Today has been a good day for my riding. I was riding Vettie today and after the two good lessons I had had last weekend I was feeling a lot more confident about my riding. I knew that I wanted to work on my position mainly my legs as my right legs heel comes up.
I spent a while warming up making sure that Vettie was nice and loose. I also wanted to make sure that I had got an energetic walk so that when I wanted to pick up the contact it would be easier to do. When I started picking up the contact I was surprised that Vettie was listening incredibly well to me and I was able to drop him in to an outline. Two weeks ago I had been struggling with getting Vettie in to an outline but this week I could do it. Once I'd got the outline more consistent in the walk I moved up to the trot.
In the trot I had to find the right balance between being firm and half halting him and keeping the energy flowing. It was important that I kept my position very tight and didn't tip forwards. I was so surprised to find that I could get him in to an outline in the trot. It felt so nice to be able to ride and do what I wanted to do.
I finished the lesson on a really good note. I also noted that during the lesson my leg and heel were gradually becoming a lot stiller. I am so happy with the work that I have done and it has made me feel a lot more confident in my riding. I've also been working on making sure that I keep the horses mind busy so doing lots of transitions, circles, bending and serpentines.
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| I love this photo. I don't know what it is but there is something that I really like about it. |
More pictures to come.
Until Next Time
A Girl With A Dream
You guys are looking great!! I have to ask, and I'm not criticizing, why do you have your hands so low and wide in all of the pictures? Again I'm just curious, not trying to be mean or anything. :) Your position and legs look awesome by the way.
ReplyDeleteYou guys look great!
ReplyDeletethank you! no you're completely right, i was thinking the same thing when i looked at the picture but I'm not sure why I was doing it
ReplyDeleteLOL I'm the same way. Holding my hands too low is one of my worst habits. My trainer has me chant "heavy elbows, light hands, heavy elbows, light hands" over and over to myself and it helped me break the habit. :D Keep up the great work!! I love watching your progress.
ReplyDeleteI will have to try that out! I've always struggled with my hands when trying to get a horse in to an outline! It's something that i need to work on. Thank you :) I'm glad you enjoy my journey :)
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