Hang ON there!"

Yeah, hang ON there...LOL.

Let me get through midterms, and hopefully some time will come free...then I'll get my lessons w/ Brian (you have called him and warned him that I can spook a mechanical horse, right?? LOLOL...).

Soon, Sheila, soon...and I can't wait.

Glad to make you laugh, Enigma...I sure was.

Best-
Noni

samtom · 10-13-2009, 08:49 PM

I am so glad you were not hurt.

I can just picture you spinning through the air and landing.

Your too much. Good for you for not getting scarred and seeing the funny in it.

Druydess · 10-13-2009, 09:47 PM

I just love your adventures Noni!!

candy4legs · 10-14-2009, 08:16 AM

Glad everything worked out in the end...can't say I've ever gotten a "perfect" from the instructor, but after your day, you deserved it!

I love hearing your stories about Tango...they are always interesting and easy to relate too...

Ponderosa Starr · 10-14-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoniMe

Let me get through midterms, and hopefully some time will come free...then I'll get my lessons w/ Brian (you have called him and warned him that I can spook a mechanical horse, right?? LOLOL...).

Best-
Noni

He is anxiously waiting to meet you....

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10-12-2009, 12:56 PM
NoniMe Seasoned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 4,777	Twice in 30 minutes. Yes. Twice. In about 30 minutes. I came off Tango yesterday, twice. The first time was his fault, the second completely mine. We are indeed a sharing partnership. ROFL. We ended on an amazingly perfect note...but it took a whole lot to get there...a lot of determination and ignoring pain from me, and a lot of trust from Tango, and remembering he really does enjoy jumping. You see, we've been "jumping." Only 18" and we haven't jumped since August. For Tango 18" is more like hopping. We haven't jumped in a while, and he forgot how much he likes it. So we had the ground poles out, and were practicing going over them. He kicked dirt onto one, the noise startled him, and the next two ground poles he darted out from; they became evil white BIG snakes, and he was going to save himself (and by default, me) from them. Circled him, and brought him over them. Took a moment, let another horse go through the course (we were having a lesson), and then it was our turn. Tango chose to trot. The momentum helps get his widebody self over the jump (he takes all of them like he's at Rolex...sorta), so I let him. And as we approached the jump, I took a deep breath, lifted my fanny gently from the saddle, released up his neck...and his neck went down. He'd planted. His hips hadn't planted, but his front hooves had...and so did his head. Of course that sent me right over his head...as I was flying through the air, the only thought in my mind was "Oh Good Grief..." and "dammit!". I hit the ground laughing. I hit hard, but I was laughing. It was the classic refusal fall...and I didn't get "hurt", my helmet didn't even have dirt on it. I just rolled over his head, down his nose, and blammo, onto my fanny. If I'd've been thinking, I'd've tried to land it on my feet...but I was too busy laughing. Still, it hurt. But whatever... So I got up, hand walked Tango over the jump...and then the next one, and then the next one...and then got on again. He took the poles at that point like he'd never had a break. Once the jumps were back at 18", there was no noise to bother him...and he remembered how much he really likes this jumping thing. We flew around the course, happy as larks. He was laughing under me. He was thrilled. I was grinning. I was thrilled. So then, because Tango doesn't actually jump 18" - he hops, our instructor, after asking me if I was ready to, brought the jumps to 2 feet. No problem, and Tango sailed over them without any issues. I sailed right along with him, loving it. Not even crossrails - just straight oxers ( I think that's what they're called). Whhhhhhheeeeeeee, Tango was having a ball...and so was I. Our instructor noticed we were having a bit of difficulty on one of the corner jumps, getting him around and lined up properly, so she put it at an angle, and gave us new directions. The jump she moved, #2, was now #3, after a loop to switch leads and get the angle correct, and then off to #4. Cool, fine, no problems. At a canter. Cool, fine, no problems. HAH. So we took the first jump at a canter. Up and away, it was wonderful. But I forgot which jump was next, and tried to bring Tango to the angled jump; the angle was too hard to make. I had my inside leg back, pushing his hinds. My outside leg was a bit forward, to push his shoulders. And then there was the jump...right in front of us. I tried to get to 2-point, and get forward and released...but instead, because my legs were so weirdly angled, I never got there. Instead, my outside leg came right off Tango's side, and I went sailing off his back...slammed onto the ground in a near split, and spun out. Literally rotated in the air, and continued once I was on the ground. I spun out. I looked up to see my horse trot to the next jump, take it easily, then the 4th jump, and then circle back to me. He stood there, staring at me. He was so telling me off...I sat there, hips cramping, inside knees aching, and just laughed. Our instructor was laughing, there were some folks watching and they were laughing...Tango's expression was "shoot, all you have to do is hang on. And you couldn't even do that!!! You're such a dork, Mom...I even finished all by myself. Can you just hold on a bit better???" I got to my feet, went and got a cigarette, and took a few puffs. Nicotine fueled courage back together, I climbed back aboard my mighty steed, promised him I'd hang on...and we did the course perfectly the new way. Then we did it again, with a good lead change worked in there...it wasn't flying, but it was there and quick. He nailed all 4 jumps. Nailed them. And the last one...it was the first time I've ever felt him gather under himself and actually "jump"...his chest lifted, I was just lightly forward, he was released, and I could feel the power from behind. The whole 2-point position made sense, the whole mechanics made sense...and it was incredible. Our instructor called "perfect. Just perfect. Both of you. Perfect. We're done..." I put Tango up in the sunpen, and took down the arena jumps. When I got done, I looked over at Tango...he had that blissful, tired-and-happy look I love so much on his wonderful face. I brought him in, gave him lunch, and my instructor came over. She said "I think you need to think about letting me show him jumping at the next show or the show after that. Just to get him used to it so you can show him in spring, jumping." I dunno if I'll be ready by spring to jump him in shows, but she's welcome to take him into a bunch of shows, just to get him used to it. Knowing Tango, he'll love it. I'm thrilled...I'm sore and achy, but not as bad as I'd feared yesterday. Thank God for a well padded arena, a well padded fanny, and a well padded sense of humor, you know? I just wish I knew how to stay on him while he's doing his shenanigans...and actually remember the course so I don't try to put him onto a jump and me be all cattywompus when we take off...which of course will send me sailing. Can't stay on if you're not on at take off... Ow. Happy ow, but ow. Best- Noni __________________ Apparently, I have a warped sense of humor. "Who knew?"

