Lesson. He was lovely and soft in walk, trot AND canter. And I tried to sit properly despite jumping saddle and VERY short stirrups - and it really helped as it makes me put weight down into stirrups and have legs forward under me not back behind me.
Then started jumping. My aim was to ride him the same as on the flat. With still soft hands and turning and contact in outside rein.
It worked well over the first few fences, he was really good and not at all running. Really could get a strong contact in outside rein before the turn, and it REALLY helped the quality of canter (doh!) and how easily he met the fence on a good stride.
Heavens, I've only been telling people this stuff for 14 years, why don't I listen to my own advice???!!!!
Then we did the water tray - he was on a cracking stride but baulked at it then ballooned- and then bang went the soft contact lovely canter..... bye bye Jane as we gunned it round the school.
Did it again, and then had to turn 120 back to upright, then 120 again down to parallel. We barely made the turn to the upright as he fought me all the way, but I got him back soft before the parallel, so all was rescued.
We did it again and the same thing happened - wing and a prayer, good job he can jump off oblique angles!!
Then I spotted that he is totally relaxed with my low soft hands, but totally running away from my 'woaaaah' hands. So somehow we need to be able to get him back to me with soft hands. I dropped the contact and he nearly stopped!!!
Trouble is, he runs from spooky fences, OR if he balloons it and thinks he's in trouble, and of course this is the time that I'm LEAST ready on landing!
Still, I was trying hard with my hands. And again, having warmed up with hands down and heels down, my position was much better. Plus hands down means longer reins, which means I get pulled around less in the air, so am better balanced on landing.
The ONLY downside is when he bogs off, I have nothing! So need to work on him not bogging off!
Then treble - he was SPOT on, I had time to correct the straightness for the third part (he thought about ducking round) but we had perfect soft canter and no need for anything from me in front of fence.
I always knew the horse was better than the rider!
Then we stuck a few together, still tight turns, but what we lack in control away from fences, we make up for by being able to jump most things off an angle. (Good job too or I'd have spent most my time circling!).
Then the corners.....
Set up so they are 90 degrees from each other, on a five stride distance. Point of corner on the OUTSIDE of the turn - stinky mean!
We jumped them individually first. I asked to jump it Magic's 'tricky' way, ie with the point on the right so he could run out if he felt like it. He popped the smaller one perfectly. Then the bigger one..... I came in thinking OUTSIDE REIN - and blow me, he thought about ducking right, but as I actually HAD my right rein, when I corrected with left, he changed his mind and popped it good!
So now THERE'S a reason to make me keep remembering outside rein - who'd have thought it!!!
Then both of them..... I was not convinced we'd make it - he's in running on mode and I've got 5 strides to get him to turn 90 degrees to another corner???
Get told to just point and shoot and if he runs out its all training....
So we do it the tricky way first..... and although I ended up swinging him round the corner on two wheels - we made it and despite only seeing fence 2 strides before, he chose to pop it!!! Yey!
Then a couple more times, with me working on coffin canter and contact in outside rein to help balance the turn.
Did it really nicely twice, then changed rein and popped straight through it the other way.
I do love my pony, he just locked on and felt soooo confident and that he knew his job. I've never felt such a connection and such a 'knowing' with any other horse.
Bless him!
Light hack tomorrow then early start for Moreton Morrell on wednes - but the weather forecast for tues night is horrific..... need to dig out my water wingas I think....!
Monday, April 28, 2008
is a virtue
Hacked most days, then yesterday went into the top paddock to school. I can STILL sit his trot!
We practiced big trot and into outside rein and turning from outside rein. Its harder as there's more of a slope in the paddock so you just get the trot balanced and then you are going down hill again.
Then worked on the leg yield/canter exercise. He did it really well on both reins.
Then did canter large. Fabby canter/walk trans because he's carrying himself now, woohooo.
Better in outside hand throughout, and we didn't have a single tantrum, I believe he's beginning to trust my hands and what I'm asking.
Then hacked around the fields to finish. He was really sweaty, proves that actually working correctly is quite hard work!
Made me feel really confident about the stressage this week though, as long as I RIDE properly and concentrate on the important things - like sitting properly and owning the outside rein!!!
We practiced big trot and into outside rein and turning from outside rein. Its harder as there's more of a slope in the paddock so you just get the trot balanced and then you are going down hill again.
Then worked on the leg yield/canter exercise. He did it really well on both reins.
Then did canter large. Fabby canter/walk trans because he's carrying himself now, woohooo.
Better in outside hand throughout, and we didn't have a single tantrum, I believe he's beginning to trust my hands and what I'm asking.
Then hacked around the fields to finish. He was really sweaty, proves that actually working correctly is quite hard work!
Made me feel really confident about the stressage this week though, as long as I RIDE properly and concentrate on the important things - like sitting properly and owning the outside rein!!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Patience
We went up into the now nearly dry hayfield to school today. Can't remember the last time I rode him in there (was it years ago?) but I remember he was always a total idiot.
Did the walk exercise, frustrating again because despite my revelations the other day, I can't 'get' him in my outside hand on the left rein without lots of left leg, then we just end up going sideways.
It actually works better when I work on the right rein and get the feel I need in the left hand, then change rein and swap.
Then braved it and went for trot (right rein first as I can do that way!)
I COULD SIT HIS TROT!!!! First time ever, a whole circuit!! He wasn't fussed either, in fact I think he was happy as my hands were even stiller - AND I didn't have to waggle my elbows!
Now, the trot wasn't his big trot, but it was moving forward freely and he was in front of me and he was on a slight slope with difficult-ish going (mainly good but changeable and a bit sinky in places). I was stunned.
