Mystic, that sounds like a perfect exercise! I will try it, I have a step in my bedroom, its perfect!
And Susan, if you do, please share too. Before this, I rode once bareback at 14...and fell off. And second time was 3 months ago, on a saddle that didn't fit well, and on rough terrain with little teaching. Just kinda "Just get on". I'm 30 and like I said, out of shape, but have gained such confidence in myself. 2 weeks ago, I thought about giving up. She wanted me to do "around the world", for those who don't know, you sit side saddle and backwards while the horse is led, it gives you balance exercises. Well I couldn't get my leg around the horse. I didn't have the flexibility, plus my weight hindered me. We were laughing, but inside I was crying. But I kept trying, went back last week and we worked a lot more on balance. Did balance exercises I could do easily by doing a "head, shoulders, knees and toes"...she lead the horse while I would put my hands in the air, out to my side, or on various body parts, helping all with balance. It turned out that made all the difference because I got on Scooter today and bam! Balance! Even at a trot now, I am balanced. Now I am working on control and direction. It felt so good to be up there, to go on the trail and control him by myself...though I couldn't get him to slow down so easily and at one point, she wanted me to turn him around...which means, he wasn't heading for the barn, so he fought with me. He pulls the reins from my hands, after a few lessons, I've learned how he does it and I just play tug of war till he gives up.
