Today I got to ride Vettie again, he's such a lovely horse and really is helping me to improve. When I first got on him he felt quite lazy but as we got going I was able to really get him moving and get him in an outline. Compared to last time he didn't feel as bouncy and like I was going to bounce out of the saddle and I'm not sure whether this was because he was less energetic (which I don't think he was) or if it was because I'm starting to become more used to his stride as he does have a really big stride. We stretched him out nicely before asking him to pick up an outline and when I did pick up the outline it felt amazing. I was able to find it and get hold of it quicker this time and even managed to get a few strides of it in the trot. I feel like I can do more of what I want to do now and can feel my riding improving.
However my hip was locked in place this week, it was really aching by the time I got off but I felt great. I think it's because my hips getting used a lot more so by the time it gets to the weekend it's quite tired and stiff. Towards the end I was able to get him in an outline and move around the school better. He's the kind of horse that doesn't like doing the same thing over and over again so he really makes me think about how I could use the school to get him listening to me more. I really enjoyed riding him and I loved the fact that I was able to get him in to an outline this week and I wasn't struggling or finding it too hard. I also got some quite nice transitions from the walk up to the trot. We would even get a few transitions where I had him in an outline for a few strides before I'd lose it but I'm getting there and I'm loving how much he makes me think about what I am doing!
Who ever said riding is easy was soo wrong!
Until Next Time
A Girl With A Dream
p.s. pictures to come of Vettie tomorrow :)
Hope your hip feels better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I think it is the change in horses and the fact I'm using different muscles more.
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