Then I went rising. Right rein was perfection straight away, although the trot not his best ever, but everything working together, hurrah!
Onto left rein and as long as I remember to keep outside rein shut and tight and still, I could get him even in both, was brave and tried sitting trot and could still do it. OMG I think I might die of happiness!
Don't get me wrong, we had a few teddy-tantrums on the left rein, in both walk and trot, when I asked for forward and bend from left leg, and also wanted him into right hand he got all tense and tried piaffe and full pass. Ended up nearly capriole-ing but I stayed relaxed and kept the same pressure up until he worked out what I wanted. In his defence, up until now, when have I ever used right rein??? When I want to either turn right, or stop! So I can understand the poor fella's confusion!
Once he'd 'got' it in both walk and trot we didn't have any more tantrums though, just the first time in each on the left rein.
Gave him a walk after a few changes or rein etc.
Pleased. Then thought I'd better try a canter.
Right canter- AMAZING! Got it on a nice crisp transition, then worked on still but up hands. I felt like I was really leaning back (it came automatically!!!) and holding him from my seat - and then I could hold hands up and wait for shoulders to come up then nose to drop. He did an amazing light slow yet correct canter!
Then the left rein. Not holding out much hope, but after working on the trot contact, he was FAB! I could do exactly the same, just need to remember to ride the straightness with the outside hand and ride the turns with the outside. AND shoulder back!!
Got an amazing canter to walk :-)
Then long rein walk. Then finished on some big trot, long rein yet contact stuff. He was good, but it didn't feel anything special but I think that was mainly due to the ground!
But the best bit was that I could sit back and it was nearly coming automatically, and my weight was in my feet correctly and I was in self balance, hurrah!
Learnt today:
1. I can get contact in right hand more easily when I remember left shoulder back!
2. He will accept the outside rein better when I keep the rein REALLY shut across his neck so right in front of me.
3. He will accept it more when I think of turning left using outside rein, rather than by trying to create inside bend yet light inside rein.
4. My left hand is at least 50% softer by JUST remembering shoulder.
5. Keep changing the rein, don't try to get perfection one way - the actual turning helps!
6. To avoid tantrums - work in walk till soft and even, then do LONG trot on still reins before picking up contact and working more through.
7. ALL turns from outside hand.
8. Weight in heels and then can sit back and can then sit to the trot!!
9. Lean back in canter meant we could connect then as well.
All round an amazing session in a place where he's usually a twerp, on a hill and a bit boggy. We did a grand total of about 20mins and he was sweaty and I wasn't - unheard of!!!
I'm sooo pleased, its finally starting to come together!
Did the walk exercise, frustrating again because despite my revelations the other day, I can't 'get' him in my outside hand on the left rein without lots of left leg, then we just end up going sideways.
It actually works better when I work on the right rein and get the feel I need in the left hand, then change rein and swap.
Then braved it and went for trot (right rein first as I can do that way!)
I COULD SIT HIS TROT!!!! First time ever, a whole circuit!! He wasn't fussed either, in fact I think he was happy as my hands were even stiller - AND I didn't have to waggle my elbows!
Now, the trot wasn't his big trot, but it was moving forward freely and he was in front of me and he was on a slight slope with difficult-ish going (mainly good but changeable and a bit sinky in places). I was stunned.
Then I went rising. Right rein was perfection straight away, although the trot not his best ever, but everything working together, hurrah!
Onto left rein and as long as I remember to keep outside rein shut and tight and still, I could get him even in both, was brave and tried sitting trot and could still do it. OMG I think I might die of happiness!
Don't get me wrong, we had a few teddy-tantrums on the left rein, in both walk and trot, when I asked for forward and bend from left leg, and also wanted him into right hand he got all tense and tried piaffe and full pass. Ended up nearly capriole-ing but I stayed relaxed and kept the same pressure up until he worked out what I wanted. In his defence, up until now, when have I ever used right rein??? When I want to either turn right, or stop! So I can understand the poor fella's confusion!
Once he'd 'got' it in both walk and trot we didn't have any more tantrums though, just the first time in each on the left rein.
Gave him a walk after a few changes or rein etc.
Pleased. Then thought I'd better try a canter.
Right canter- AMAZING! Got it on a nice crisp transition, then worked on still but up hands. I felt like I was really leaning back (it came automatically!!!) and holding him from my seat - and then I could hold hands up and wait for shoulders to come up then nose to drop. He did an amazing light slow yet correct canter!
Then the left rein. Not holding out much hope, but after working on the trot contact, he was FAB! I could do exactly the same, just need to remember to ride the straightness with the outside hand and ride the turns with the outside. AND shoulder back!!
Got an amazing canter to walk :-)
Then long rein walk. Then finished on some big trot, long rein yet contact stuff. He was good, but it didn't feel anything special but I think that was mainly due to the ground!
But the best bit was that I could sit back and it was nearly coming automatically, and my weight was in my feet correctly and I was in self balance, hurrah!
Learnt today:
1. I can get contact in right hand more easily when I remember left shoulder back!
2. He will accept the outside rein better when I keep the rein REALLY shut across his neck so right in front of me.
3. He will accept it more when I think of turning left using outside rein, rather than by trying to create inside bend yet light inside rein.
4. My left hand is at least 50% softer by JUST remembering shoulder.
5. Keep changing the rein, don't try to get perfection one way - the actual turning helps!
6. To avoid tantrums - work in walk till soft and even, then do LONG trot on still reins before picking up contact and working more through.
