First Ride with Farfoor: Challenges And Triumphs In Riding

The McLaren

My ride to the farm early this morning required a stop. I had to fill our car’s tank with petrol (that’s what you call it here).

Here are pictures of one of the world’s most expensive cars, a McLaren, parked next to the petrol station.

January 20th, 2018 - Al Rayyan, Qatar - McLaren parked next to the Petrol Station

Al Samariyah Equestrian Centre – Hack Ride – Farfoor

Today at the stables I started out with a hack ride around the farm.

It was just me. The instructor I was to ride with had to give a lesson. So, a worker walked along with me to show me my way around.

He didn’t understand a word of English. We managed to communicate enough to enjoy the ride. He also took a few pictures for me.

Along the way were the usual peacocks and this time goats.

Farfoor was tricky to ride. He spooked easily, was stubborn at times, and didn’t seem to like the goats. He wanted to get past them as quickly as possible.

January 20th, 2018 - Al Rayyan, Qatar - Al Samariyah Equestrian Centre - Riding Farfoor

Time For My Lesson – FarFoor

I returned to join the regular 10:00am group riding lesson.

I continued riding Farfoor for my lesson. It was here that the instructor, Connor, told me Farfoor needs a firm rider because he likes to be boss.

He advised to keep him away from certain horses being ridden in the group.

Farfoor doesn’t like to work.

He prefers the center of the arena where we take breaks.

I was working him into a trot. I had a difficult time keeping him in it. I was working up a sweat from using my legs so much.

It was then my turn to canter.

I was leaning too far ahead in the saddle as I laid my leg on to show canter. He started to canter. I lost my balance. With the motion of his canter, I fell off.

Thankfully my feet came out of the stirrups. I landed hard on my right back side. My head also gave a thump on the ground.

Helmet, thank you!

I felt pain.

I laid there as the instructor told me not to move.

He did a check to make sure I wasn’t badly hurt. I wasn’t.

I slowly made my way back to standing. I insisted on getting back on Farfoor. I then mounted Farfoor without a step-up block. It took everything I had to pull myself up, along with encouragement from Connor – and I did it.

I walked Farfoor along, getting my bearings, then brought him to trot.

I ended the lesson on a positive note.

I rode him back to his stall. I removed his saddle and bridle. Then I spent some time with him and fed him apples and carrots. He’s aloof, but hopefully over time we will get to bond.

S, 🇶🇦