I thought I'd take some video of the Darling Munchkin's riding lesson on Monday and give y'all an update on how well she's doing... Especially Kender, 'cause I know he's a horse-person.
So, here she is at the trot
And here she is cantering
Now, she's being taught saddleseat, not hunt seat (which is what I learned when starting). Therefore, the posture is a bit more upright, and her lower legs are supposed to be off the side of the horse. In saddleseat, the hands are also at a higher level than is typical with hunters, but that's also because the Saddlebred's head is normally carried higher as well.
I am very pleased with this stable: the owner works wonders with horses without using severe training aids, and her "apprentice trainer," (speaking in the backfground of the videos) is also excellent. They never yell, and they are very good at explainging what they want you to do. Their love for the horses and the care they take in ensuring the horses' well-being is second to none!
Hopefully, one day I'll be able to have video of me riding as well... Of course, I may not look so pretty as my not-so-little-anymore Darling Munchkin!
