Rain and More Rain

We had to cancel riding training tonight because it has been raining for the last two days. The students in our riding school were supposed to get their pre-evaluations tonight, but since we could not ride, we administered the written test instead. They all did really well on the test which makes me wonder. Usually we give the written test right after the riding test. I think bouncing around on a horse for a couple hours shakes up your brain and makes taking the written test more challenging. These guys all did too well for my tastes. I will have to come up with a more challenging test or have them take it while mounted. If the weather clears, we will have them do their riding test on Thursday. If they all pass, they will proceed on to Phase II training which is where we get into the ceremonial riding. In Phase II they will learn how to handle weapons while mounted, how to do precision riding at a gallop, and how to do open field charges among other things. Pretty exciting stuff. The ladies will do much of the same training, but will have to master sidesaddle riding instead of weapons handling. Should be fun, but it will not start until after the Christmas break. Hopefully, everything will go well on Thursday.