Everyone has to start somewhere, right? Here I am on my instructor’s pony Ginger (who you may recall from a previous TBT), learning to jump. This was in 1996 or so, so I’m about 10 years old. My mother, who recently sent me this treasure trove of old pictures, was insistent that it was my first jumping lesson.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate my amazing riding tights, oversized jean jacket, and helmet that was long past its ASTM expiration date (if it ever had one; it was my mother’s old helmet). If I could get those riding tights today, y’all know I would.
In case you can’t see it, here’s a closer view of my terrified face and Ginger’s annoyed lesson pony face. Just think, nearly 20 years later, I’m still making the same face over the same sized jump on a different mare!
So cute!
I totally remember those breeches, I can’t remember if I had a pair but I definitely rode with a few girls that did. And I definitely remember the giant rust breeches fad…they were even the rage with the QH people!
Now I’m feeling old over here…. 🙂
Oh my god, the rust breeches…I had a friend who insisted they were ‘coming back’ a few years ago. I sort of hope not. (But let’s definitely bring back the Solo Jazz tights, yes?)
Love it! haha The last shot is great!
I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw that picture! I didn’t even know my mom had these pictures, never mind that she had such a funny one!
Now I’m really feeling old!!! 1996 I was a sophomore in college…….oh, those where the days! It also was the first year I went foxhunting!
Love the breeches….and I’d wear rust again too!!!!
Step away from the rust breeches, Rachael… 😛
OMG this is precious beyond belief!
Thanks! I have only the vaguest recollections of learning horse stuff, so it always makes me smile to see pictures like this.
This is adorable! I didn’t have those tights, but I definitely had the all black with the hot pink patches. And also, if I could find them again, I would definitely wear them.
http://www.amateuratlarge.blogspot.com
I’m glad I’m not the only one who would be rocking ridiculous tights!!
Adorable!!!
I wanted a pair of those tights, bad. I still remember lusting after them in the State Line Tack catalogue.
AHA! I was wondering where I’d gotten them- we ordered stuff from the Dover catalog for the most part, but these probably did come from State Line Tack! There was a store in a Petsmart near where I lived and I remember going to it ALL THE TIME.
Aw that’s too cute!! Not sure I have any similar pics but now feel compelled to go look lol
omg this is so freaking adorable.