Well, it has been 5 months already

And I finally fell off Kel.
We had a successful first ride up to Kestal without another horse and Mum cycling along with me. He rode out like a champ, no problems at all although he did mostly want Mum in front for support.
Anyway, we got to Kestel for our second lesson without a hitch. Kel thought the lesson was boring, became a bit dead sided, snaked his neck a little and popped his shoulder during the trot turns. Otherwise not too bad though and my instructor is impressed with him; she really likes his temperment. I asked to end on a canter which at first - due to excitement, my dodgy position and a too-hard kick - resulted in a decent sized buck. Unperturbed we did it again and this time had a really nice canter all along the top edge of the field. He collected when I wanted him too and then sped up when I asked. Overall it was a lovely, smooth and enjoyable pace to end the lesson on so that he also got a bit of enjoyment out of it.
We made the journey home fine too, at least up until the point where we were on the lane to the stables; couldn't have been more than a yard or two from where I dismount. We were both relaxed - we were home, we'd made the whole ride and a lesson... and then a bird flew out of the hedge. Neither of us expected it and while my brain had time to say reasonable things like; oh, it's a pidgeon... grab the reins... don't let go or he'll run away and he'll be scared and undo the training... ouch, I hope I didn't break my skull as well as my helmet - My body did not react quite so quickly and had in the meantime fallen over the left shoulder when he spun, kept hold of the reins, landed first on my head and was then pulled onto my back because I still had hold of the reins, finally let go when I reasoned he wasn't going to stand still and let him canter back to the other horses and Mum.
As it is, I'm fine, albeit very stiff and sore. Grazed my arm and thigh, wrenched my hip and shoulder, had a major headache where I'd hit it and a sore neck... but it could have been so much worse. All I can really say is thank god for helmets and body protectors. If my head hurt enough while wearing a helmet, I'm certain I'd have a fracture or worse had I not been wearing it. (If anyone can take something away from this - please! wear a damn hard hat when you ride. They might cramp your style a little but believe me you will not look cool sitting unconscious in an ICU with a broken skull and brain bleed.)
I'm surprised in some ways it has taken this long to part company with Kel but I guess that's a testament to his forgiving nature. This hasn't in any way put me off so expect me back in the saddle by next week or maybe even the weekend if I can lever my hip over him.

In other news, I'm saving up for a DSLR camera. The Sony A55 to be exact. It's about £500 but has 16mp and 10 fps!! Huge speed for getting those all important action shots. It'll probably take a year or so to save up but will be worth it.