Resident in Ireland for ten years, Sue Conley went horse crazy at the tender age of 38. Four years later, she finally got up the nerve to get up on an actual horse as opposed to reading and dreaming about them, and it’s been harder and easier than anything she’s ever done yet.
FIGURES OF EIGHT
As I have come late to horseriding, I have come late to blogging, too.
Almost two years on from my first ever riding lesson, these posts will wander round and round, a figure of eight starting with today, probably, and yesterday, definitely. It's the antithesis of how I usually do things, but... that's horses for ya.
ON THE HOOF
- Well, Hello!
- Oh… Hello…
- Trust and Bonding
- Why Not to Give Up
- On the Ground — For Real
- Distractinated
- New Shoes
- I Know It’s Getting Better
- This Makes Sense to Me
- It Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This…
- The Pony Parade
- More About the Belly Button Thing
- The Belly Button Thing + The Other Thing
- The Belly Button Thing
- Progress Report

7 comments
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October 18, 2007 at 8:34 am
Pop
just buy one………..
and if you want one cheap I know a guy in Finglas or there is a market in France that I was in and you can buy them in parts. Not very good at jumping anymore but the French dont seem to mind..
Keep up the great work and soon you will be able to chase a fox on a horse and say things like “Tally Hoo” and “get me a brandy old chum”. Enjoy the dreams and live the life but remember there was only ever one talking horse.
I leave you with the following
I bless the hoss from hoof to head -
From head to hoof, and tale to mane! -
I bless the hoss, as I have said,
From head to hoof, and back again!
~James Whitcomb Riley
February 1, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Diana Boehme
I just found your website as I was again looking at the Epona Equestrian Center site. Thru Equitours, I’m signed up to go to Epona in April and am really looking forward to this trip. I’ve been on 2 other riding vacations and had a wonderful time. Once thru Equitours to the Gaspe Peninsula in Canada in 1995 or 6 (can’t remember) and the other to Ireland at Lisdoonvarna (found that on myself). That trip was just amazing and I decided that if I had been to Ireland 35 years ago I would never have returned to the US. I loved Ireland that much!!! I digress. Since I just found your site I haven’t read it all but can tell that I will really enjoy it. I’ve been riding all my life (I’m 59 and been riding since I was 3). I look forward to the relaxing rides and especially the lessons. I might write you again with some questions. Thank you for doing this!!
Diana in Virginia, USA
August 21, 2008 at 9:28 am
Aoife Carrigy
Hey Sue
Heard you were on the telly last night, go girl! Just heard about this Working with Horses one-day workshop in the Organic Centre in Leitrim (there was an article re it in the Times on Sat). It’s really for farmers, which I appreciate that you’re not, but thought you might be interested in the press release anyway – you can get info from Hans at e-mail: info@theorganiccentre.ie or send me your email address and I’ll forward you the release.
Hope you’re well!
Aoife x
April 27, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Sinead
Hi Sue,
Saw you on the TV tonight on Consuming Passions. Well done. Is that carrickmines you ride at? Or where. Did you used to ride in the Paddocks in Stepaside Co. Dublin?? I knew a susan there but it was a while back. Let me know!!!!
Sinead
April 27, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Laura Clarke
Hello there! Just turned on RTÉ ONE and saw you on the TV so thought I’d look up your blog!
Haven’t had chance to explore your blog yet, but I will.
I am a fellow Horse-mad girl, I first rode age 6 and was hooked! Unfortunately after years of fearless riding (I used to ride out with a group led by an ex-jockey and every ride would end up with a whiz round “the gallops”) I had a nasty accident at the age of 16 and developed “THE FEAR” it was awful, I was so depressed not to be riding, but so frozen with fear at the thought of riding again that my head would spin and my heart would break. I then tried to get back in the saddle at the age of 18 but I would soon develop a major fear again and have to stop for a while. I couldn’t stand it. I’ve recently started back riding again, and all was going well, but then I was involved in a car accident, so I’m having to take a break again while my back recovers….at least this time it isn’t because I have “The fear” again!
I can’t wait to get back in the saddle!!
Keep up the blog and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Laura
Maynooth, Co. Kildare
May 2, 2009 at 9:30 am
Holly Maguire
Heyy Sue!saw the consuming passions show god the yard looks so different!Well done on it!Im rocky’s owner btw:P
Hope to see you round!
Holly
October 13, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Hans
Dear Sue,
Great blog! I love reading your posts, def one of the best Horse blogs on the web
Hans Guenther
Equiseller.com