7. ALL turns from outside hand.
8. Weight in heels and then can sit back and can then sit to the trot!!
9. Lean back in canter meant we could connect then as well.
All round an amazing session in a place where he's usually a twerp, on a hill and a bit boggy. We did a grand total of about 20mins and he was sweaty and I wasn't - unheard of!!!
I'm sooo pleased, its finally starting to come together!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Breakthrough!
Then today, another breakthrough.
We went galloping!
I worried about keeping my left shoulder back (doh, been forgetting that!) and getting the weight back in my heels in jumping saddle where it belongs.
He galloped really nicely and it felt much easier to sit on (DOH!). Brakes were better too.
Then hacking home when we were both relatively chilled, I just picked up contact and tried not to allow left rein be stronger. I thought left shoulder back first.... but still he just did a double s bend in his neck and held left rein and looked right.
So I tried shoulder in - left first - so right rein outside rein..... he wiggled all over the shop as I tried to keep shoulder back, left rein forward (relative to shoulder) and contact in outside.... then I realised my BIGGEST mistake - whenever I want his attention or half halt him or whatever- I use my right leg - I've known I've done it on and off for a while, but it didn't click til today.
So then I asked MORE with inside (left) leg.... nothing different, still trying to hang on left rein and drop right.... so I kicked HARD and held right hand a few times, and BINGO we got it! Lovely soft SI up the road, long in neck but bang from left leg to right hand.
So maybe, the right hand isn't as much of an issue as the lack of left leg?
Swapped and did right SI and that was fine, then back to left and LOADS better - still needed one almighty kick to get him over/bent/into outside hand, but then could lighten inside without losing outside! Hurrah.
So I'm back to thinking we WILL get there now! Just need to keep getting these breakthroughs!!
We went galloping!
I worried about keeping my left shoulder back (doh, been forgetting that!) and getting the weight back in my heels in jumping saddle where it belongs.
He galloped really nicely and it felt much easier to sit on (DOH!). Brakes were better too.
Then hacking home when we were both relatively chilled, I just picked up contact and tried not to allow left rein be stronger. I thought left shoulder back first.... but still he just did a double s bend in his neck and held left rein and looked right.
So I tried shoulder in - left first - so right rein outside rein..... he wiggled all over the shop as I tried to keep shoulder back, left rein forward (relative to shoulder) and contact in outside.... then I realised my BIGGEST mistake - whenever I want his attention or half halt him or whatever- I use my right leg - I've known I've done it on and off for a while, but it didn't click til today.
So then I asked MORE with inside (left) leg.... nothing different, still trying to hang on left rein and drop right.... so I kicked HARD and held right hand a few times, and BINGO we got it! Lovely soft SI up the road, long in neck but bang from left leg to right hand.
So maybe, the right hand isn't as much of an issue as the lack of left leg?
Swapped and did right SI and that was fine, then back to left and LOADS better - still needed one almighty kick to get him over/bent/into outside hand, but then could lighten inside without losing outside! Hurrah.
So I'm back to thinking we WILL get there now! Just need to keep getting these breakthroughs!!
Progress - of sorts...
Goodness me I'm an impatient so and so sometimes!
Well the highlight of the week (tongue firmly in cheek) was my decision to give Magic the day off on Thurs...
Then the farmer came to roll the fields.... unfortunately he didn't shut the yard gate (they were sunbathing in the yard) and so cue 4 horses going on a bender round the newly rolled paddock, into the newly rolled HAY field (grrr) and out onto the lane through the handily open field gate.
I was at work, but they got them back into the field (phew) which resulted in many many laps of the field.
So basically, I gave him the day off and he took HIMSELF galloping, how's that for service?
But then Friday I wanted to school and of course Mr Sensitive was still in jump out of his skin mode.
I took him to the fields opposite where I rarely go, and spent 10 mins doing small circles in walk getting him equal in my hand and not spooking wildly at the wind in the trees. He actually settled really well eventually but boy would he try the patience of a saint!
Then when he had been soft yet in a contact in outside hand on both reins, I hacked round the whole hill field and found a flattish place to do some trot. Then it fell apart. My trot was rubbish, not helped by Mr Giraffe Neck. We did manage the 10m circle to leg yield exercise on both reins, but I felt pants because although I could just about get it I couldn't keep it beyond the leg yield. Argggh.
Came home feeling miz. But then thought of all the positives - he settled well in a wooded corner of the field after seeing a big herd of deer crash through the wood - that alone was worth it!!
Then the best bit? I CAN do it in walk - I managed a 10/15m circle each way with a change of rein through the middle with NO inside rein, just a change from one outside rein to the other. Success. Now if only I could get it in trot and canter!
Then the next time I hacked out, all I could feel whenever I picked up a contact, was that it was stronger in my left hand still. Not helped by Mr Spooky always looking right (maybe cos then he knows I'll pull left rein to straighten him up?).
Also been having issues with him coming REALLY hollow (not when in a contact but still not required) so have started lifting the hands and just picking up a contact - this makes him try to halt as that's what I've trained him -so then I put legs on and keep holding very light but still contact til he drops..... then I allow him to have a light contact long again, and then he gets a free rein. But my real pet hate is that 'But i need to look over that 6 ft hedge mum' thing.
So then I was down again as felt like how was I going to improve it if he just holds onto the left rein when hacking, yet with right bend? Can't get left bend without using left rein first, can't keep left bend on a straight line when he won't stay in right rein at all....... arrrgggghhhhh.
Frustrationfustrationfrustrationfustrationfrustrationfustration
Well the highlight of the week (tongue firmly in cheek) was my decision to give Magic the day off on Thurs...
