Back in the Saddle
amywink January 15th, 2011
Or rather “back in the driver’s seat”. I’ve had the chance to take a few driving lessons with Francine Dismukes in Luling because Lisa has sent her mare to her for finishing. It had been over a year since my last lesson, with the pair at Haven Hill, and almost a year and half since my last lesson with Will. Here are couple of shots of my first lesson in December:
On January 1, I had quite the adventure of taking Will to Francine’s and seeing what we needed to learn together. He did very very well and was much calmer than I expected or than I was at the prospect of driving “publicly”. After spending over a year driving around Lisa’s place, I had done some serious backsliding with my skills. My nerves didn’t help, nor did the lined gloves I was trying out (my advice: don’t drive in lined gloves). I was fumbling all over the place and driving like a drunk woman.
Poor Will.
But, live and and learn and now it’s time for some more learning. I’ve resolved to take more lessons this year and improve my skills. My third lesson went much more smoothly and I’m beginning to “get” driving the 20 meter circle. I’m enjoying learning a new hand position too
While it’s hard to change what I know, I am finding this position more comfortable and less slippery. I may take a while to get it exactly right, but I already like the effect on my driving.
Will and Blessing are spending their first winter together and they look happy enough.
Will is suffering from my neglect as the weather and family concerns keep me busy; however, as soon as the holidays end and my semester begins, I plan to get back to a more regular driving program–as long as the weather cooperates!!
My other pair is doing well too. Henry is heading toward enormity (at 8 months, he’s almost 10 lbs, and stretches out to 35 inches) while Phoebe remains a petite cat with a big personality.
