Trying something NEW !

One of the May RAC challenge was to try something NEW ! so, I did just that ;-) I went to a driving clinic to audit and scribe, BUT was highly rewarded when one person did not make the clinic and I got to take their spot! Our host farm "Teddy Bear Fjords" of Mead, WA were kind enough to "loan" me a horse and cart for my lesson. The clinicians at the farm were Brain and Ursula Jensen of BC. They both hold judges cards here and overseas. They give lessons, train horses and compete too. The day was a wealth of knowledge for me...I soaked every comment in like a sponge. I have been researching driving for about a year now, and finally getting to the point I want more and more hands on experience...terms and techniques are starting to sink into my brain and I just want to learn more and more!

We had a cool wet day to work with, so what a GREAT way to show my support for RAC and wear my 2009 Championship jacket !!!
Brian drove for a while first, then handed the reins over to me...I had a time trying to remember everything I needed to be doing...."hard eyes, drive the horses head, not his back!" and....my favorite comment from Brian..."are you breathing?"

After this walk through of the cones, we trotted "Ridder" through...what a blast that was, it was alot easier at the trot...of course, Ridder knows what he is doing !!!

Another note...I have been having some issues with my back....a pinched nerve is one of the things that has made riding nearly impossible...but as I drove Ridder ...there was not a moment of pain, it was PURE and TOTAL enjoyment. Amazing eh ?

and...I can not hardly wait to get my first driving curly going...it will be my mare "Legacy" who has some saddle training and a calm willing nature...we hope to be driving together by winter. GO RAC !!!