Then the farmer came to roll the fields.... unfortunately he didn't shut the yard gate (they were sunbathing in the yard) and so cue 4 horses going on a bender round the newly rolled paddock, into the newly rolled HAY field (grrr) and out onto the lane through the handily open field gate.
I was at work, but they got them back into the field (phew) which resulted in many many laps of the field.
So basically, I gave him the day off and he took HIMSELF galloping, how's that for service?
But then Friday I wanted to school and of course Mr Sensitive was still in jump out of his skin mode.
I took him to the fields opposite where I rarely go, and spent 10 mins doing small circles in walk getting him equal in my hand and not spooking wildly at the wind in the trees. He actually settled really well eventually but boy would he try the patience of a saint!
Then when he had been soft yet in a contact in outside hand on both reins, I hacked round the whole hill field and found a flattish place to do some trot. Then it fell apart. My trot was rubbish, not helped by Mr Giraffe Neck. We did manage the 10m circle to leg yield exercise on both reins, but I felt pants because although I could just about get it I couldn't keep it beyond the leg yield. Argggh.
Came home feeling miz. But then thought of all the positives - he settled well in a wooded corner of the field after seeing a big herd of deer crash through the wood - that alone was worth it!!
Then the best bit? I CAN do it in walk - I managed a 10/15m circle each way with a change of rein through the middle with NO inside rein, just a change from one outside rein to the other. Success. Now if only I could get it in trot and canter!
Then the next time I hacked out, all I could feel whenever I picked up a contact, was that it was stronger in my left hand still. Not helped by Mr Spooky always looking right (maybe cos then he knows I'll pull left rein to straighten him up?).
Also been having issues with him coming REALLY hollow (not when in a contact but still not required) so have started lifting the hands and just picking up a contact - this makes him try to halt as that's what I've trained him -so then I put legs on and keep holding very light but still contact til he drops..... then I allow him to have a light contact long again, and then he gets a free rein. But my real pet hate is that 'But i need to look over that 6 ft hedge mum' thing.
So then I was down again as felt like how was I going to improve it if he just holds onto the left rein when hacking, yet with right bend? Can't get left bend without using left rein first, can't keep left bend on a straight line when he won't stay in right rein at all....... arrrgggghhhhh.
Frustrationfustrationfrustrationfustrationfrustrationfustration
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Lesson time!
And I was nervous - that despite all my hard work, I would get told I still wasn't sitting up enough!
But no fear, he said exactly what I did when watching the stressage vid - I am sitting up straight (although could go a bit more) but that I look loose and a bit wobbly.
So he got me to first of all grip my knees in trot, then grip my elbows to my side and my hands together - and it worked, I could FEEL where I need to hold and what muscles I need to use to be stronger. - They are my tummy muscles (surprise) felt like really pushing out with my tummy (like pushing to belt or sticking tummy button out) and my thighs just above my knees, and also my hips - I almost feel my hips are too loose and need to support me more!
Then I relaxed back to the (new) normal and could then feel the push from my knees to stand and so I wasn't getting thrown by Magic, but rather was holding my own balance and weight.
The difference in the videos from last session to this are amazing! Even when I was trying really hard last time.... now it looks much easier and flowing, and himself is going amazingly well!
So after spending some time on me, it was time for the 'what do you want to work on' question....
I chose canter trans as they are the only thing from the test that is a bit iffy.
So then I had to ride properly from inside leg to outside hand (OK on right rein with left hand as outside hand, truly rubbish the other way.)
I found out that when I try to give the inside hand (ie left) that I give too much.... BUT more importantly, as soon as I give with my left hand, I can't help but give with my right (the outside hand) and then I lose him!
So lots of work on a 10m circle at A or C, then down the 3/4 line off the circle..... ENSURING - inside leg to outside hand on the turn and NO inside rein or no increasing inside rein - if increase any it HAS to be outside. Then leg yield to the wall, sit for a few strides then straight to canter.
Explained that in trot we want him long and out on the rein, but in canter he needs to be more UP but that doesn't come from me riding him up with the hands but from me connecting him better and getting him sitting on his bum more.
So leg yield does that as he's good at sideways and can sit more so get a much truer canter trans.
The difficult bit wasn't the legyield or the canter trans, but the bloomin KEEPING outside rein and riding to it from inside leg. But the 10m circles really helped, and thats what I need - lots of ideas of exercises to make me keep the connection.
Magic disliked it to start as I had to hold more contact to get him into outside hand, and also had to have reins a bit shorter - but rather than curling up and going crooked (his usual trick) he just came UP in front so more advanced outline. All because I was doing nothing with my hands except trying to keep the darn contact!!
Canter trans were then better straight away. Shame it took me ages to 'get' it re the contact and outside rein thing. Still now I know that when giving the inside rein its literally opening fingers, but that I CAN'T do it with left hand (as inside) until I am SURE I have outside one established and won't 'flop' it with it.
Ended up working on canter on a 20m circle, then down to 12/15m..... He got me to sit deeper and just keep even contact and lift my hands slightly WITH THUMBS UP 3/4 of the way..... Magic resisted and lifted his head, but that was fine because he was also lifting his shoulders, and as long as I keep hands STILL he will eventually find a place (round) where he can soften to that contact. As he said, if I move my hands AT ALL then he won't ever find that place because it will keep moving as my hands do! Sounds so simple!!!
So Magic did soften and we got fabby fabby canter too! All by me riding properly. Soooooooo need to practice the outside rein (when right hand) thing!
Best comment again today: you own the outside rein, horse owns the inside one, so you CAN'T use the inside rein as an active hand.......
