Driving lesson #2

Just in from driving lesson. Had to skip a few weeks due to commitments of myself & instructor. Today I had the Mother of the Mother/Daughtet instructor team. I work well with either, their ways of teaching are similar & mesh well.
Today I got to drive the cart, promise I'll try for at least one pic next week!  Between learning all the tack, the order in which it goes on/comes off, hitching/unhitching, driving, the thought of pictures doesn't cross my mind. When harnessing for instance, when buckling you don't slide anything into the keepers, that way you remember to go back and double check. Their really big on safety which is exactly why I'm doing lessons.
I did pretty well, trainer rarely had to offer correction, she walks alongside with a lead rope right now. I couldn't help but to laugh when she said "I'm not letting you loose just yet!"  I'm learning the silent signals she gives to me so I can give them to the pony. This way, it's me actually cueing what we're to do next. I also have to unlearn my "Arrrgh" sound that's habitual for me correcting dogs & grand babies), she said it's not good horsemenship and ponies don't like it. I was going "Arrrgh" anytime Suzy tried to walk off without a cue from me. I got pretty good at remembering, "whoa & stand" instead. Another tidbit, is once pony has stopped was to lower the reins, not totally release.  Halfway thru I had Suzy (the pony) collected and on the bit at a walk consistently. I was able to change directions thru cones and such, sounds easy except being the pony is basically blind on each side due to blinders, you really need to be aware that you're their eyes on either side!
A lot is very similar to riding, though at the same time vastly different. It's all a lot to learn but, I'm finding its all very enjoyable kind of learning. I can't wait till next week!

I'll sign off with a pic of sweet Merlin...