10-12-2009, 02:36 PM
kanoo32 Seasoned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 4,866	Thank GOD, you have a sense of humor!!! Glad you are ok, and glad you are still having fun!! __________________ "Animals are such agreeable friends--they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms..." --George Eliot In Loving Memory of Spikey...My Best Friend...I Miss You RIP 1988-2009

10-12-2009, 04:27 PM
singing tree Coming two Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hartville, Ohio Posts: 1,996	Only you, Noni, could present all this in such a positive way. Glad your typing hands still work...

10-12-2009, 05:50 PM
klattekm Weanling Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 245	Hahaha that was great. I've pulled one of those kinda rolling over the horse's head falls at a jump and landed laughing my butt off. Better to laugh at oneself than get scared and not get back on!

10-12-2009, 05:54 PM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,550	Good for you thinking positive! Glad everything turned out okay Just think of everything as a learning experience for you and Tango __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!

10-12-2009, 07:07 PM
bubbleslove Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sunny South Florida Posts: 1,060	You know, the one time I laughed about having an riding accident was when jumping. The horse I was riding refused, and I slipped right up on top of his neck. He trotted very slowly back to the gate, and I put my foot on the gate post and pushed myself back into the saddle. My instructor couldn't breathe she was laughing so hard! Of course, right after that he spooked and dumped me on top of a fence post, almost breaking my pelvis, but at least there was some sort of light moment in that ride! Glad you're okay! __________________ Proud owner of: Mr. Bubbles, Hank, and Sparky

10-12-2009, 07:14 PM
Awesome Paints Coming two Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,967	I would have loved to have been there to see it, actually I just wish I could meet you and Tango in person. Congrats to both of you on a good day, at least at the end. __________________ Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it is called the present.

10-12-2009, 07:17 PM
qtrhorse1993 Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Johnstown, New York Posts: 756	sounds like you both had fun!!! __________________ The world meets no one half way, but your horse will meet you all the way.

10-12-2009, 07:29 PM
Horselessnomore Started Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,469	Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Have you considered that the Tangoman has a sense of humour and does these things to see if you are still paying attention??? He sounds like quite the horse. Glad you are OK and having a lot of fun with him. Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to seeing a picture of Tango jumping at a show!!! __________________

10-12-2009, 07:37 PM
snwflk Started Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,825	What a week for thrills and spills.. me and iceskateing..-havent done that in 8 years? and YOU and tango.. HOpe your knee is good.. Mine is finally getting better! Sounds like you guys will be jumpers in NO TIME. __________________ Suzie Q

10-13-2009, 07:18 AM
beezwing Started Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 2,452	Not your fault love..I heard gravity was extra strong the other day ouch, you are brave brave woman...give T-boy some sugar from me k __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis

10-13-2009, 10:23 AM
Ponderosa Starr Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Apple Valley, CA Posts: 247	Noni; So glad and thankful you weren't hurt, but got up laughing.. That is the mark of a good horseperson - have a great sense of humor through most everything, regardless who is at fault.. I can't wait until you can get a lesson or 2 (or 3, 4 5 ...) with Brian.. He has a way about teaching that just clicks with people.. He is great with ground work, and great with jumpers too.. Hang in there!! Or should I say, "Hang ON there!" __________________ Sheila R ~ Apple Valley, CA

10-13-2009, 06:08 PM
enigma Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,449	LOL. Thanks so much for sharing. __________________ There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~ Winston Churchill

10-13-2009, 08:49 PM
samtom Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,483	I am so glad you were not hurt. I can just picture you spinning through the air and landing. Your too much. Good for you for not getting scarred and seeing the funny in it.

10-13-2009, 09:47 PM
Druydess Coming two Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Deltona, Florida Posts: 1,623	I just love your adventures Noni!! __________________ "Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match."

10-14-2009, 08:16 AM
candy4legs Coming two Join Date: May 2009 Location: O'Fallon, MO Posts: 1,773	Glad everything worked out in the end...can't say I've ever gotten a "perfect" from the instructor, but after your day, you deserved it! I love hearing your stories about Tango...they are always interesting and easy to relate too... __________________ Please Vote Daily: Dusty Trails Horse Rescue needs your votes...this is for grant money to help support rescued horses... Click this link: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/c...faces?siteId=3