All good food for thought.
I came away thinking that was great but that I hadn't had the wow moments of the last one.... but actually I'm even more pleased after watching the vids than I was last time as we have come on sooooo much in such a short period of time. My horse is soooo generous, he's been trying to tell me for AGES that its me, thank goodness I'm finally listening and have someone to show us how to do it right!!
Next session not for 5 weeks, after 3 more events..... so plenty of time for more improvement. My goal is to be able to CONSISTENTLY keep him in my outside (right) hand, and also to keep an awareness of what my left shoulder/hand is doing.
I can't believe after all these years that I'm actually learning to ride!!!
:-))
But no fear, he said exactly what I did when watching the stressage vid - I am sitting up straight (although could go a bit more) but that I look loose and a bit wobbly.
So he got me to first of all grip my knees in trot, then grip my elbows to my side and my hands together - and it worked, I could FEEL where I need to hold and what muscles I need to use to be stronger. - They are my tummy muscles (surprise) felt like really pushing out with my tummy (like pushing to belt or sticking tummy button out) and my thighs just above my knees, and also my hips - I almost feel my hips are too loose and need to support me more!
Then I relaxed back to the (new) normal and could then feel the push from my knees to stand and so I wasn't getting thrown by Magic, but rather was holding my own balance and weight.
The difference in the videos from last session to this are amazing! Even when I was trying really hard last time.... now it looks much easier and flowing, and himself is going amazingly well!
So after spending some time on me, it was time for the 'what do you want to work on' question....
I chose canter trans as they are the only thing from the test that is a bit iffy.
So then I had to ride properly from inside leg to outside hand (OK on right rein with left hand as outside hand, truly rubbish the other way.)
I found out that when I try to give the inside hand (ie left) that I give too much.... BUT more importantly, as soon as I give with my left hand, I can't help but give with my right (the outside hand) and then I lose him!
So lots of work on a 10m circle at A or C, then down the 3/4 line off the circle..... ENSURING - inside leg to outside hand on the turn and NO inside rein or no increasing inside rein - if increase any it HAS to be outside. Then leg yield to the wall, sit for a few strides then straight to canter.
Explained that in trot we want him long and out on the rein, but in canter he needs to be more UP but that doesn't come from me riding him up with the hands but from me connecting him better and getting him sitting on his bum more.
So leg yield does that as he's good at sideways and can sit more so get a much truer canter trans.
The difficult bit wasn't the legyield or the canter trans, but the bloomin KEEPING outside rein and riding to it from inside leg. But the 10m circles really helped, and thats what I need - lots of ideas of exercises to make me keep the connection.
Magic disliked it to start as I had to hold more contact to get him into outside hand, and also had to have reins a bit shorter - but rather than curling up and going crooked (his usual trick) he just came UP in front so more advanced outline. All because I was doing nothing with my hands except trying to keep the darn contact!!
Canter trans were then better straight away. Shame it took me ages to 'get' it re the contact and outside rein thing. Still now I know that when giving the inside rein its literally opening fingers, but that I CAN'T do it with left hand (as inside) until I am SURE I have outside one established and won't 'flop' it with it.
Ended up working on canter on a 20m circle, then down to 12/15m..... He got me to sit deeper and just keep even contact and lift my hands slightly WITH THUMBS UP 3/4 of the way..... Magic resisted and lifted his head, but that was fine because he was also lifting his shoulders, and as long as I keep hands STILL he will eventually find a place (round) where he can soften to that contact. As he said, if I move my hands AT ALL then he won't ever find that place because it will keep moving as my hands do! Sounds so simple!!!
So Magic did soften and we got fabby fabby canter too! All by me riding properly. Soooooooo need to practice the outside rein (when right hand) thing!
Best comment again today: you own the outside rein, horse owns the inside one, so you CAN'T use the inside rein as an active hand.......
All good food for thought.
I came away thinking that was great but that I hadn't had the wow moments of the last one.... but actually I'm even more pleased after watching the vids than I was last time as we have come on sooooo much in such a short period of time. My horse is soooo generous, he's been trying to tell me for AGES that its me, thank goodness I'm finally listening and have someone to show us how to do it right!!
Next session not for 5 weeks, after 3 more events..... so plenty of time for more improvement. My goal is to be able to CONSISTENTLY keep him in my outside (right) hand, and also to keep an awareness of what my left shoulder/hand is doing.
I can't believe after all these years that I'm actually learning to ride!!!
:-))
Monday, April 14, 2008
Photos are up already!
Pictures are a bit complicated - you need to go to www.gotyou.co.uk then click on "uni graduation and ball photos" (yes I know!) Then click on drop down menu and select 'solihull all'..... then click on 'Sat start - 12.00'
Then go down to row 26 - we are the second photo on that row onwards (7 photos in all). Very dull ones mind you.
I like the one where he's landing and giving the photographer and evil look, despite the fact I want him to turn right!
Then go down to row 26 - we are the second photo on that row onwards (7 photos in all). Very dull ones mind you.
I like the one where he's landing and giving the photographer and evil look, despite the fact I want him to turn right!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
He's STILL a superstar :-))
And there was me thinking Solihull was going to be an unmittigated disaster? Wrong!
Pony has all growed up!!
On the basis that I didn't want to know how bad the ground was, I put off walking the course til I got there today....!
Stressage - very chilled out warming up, but not impressed with sinking into the earth an inch with each foot! Still at least it definately wasn't slippy! I tried my darnest to sit up.... and I was acheiving it at times, but not enough.... he was still a bit on forehand and tempting me to hold the inside rein... but it wasn't bad. I'm glad I've schooled him in the field twice this week cos it makes a difference when I remember that I don't need to look at the ground - that's his department!!
