Conference noted::equitation

    Hi there!
    
    Do you have any more info regarding those places in Framingham or
    Natick ?
                
    G.
    
    MELODY::CRUZ

    
    
    No, just a vague memory!
    
    sorry...
    
    Bob
    

    
    
    Oh well Bob!   Maybe someone out there knows of a place
    ???????????????????????
    
    
    Goddy
    

    Bob --
    
    	I would really recommend that you take at least a few lessons
    to "relearn" the essentials.  The first time I ever rode a horse,
    I thought that I only needed to know how to make the horse walk,
    trot, canter, and stop.  When I started taking formal lessons, I
    realized that I could have really hurt myself, or horse quite badly.
    
    I realize that you have ridden before, so the lessons would be more
    of a refresher course.  I would like to relate a true story to help
    explain my reasoning.
    
    I was on a trail ride with my riding instructor, and another of
    the riding students from my riding class.  There was one section
    of field that was cleared for about 2 to 3 hundred yards that we
    used to canter the horses.  (The horse I was riding was a 25 yr
    old Arab)  I "asked" Billy (the horse) to canter, and he quite nicely
    picked up the canter, what I didn't know was that he had gotten
    a hold of the bit, and was not listen to any rein commands.  Billy
    started at a nice slow controlled canter, but that took off into
    an all out gallop.  He would not listen to any leg or rein commands
    that I gave.  I even tried circling (turned his head, but went
    straight), every thing I tried failed to stop him.  At this time
    I was slowly running out of field, so I decided to attempt my last
    remaining option.  I emergency dismounted (an interesting feeling,
    jumping off a horse which is running at a full gallop).  The moment
    I left the saddle Billy realized that he was in trouble, and stopped
    almost instantly.  I was not hurt, and Billy remained unhurt, but
    no undeciplined.  My riding instructor was very please with the
    way I reacted to the situation.  If I had not been taking lessons,
    I would have never known how to safely dismount off a moving horse,
    and the above incident could have proved disasterous for both me
    and the horse.  I have since helped my wife train our other horses
    with halting when the rider dismounts/fall-off at a walk, trot,
    or canter.  I am looking forward to this with our new horse Ben
    (17.1 hh and still growing).  Anyone have a parachute I can buy
    :-).
    
    		Hope this helps
    
    			Paul

    I agree with what Paul says.  I thought I knew how to ride horses
    also but have taken a few lessons again and have found out how much
    you can really forget.  If you are really serious about riding again,
    even if it's just for fun, get back to the basics.  You'll find
    that you won't regret doing it.  You may regret finding yourself
    in a compromising position on a horse some day without the knowledge
    needed to get out of the situation.  I can recommend someone in
    the Dunstable/Pepperal Ma. area.  DTN 264-7403.
    
    Good luck 
    Denny

    Re: .4
    
    Hi Paul,
    
    I read with interest your story in which you finally resorted to
    an "emergency dismount". Some years ago (over 18 to be exact - where
    does the time go??) my family owned a riding/boarding/training
    stable in southern Vermont.
    
    I taught every rider the "emergency dismount" at all speeds from
    a standstill to a full gallop. Since then, I've ridden in many
    places around the country and in England, and though I have
    discussed it many times, I've never met anyone, student or trainer,
    who had formally taught/learned it. In fact many of the trainers
    pooh-poohed it, claiming the object was to stay WITH the horse,
    not get off of it.
    
    As far as I'm concerned, **no** rider should be incapable of
    getting off a horse as safely as possible at ANY speed.
    
    Interestingly enough, MANY potentially timid beginners gained
    tremendous confidence in riding, as soon as they had the basics
    of the emergency dismount down. I started them dismounting at
    standstill, walk and slow jog the very first time they were in
    the saddle!
    
    Our stable was Wabena Stables in Putney, Vermont - anyone
    remember??
    
    Diana

    
    Just a note to say that I too, teach all my students the
    emergency dismount at all speeds!  I find it helps a beginning
    rider to conquer early fears.  I beleive every rider regardless
    of age or experience should know this procedure! 
    

    I'm interested in that EMERGENCY DISMOUNT technic. Can someone tell
    me how to do it. BTW I ride western, does it make any difference?
    
    You can reply to me by DECMAIL so not to annoy the other readers
    who know the technic.
    

    Regarding places to ride near Sudbury -  The Riding School in Weston,
    Mass. teaches beginners to advanced (4 instructors) in Hunt Seat
    equitation.  They have Sunday trail rides for students only, which
    wind around the Weston Reservoir area.
    
    You can call them at 899-4555.  Tell them Jennie Lemire sent you,
    if you like.
    
    Good luck!  
    

    Just as a side note -- When I was taking formal instructions we
    always knew when the lesson was about over, when I heard my instructor
    yell "EMERGENCY DISMOUNT -- GO!"  At this point we had 5 seconds
    to get off of the horse.  Of course there was the time that I as
    a slightly softer landing than normal. :-)
    
    				Paul
    

    I am looking to get into riding (I last took lessons a few years ago,
    I'm sure I need to start over from scratch).  Preferably English, but I
    need to know all about horsey elements since someday, I hope to own my
    own.
    
    I live near Putnam, CT, which is about 10 miles South down I395 from
    Webster, MA.  Close towns in Mass are Southbridge, Webster, Dudley, and
    some others.  RI is not far away, although I am not sure of towns
    there.  CT towns relatively close include Danielson, Killingly,
    Pomfret, Thompson and it's villes. and the various Woodstocks, where I
    live.
    
    
    I have seen an adverstisement for a stable in Southbridge, MA, but I am
    completely unfamiliar with the quality of lessons there.  I
    don't mind group lessons, as I probably cannot afford private lessons,
    what I am concerned most is what good I can get out of it.  I don't
    want to feel like I'm sitting on a stable sour hack that's usually
    rented out by the hour and being taught by someone who happens to know
    how to ride better than me.  I am interested in quality.
    
    
    So, any recommendations?  Even close to work (I work in Marlboro)
    wouldn't be bad if the lessons were after work hours.  
    
    
    kim