Horsemanship

As I mentioned a few post s ago

I've decided to apply for a horsemanship course

In a town about thirty minutes from my house

It's a full time course

That lasts 18 months 

I would spend two days a week in a stables

And three days in the classroom

Learning about every aspect of horse riding 

Horse care 

Feeding 

Cleaning 

The works 

So last week

I rang to inquire about the course 

And was speaking to a very helpful lady called Atlanta

She explained more about the course

And also posted me the application forms 

The course is through a centre called the National Learning Network

Who specialise in reintegrating people in to training and work 

I got the application forms during the week

And filled them out carefully

I also have to ask my doctor to fill out the health form too

So I will do that when I see him on Monday

I arranged with Atlanta to call in to the NLN on Thursday morning 

To give her the forms 

And to be shown around and introduced to the staff

So I am looking forward to that 

I have to admit 

I am super duper excited to start this course 

More excited than I have been about anything recently 

My only draw back is the travelling 

The centre is thirty minutes away 

So realistically 

I would need to get a bus in to town 

And a bus home in the evening 

I am waiting on a date for my drift lving test 

And until then 

I need to bus it in and out 

The other thing that is a negative 

Is that I will no longer be able to do my horse therapy on a Wednesday

I will absolutely miss it 

My friends 

Star 

Molly the dog 

Everyone 

One of the guys called Pat

Actually did two weeks of the course I applying for 

He said that you are very much left to your devices on the horses

And there wouldn't be as much support as there is in Keash equestrian centre 

But the thing is 

That Pat has MS

And he would find it much tougher than say someone with no disability 

Eilish wouldn't really comment on my doing the course 

Although she did say that she knew a girl that did this course 

Came off the horse 

And broke her arm in three places 

Not what I wanted to hear 

I did want to hear something positive though

Like I was well able for it 

Or that I was good enough to do it

But maybe she was trying to caution me 

I'm not quite sure 

They say if something excites you and scares you 

You should probably do it 

And I am scared and excited 

I get butterflies in my tummy when I think about it 

In fact 

I can think of nothing else

I know if I do this course 

I will need to keep my strength and energy topped up

Looking after horses is hard work 

And I will need to eat properly 

For stamina 

To keep me capable and able to do the work 

And what better motivation!

So 

Next week 

I will meet Atlanta 

And I think the course sounds like it starts pretty much starts straight away 

Things are moving so fast at the moment 

It's hard to keep up  

I don't know if they are moving too fast 

And maybe I need to slow down and pace myself 

But this is me all over 

Ten steps ahead of myself at any one time 

But I am so looking forward to starting 

I am eager to learn 

Excited to be riding twice a week

To meet new people 

And to  do the thing I love 

Horse riding 

It's going to be pretty tough 

I know that 

Especially coming in to the Winter 

And possible bad weather conditions 

There are going to be landong days for me

But  

I love it so much 

That I am willing to go the extra mile 

Literally 

I think this course will be great for me

And look

I can try it 

And if it doesn't work out

I can always go back to horse therapy 

I have nothing to lose by trying this course 

And everything to gain

I just have a really good feeling about it 

And what it could mean for me

I know I'll never ride in the Olympics 

Or anything like it

I just want to be able to be the best that I can be 

That's all

I want to fulfil my potential 

And anyway 

I don't take it too seriously 

It's all about having fun

And the most important thing is to enjoy it

So please 

Say a wee prayer for me 

And keep your fingers crossed that this works out for me 

I haven't wanted something so bad in a long long time  

And it's great for me 

For my physical health

My mental health 

Horse riding has been a huge part in my recovery 

It gives me a buzz naturally 

It's something to stay well for 

Something to look forward to

If you had told me last year that within a few months I would be starting a horsemanship course 

I would have laughed at you 

It was a dream to work and train with animals

And now that dream is coming true

It's actually happening 

And it feels amazing!!

Anyway 

I will keep you posted 

As ever 

And let you know what is happening over here in my little world 

Have a good weekend 

And she you on the next post x