Then there was a bog one end of the actual arena.... he did go in it, but was not particularly impressed. Nor was he impressed by the 20m circle bog that was being created as the test had all the circles at E and B! Still, we survived in a CALM style!! So I was pleased as punch as that was my goal for the day!
Everytime I felt him lose his balance, rather than correct HIM I thought about ME - and yes, everytime I'd started the perch forward routine, so I'd sit back up and bingo, horse would be nice again!
Now I'm absolutely certain that I'm doing the right thing - the video shows long neck and yet round outline AND concentrating on the job in hand - NOT trying to look at anything else or concertina neck up. A few more tests where he can REALLY start to trust that I'm not going to resort to hands and I think we'll have it cracked.
We got 34.5 penalties and were lying about halfway. Then had to run off to run round XC as hadn't done it before hand. Came back thinking both the SJ and XC were easy - so proof that we MUST be ready for PN!!! Ground not good, but not slippy. Magic doesn't like deep going, but most takeoffs were prepared so I didn't think it would worry him.
SJ - indoors (yay no mud, but booo spooky). Warm up wasn't particularly crowded but I rode like a drain and he kept having to get really deep as I just didn't have the power canter. Remembered Bill on Monday and decided to just go for the canter... then steer, and let his lordship do the rest.....Well we recorded the 'fastest time of the day so far' and went clear, so what does it matter if we were a bit quick?
In all seriousness the rhythm looked great, he was spot on to pretty much everything and just made it look AND feel really easy, HURRAH!! But it is all down to the quality of the canter now. If I feel him get under it or lose momentum I HAVE to get the canter back, then he's automatic pilot pony again - am loving it!!!
XC - warm up quite dry but quite a lot of the course was wet. Thank goodness I was on Saturday am not Sunday pm, I wouldn't have fancied wading through it then! He set off like a bullet and apart from a few discreet naps, he flew round.... hampered rather by numpty jockey who lost her stirrup after he jumped in mega to a number 3 (ye olde flower bed where any other event is fine, but at Solihull there are dragons lurking in it.... he's always hated this fence)
..... trained eventer locked on to the next fence (sharp left turn to step down then roll top!) and didn't give me much chance to stay in the plate..... but I regained my stirrup and crawled back upright.... swear I could hear him tutting under his breath.
Honestly, now he's decided he's good at this he's pretty unbearable... 'come on numpty mum, just hold the neck strap and point and I'll do the rest'.
Legged it down to the water, another semi nap, then once out of the first field we were flying! Down to the corner, flew it, then round the rest like standing on our heads!!
He was still going off a good stride and towing me all the way in, but surprisingly, because I was really letting him go in between, the getting him back for combinations etc was much easier - the brakes were BETTER than last year! And mum said that was the fastest we looked like we'd ever gone - first time with the handbrake off she said!!
So we got a double clear inside the time, and despite some totally jaw dropping dressage scores from competitors, we managed a respectable 8th place! Cue big poncy pale green rosette for himself!
Oh, and he's even fitter than he's been before (dunno how, not down to me I don't think!) and he had loads of contained energy -so think the copra might be doing the job!
Feetwise, well they have loads of concavity at the mo, and he never felt remotely phased by the boggy ground, and was still standing off the fences at the end of the course, so no worries there!!
Onwards and upwards, we have one more intro, then an intro regional final at beginning of may, then our first pre novice the week after :wibble:
Videos to follow when internet stops playing up!
Pony has all growed up!!
On the basis that I didn't want to know how bad the ground was, I put off walking the course til I got there today....!
Stressage - very chilled out warming up, but not impressed with sinking into the earth an inch with each foot! Still at least it definately wasn't slippy! I tried my darnest to sit up.... and I was acheiving it at times, but not enough.... he was still a bit on forehand and tempting me to hold the inside rein... but it wasn't bad. I'm glad I've schooled him in the field twice this week cos it makes a difference when I remember that I don't need to look at the ground - that's his department!!
Then there was a bog one end of the actual arena.... he did go in it, but was not particularly impressed. Nor was he impressed by the 20m circle bog that was being created as the test had all the circles at E and B! Still, we survived in a CALM style!! So I was pleased as punch as that was my goal for the day!
Everytime I felt him lose his balance, rather than correct HIM I thought about ME - and yes, everytime I'd started the perch forward routine, so I'd sit back up and bingo, horse would be nice again!
Now I'm absolutely certain that I'm doing the right thing - the video shows long neck and yet round outline AND concentrating on the job in hand - NOT trying to look at anything else or concertina neck up. A few more tests where he can REALLY start to trust that I'm not going to resort to hands and I think we'll have it cracked.
We got 34.5 penalties and were lying about halfway. Then had to run off to run round XC as hadn't done it before hand. Came back thinking both the SJ and XC were easy - so proof that we MUST be ready for PN!!! Ground not good, but not slippy. Magic doesn't like deep going, but most takeoffs were prepared so I didn't think it would worry him.
SJ - indoors (yay no mud, but booo spooky). Warm up wasn't particularly crowded but I rode like a drain and he kept having to get really deep as I just didn't have the power canter. Remembered Bill on Monday and decided to just go for the canter... then steer, and let his lordship do the rest.....Well we recorded the 'fastest time of the day so far' and went clear, so what does it matter if we were a bit quick?
In all seriousness the rhythm looked great, he was spot on to pretty much everything and just made it look AND feel really easy, HURRAH!! But it is all down to the quality of the canter now. If I feel him get under it or lose momentum I HAVE to get the canter back, then he's automatic pilot pony again - am loving it!!!
