When I was a kid growing up in rural Australia, I had two horses – an old mare and her foal. I never had any formal horse-riding lessons, I'd just saddle up, jump on, and off we'd go, exploring the Australian countryside. I never demanded much more than a fast trot, and there were never any times when my skills were challenged.
Fast forward about 20 years, and I met a man (who would soon become my husband) who loves to go horse riding. On our first trip horse riding in the desert, he told the stable manager that I’m an experienced rider, although a little rusty having not ridden for at least 15 years. This was when I realised that I may not be as competent as I thought, and that not all horses are as obedient as my faithful old mare. The former endurance racehorse I was riding didn’t like to stop, and was spooked by camels. After an hour, I was left with blisters, skin off my fingers and bruises on my legs.
The next time we went riding, I asked for a more “obedient” horse, but after an hour’s ride I had seriously uncomfortable abrasions on my own saddle. The next few times, I wore jodhpurs instead of jeans, but the same thing kept happening. Eventually, I stopped riding, having lost all faith in my abilities, and finding that I was no longer enjoying the experience.
Then my other half suggested a horse-riding safari in the Okavango Delta in Botswana for our honeymoon. It sounded amazing, but with the risk of lions and other predators hot on my horse’s hoofs, I realised I needed to learn some serious horse-riding skills.
I started taking lessons at Mushrif Equestrian Club in Dubai. I chose it partly on recommendation of a friend, and partly because of the scenery. Being in a park, there’s different landscape to look at, rather than just desert dunes, and the trees provide shade.
During my first few lessons, the instructor brought everything back to basics. We focused a lot on position – being able to rise properly and comfortably in a trot, the correct way to hold the reins and even relaxing my back muscles so I wouldn’t ache so much afterwards. They’re simple things, but they made such a difference to my comfort levels – and no doubt the horse’s, too.
From here, we moved on to cantering and techniques such as getting on the right leg for maximum comfort. After three lessons in the arena, it was time to move out into the park and put my newly learnt skills to the test.
I spent the next month or so doing 90-minute desert hacks at least once or twice a week, and by the time I jetted off to Botswana, I was confident in my ability to control a horse – and stay on, should we be chased by lions.
I may not be at jockey level – yet – but with the number of great locations and different riding experiences to be had in the UAE, I can always dream.
atomlinson@thenational.ae
