by Deborah Rogers –
“It’s really great to do something just with you,” Daniel called to me as he sped off. “Right,” I thought, “just as long as I can keep up!” We are familiar with riding bikes, but with a combination of excitement and nerves, on this Day Out we were going to switch from two wheels to four legs.
In rural North Saanich, John Road Barn looks unprepossessing from the road. A couple of inquisitive farm cats came out to investigate our bikes and us, followed shortly by the Barn Manager, – and our instructor for the day – Alexandra. As complete beginners (well, I did ride a long time ago, but not since I was about seven) Daniel and I were scheduled to have separate lessons so that Alexandra could keep a close eye, and guiding hand, on everything we attempted. I let Daniel go first!
The philosophy at John Road Barn is definitely horse-centric. Only one lesson a day for these beautiful creatures, and each lesson begins and ends with the student brushing, picking the hooves and helping with the tacking up. This was the perfect opportunity for my slightly-nervous boy to get a bit more familiar with Butterscotch Candy (Buddy for short), and for me to pick Alexandra’s brain about horse riding. Horses have been her life, having ridden and competed since she was a child, and she’s been running the facility on John Road with her family for 20 years. It’s an exciting time though, as the family was able to buy the property at the end of last year, and start to make the changes they have always dreamed of.
There are the stables and an indoor ring, but what you wouldn’t know from the road is that there is also extensive space behind the barn, stretching all the way back to the old Sandown race track. Everywhere you look there are signs of renovation, from the new boards around the outdoor track (half a mile of which are being replaced and painted this summer) to new gates, water stations and planters filled with colourful blooms. It’s hard to imagine a more pleasant place to spend some time. Add in the dozen or so horses roaming the paddock and it’s quite a scene of beauty.
But back to Daniel: how did he get on once he led Buddy to the indoor ring and used the steps to mount him? Alexandra and I agreed that his bike-handling skills translated well to his four-legged ride. There’s a lot to work on all at once: sit tall, heels down, hands low and in correct position on the reins. The look of concentration on his face quickly turned to a smile as he took Buddy around and around, practising stopping and starting and how to get him to turn one way or another. Before his time was up he requested a chance at trotting. He clearly hadn’t expected how bumpy it was going to be, but he handled it with panache!
Afterwards Daniel reported back that it had been fun – more fun than he’d expected – and yes, he would like to go again! Then it was my turn. Buddy had looked manageable at about four-and-a-half feet (that’s 14 hands, to those that know) but apparently I couldn’t ride a pony and so I was introduced to Dixie. What a beauty, but wow, so big! As I brushed him and slid a carrot into his enormous mouth I mentally prepared myself for the feeling of being up on his back, and so far from the ground. Getting on was okay though with the aid of some steps and once I was up there, feet in the stirrups, looking along his long neck, I felt totally exhilarated. With Alexandra’s guidance and reassurance I was confident about my safety and excited to feel how Dixie responded to my (polite) requests to walk on and stop.
To be honest, I didn’t want to leave John Road Barn. I’d forgotten the soothing connection when you work with an animal and the atmosphere was of total respect for the horses and their limits. Putting a picture of myself and Dixie up on Facebook this week promoted a friend to warn me of the slippery slope that starts so innocently with a few lessons. But surely there’s no harm in another little visit … !
Find John Road Barn on Facebook for more info.