XC - warm up quite dry but quite a lot of the course was wet. Thank goodness I was on Saturday am not Sunday pm, I wouldn't have fancied wading through it then! He set off like a bullet and apart from a few discreet naps, he flew round.... hampered rather by numpty jockey who lost her stirrup after he jumped in mega to a number 3 (ye olde flower bed where any other event is fine, but at Solihull there are dragons lurking in it.... he's always hated this fence)
..... trained eventer locked on to the next fence (sharp left turn to step down then roll top!) and didn't give me much chance to stay in the plate..... but I regained my stirrup and crawled back upright.... swear I could hear him tutting under his breath.
Honestly, now he's decided he's good at this he's pretty unbearable... 'come on numpty mum, just hold the neck strap and point and I'll do the rest'.
Legged it down to the water, another semi nap, then once out of the first field we were flying! Down to the corner, flew it, then round the rest like standing on our heads!!
He was still going off a good stride and towing me all the way in, but surprisingly, because I was really letting him go in between, the getting him back for combinations etc was much easier - the brakes were BETTER than last year! And mum said that was the fastest we looked like we'd ever gone - first time with the handbrake off she said!!
So we got a double clear inside the time, and despite some totally jaw dropping dressage scores from competitors, we managed a respectable 8th place! Cue big poncy pale green rosette for himself!
Oh, and he's even fitter than he's been before (dunno how, not down to me I don't think!) and he had loads of contained energy -so think the copra might be doing the job!
Feetwise, well they have loads of concavity at the mo, and he never felt remotely phased by the boggy ground, and was still standing off the fences at the end of the course, so no worries there!!
Onwards and upwards, we have one more intro, then an intro regional final at beginning of may, then our first pre novice the week after :wibble:
Videos to follow when internet stops playing up!
Monday, April 07, 2008
I love my pony, he IS the greatest
:-)
Jumpies lesson.
Someone was VERY keen and happy to be jumpies.... nearly cantering on spot in our excitement. On a few occasions over the warm up fence I had ABSOLUTELY nothing and he was just charging for it, and charging after it. Think someone needs to go XC!!!
He was rather strong to start but at least he's keen!
Jumped cross, then upright then wide oxer.
Then an upright with the killer yellow ladder under it.... he charged me at it!!! Then did it politely the second time.
Part of the trouble was that all the fences were in half the arena, so an approach to every fence meant nearly latching onto another one on the way in!
Then the treble -two one strides. I was concentrating on heels down as I seem to be improving my safety leg again (it otherwise goes back in the air and I need it forward for ballooning Magic landing). He was fab, locked on - upright, upright, oxer.... nearly thought a naughty duck out thought before the oxer but all I did was straighten him and he flew it.
Then yellow killer ladder on dog leg 4 stride to treble. Still foot perfect, felt nice, not like I was being boinged to badly.
Then planks, three strides to DOUBLE of water tray oxers - my nemesis!
Got him a bit slow to the planks, which he jumped neatly, but left us a LONG three strides off the first water tray.... muggins just froze, and Magic took charge and took off a MILE from the water tray, then had to land, two strides, still a mile off the second one as he'd ballooned so big over it (I wasn't in contention here, I was busy trying to stay somewhere near the horse). I thought he'd duck out as no need to jump it, I wasn't telling him too - but no, the training paid off and he absolutely caterpaulted over the second one and out.... how I landed in the saddle I'll never know but goodness my horse is GOOD.
Cue lots of impressed comments from Bill and Jane!
My knees were jelly as I waited to do it again - not from fear (for a change!) but from the exersion of staying on the critter.
Next time through - Mr Perfect - muggins up top just needs to make sure we have ENOUGH canter for combinations, not squish everything smaller to make the jump easier to sit to (snigger).
Then the corner. Jumped off the right rein with the run out 'option' to left and he pinged it. So I asked to jump it the other way, his run out side..... and bingo... he ran past it!!! I wanted to test him as I'd rather have run outs at Bills than at competition and am fairly sure Solihull will have a corner.
So we had a circle moment..... and I got very dizzy and Magic remembered why he NEVER runs out any more.
Then round to it again. I got the canter and straightness and then sat passive- and WOOSH he was off over it perfectly..... (snigger).
Then we had to finish with a course. 1m05ish and big wide oxers..... cue a wibble about the water trays as we were starting with them, off the corner first then to the planks.... and they are huge and wide and I just don't like them. Don't mind the ones at comps as they are always half the size of bills (I guess thats the point!).
So get deep deep into the corner to get straight for them, then lack a bit of power - Magic sorts the first but it leaves us a LONG way of the second, and again muppet mother just froze..... Magic couldn't quite take a leap as I was not in 'go' mode, so he had to launch from a negative canter and couldn't quite get past the back rail so we brought it down with us. I pulled us out of the (by now 1.10m!) planks......
Had a wibble. Got told off for not giving him a chance by not having enough canter. Magic seemed fine, not as worried as me about having a pole go with him (considering what a wimp he is usually, it did us BOTH good to realise he isn't bothered by poles falling).
So round and again. I learnt my lesson and came in stronger....
Flew through the water trays, perfect 3 strides to the planks which he flew. Back down the treble oxer to 2 uprights - was quite short that way so he really had to snap up in front, then 4 strides dogleg to yellow ladder. Then back round to the oxer made from 2 wide bits of treble bar, then back to the corner (the duck out way!) to finish.
He was foot perfect. Boy does he jump.
