Jorge teaching Christine in the outdoor school

The large airy indoor school has a small gallery where it is possible to sit and watch lessons or schooling in progress. The outdoor school is also used for lessons unless the weather is excessively hot. Flanked only by low boards and set beside a small orange grove, it too is a delightful place to sit and watch the horses being ridden. Two stable blocks and paddocks complete the complex.

On arrival I was instantly in awe of the level of schooling of the horses and their riders, in fact, seriously intimidated would be nearer the truth. “Hadn’t I left it rather late in life to be trying all this?” I asked myself. After all, I was essentially a ‘happy hacker’ who still had lessons simply in an effort to improve my riding skills to a) benefit any horse I might ride, b) increase my own enjoyment. I was serious in my intention to achieve this (to be otherwise would have been an insult to Jorge), however I was not deluding myself regarding my level of expertise and suddenly it became obvious to me that I had taken on more than I could handle. I didn’t want to go home because I was enjoying being there so much, but the thought of actually riding one of those superb horses left a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach which refused to go away.

It seemed that we had only just arrived when my worst fears were to be realised. Not only were we to commence our lessons straight away, but I was chosen to go first. “At least” I thought, “I can this humiliating moment over and done with and then I can relax and watch Christine!” “Would you like to ride in or out” Jorge enquired. I said I really didn’t mind, I was far too busy trying to adjust to the unfamiliar feel of the dressage saddle and the double bridle. I recalled someone telling me that their greatest difficulty had been to walk in a straight line on these horses. Being so well schooled and extremely sensitive to the rider’s weight and position they will respond immediately to any change but not unreasonably they do expect to be asked properly in the first place.

What I recall most about my first lesson was that I had barely ridden a circuit of the school before the lateral work commenced! “Shoulder in up the long side please – up the centre line and leg yield to me” were Jorge’s first instructions to me. My mouth was so dry I was unable to point out that within minutes we had already reached the pinnacle of my riding abilities! Nervous and being unused to Jorge’s voice initially lead to some confusion and I was both mentally and physically drained by the end of the lesson. It was a great relief to sit and watch Christine and to realise that it probably wasn’t any easier for her.

There was two Lusitano stallions at our disposal – Esquivo and Morgado – the latter becoming a firm favourite of mine. We both had two lessons a day and by the middle of the week I felt I had in fact deteriorated and I was surprised that Jorge was so persevering, however over the last few days there was no doubt about it – there were definitely moments when it started to fall into place. Feeling more relaxed and knowing the worst was behind me I actually started to enjoy the lessons and savour the experiences. By the end of the week I was ready to stay indefinitely! Jorge had opened doors for me through which I had never thought to pass.

Jorge preparing Christine for passage

I am not sure how he achieved this although I do recall transitions followed by more transitions (every few strides at one point) and other exercises which I realised later had helped improve my seat and position (and therefore my effectiveness). On my first ride after returning home I felt completely transformed in the saddle! I was soft in a way I had never experienced before and far more in harmony with my horse. Naturally Christine and I had discussed our lessons regarding our progress, difficulties experienced and so on, but we both experienced this softness in ourselves and the horses we rode on our return home.

© Sue Wingate - The Joy of Horses 2004