How to be Confident while Maintaining Humour In 1978 during the Kalapa Assembly at Snowmass some riders prepared for a trail ride up the mountain with Lady Diana. The day before the trail ride, Lady Diana’s preparations included inspecting horses and riders. I was pleased to be included though I had never ridden before. She taught me to mount the horse and adjusted the stirrups. With a few simple instructions for leg pressure to cue forward motion plus guidance on using the reins to turn or stop, she had me start off on a walk around the paddock. After returning to the bleachers, she had me set off on a walk around the paddock. We were about 15 minutes or so into the lesson at this point. Next was to have me increase leg pressure to trot a few rounds. With lightness, laughter, and strength in her voice, Lady Diana said to her audience that she could teach me to jump. She guided me on how to put the horse into a canter, transforming the trot into a smoother, faster gait. So new and exhilarating! A few rounds later, pointing, she commanded, “ Lean forward, Shari and jump… over those rails.” Horse and rider sailed over (maybe 18” high?”). It’s hard to describe that moment of connection with horse and space. You’re probably getting the picture now of Lady Diana’s confidence in the horses, her skill as a teacher, and my willingness to take instruction. The next day, 6 or so of us headed out with Lady Diana for about a 2 hour trail ride on western saddles up the mountain on a sunny, crisp day. Wonderful. With gratitude and humour, Shari Vogler