Armani's first jumping lesson

Armani's very first official jumping lesson, and my first one in 15 years, has been brought to you by:

I didn't have an assistant to photograph us jumping. Which is unfortunate because I dressed to the nines. Even George Morris was impressed. Ok, he regretfully couldn't make our debut. Or he might have thought my sky-blue plaid breeches with the navy full seat to match my new navy Ralph Lauren knit were a bit too much. But I got them on clearance, which in my opinion, can be justification for many things. I even polished my old field boots for the occasion.

I had told my mother about our lesson. So I called her to see if she was ready to come watch. "I'm busy now. Can I call you back in 5 minutes, Honey?" *click* But she didn't. Ok, so apparently she forgot about it. So much for our photographer.

It was also Huey's jumping debut of sorts. We made it a group lesson. A young lady who works at the barn rode him. Huey and his student did well. Although I expected that he would be a gentleman. But the big surprise was Armani.

Everyone could tell Armani enjoyed jumping. His ears were forward. He was alert and rode gamely. He snapped his knees up neatly. He did not even rub a rail. He was honest even though I felt rusty with my distances. We were the first to try each challenge. He rose to the last challenge of cantering an in-and-out with two two-foot verticals, twice, just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. I predict more jumping in our future.

It's like riding a bicycle.
Apparently my body still remembers how to jump; even though my brain was "Duh?". My lower leg was steady, my release automatic, my distances almost always accurate; as long as I didn't over think things. My instructor was complimentary. Although I think it is a testament to her teaching. My previous jumping lesson was 15 years ago with the same instructor. Back in those days she was the ringmaster as 5 young people careened over jumps with no stirrups or reins. It was all about laying a foundation.

"Remember that?" she asked as I dismounted.
"I didn't want to give you any ideas." I laughed, "Those were the days before anyone thought about liability insurance."

As I hit the ground I felt my back muscles fold up like an accordion. "Ouch. And I'm not as athletic as I was when I was 15." Time to hit the tube of BG...