I'm not sure my knees will ever recover but its bouyed me up so much. It was a SERIOUS test, he won't get anything like that even at pre novice and he passed with flying colours.
Not bad for a boy who's jumped ONCE this year!
Loving my pone!!!
:-)))
Jumpies lesson.
Someone was VERY keen and happy to be jumpies.... nearly cantering on spot in our excitement. On a few occasions over the warm up fence I had ABSOLUTELY nothing and he was just charging for it, and charging after it. Think someone needs to go XC!!!
He was rather strong to start but at least he's keen!
Jumped cross, then upright then wide oxer.
Then an upright with the killer yellow ladder under it.... he charged me at it!!! Then did it politely the second time.
Part of the trouble was that all the fences were in half the arena, so an approach to every fence meant nearly latching onto another one on the way in!
Then the treble -two one strides. I was concentrating on heels down as I seem to be improving my safety leg again (it otherwise goes back in the air and I need it forward for ballooning Magic landing). He was fab, locked on - upright, upright, oxer.... nearly thought a naughty duck out thought before the oxer but all I did was straighten him and he flew it.
Then yellow killer ladder on dog leg 4 stride to treble. Still foot perfect, felt nice, not like I was being boinged to badly.
Then planks, three strides to DOUBLE of water tray oxers - my nemesis!
Got him a bit slow to the planks, which he jumped neatly, but left us a LONG three strides off the first water tray.... muggins just froze, and Magic took charge and took off a MILE from the water tray, then had to land, two strides, still a mile off the second one as he'd ballooned so big over it (I wasn't in contention here, I was busy trying to stay somewhere near the horse). I thought he'd duck out as no need to jump it, I wasn't telling him too - but no, the training paid off and he absolutely caterpaulted over the second one and out.... how I landed in the saddle I'll never know but goodness my horse is GOOD.
Cue lots of impressed comments from Bill and Jane!
My knees were jelly as I waited to do it again - not from fear (for a change!) but from the exersion of staying on the critter.
Next time through - Mr Perfect - muggins up top just needs to make sure we have ENOUGH canter for combinations, not squish everything smaller to make the jump easier to sit to (snigger).
Then the corner. Jumped off the right rein with the run out 'option' to left and he pinged it. So I asked to jump it the other way, his run out side..... and bingo... he ran past it!!! I wanted to test him as I'd rather have run outs at Bills than at competition and am fairly sure Solihull will have a corner.
So we had a circle moment..... and I got very dizzy and Magic remembered why he NEVER runs out any more.
Then round to it again. I got the canter and straightness and then sat passive- and WOOSH he was off over it perfectly..... (snigger).
Then we had to finish with a course. 1m05ish and big wide oxers..... cue a wibble about the water trays as we were starting with them, off the corner first then to the planks.... and they are huge and wide and I just don't like them. Don't mind the ones at comps as they are always half the size of bills (I guess thats the point!).
So get deep deep into the corner to get straight for them, then lack a bit of power - Magic sorts the first but it leaves us a LONG way of the second, and again muppet mother just froze..... Magic couldn't quite take a leap as I was not in 'go' mode, so he had to launch from a negative canter and couldn't quite get past the back rail so we brought it down with us. I pulled us out of the (by now 1.10m!) planks......
Had a wibble. Got told off for not giving him a chance by not having enough canter. Magic seemed fine, not as worried as me about having a pole go with him (considering what a wimp he is usually, it did us BOTH good to realise he isn't bothered by poles falling).
So round and again. I learnt my lesson and came in stronger....
Flew through the water trays, perfect 3 strides to the planks which he flew. Back down the treble oxer to 2 uprights - was quite short that way so he really had to snap up in front, then 4 strides dogleg to yellow ladder. Then back round to the oxer made from 2 wide bits of treble bar, then back to the corner (the duck out way!) to finish.
He was foot perfect. Boy does he jump.
I'm not sure my knees will ever recover but its bouyed me up so much. It was a SERIOUS test, he won't get anything like that even at pre novice and he passed with flying colours.
Not bad for a boy who's jumped ONCE this year!
Loving my pone!!!
:-)))
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Gallopies!
Well we went to the gallops. And they were by far the longest gallops I've ridden on - friend seemed to think 8 furlongs but that's a mile and I can't believe they were THAT long! Flat at the bottom, two inclines then a long flat at the top.
We went for a bit of a pootle down the ash track first, for a walk and trot, then made our way to the gallops.
Set off in a nice quiet canter, when Magic said 'weeeeeeee' and took off with gusto...... then hit the first incline and said 'oh, s*d that this is going to be harder than I thought!'
Companion had been up before so he wasn't wasting ANY unneccessary energy! We got to the top, blowing a bit, but then walked all the way down a track at the side, so got breath back nicely to go up again. Second time up I let him choose the pace til half way when I asked him to open up more and he did! You could hear him muttering 'but I'm tired' under his breath but he did a good job!
Hacked back down, still not a bead of sweat even though warm evening. Breathing well though. My legs were jelly though! STILL the horse is fitter than the human, sigh.
Got back and he wasn't wet enough to wash so boxed home and left him on front grass for half hour.
Will definately do that again, takes about 15 mins to get there and is a fiver a go so well worth it!
We might just be fit enough for the hills at Broadway if I manage to get up there a few more times!
We went for a bit of a pootle down the ash track first, for a walk and trot, then made our way to the gallops.
Set off in a nice quiet canter, when Magic said 'weeeeeeee' and took off with gusto...... then hit the first incline and said 'oh, s*d that this is going to be harder than I thought!'
Companion had been up before so he wasn't wasting ANY unneccessary energy! We got to the top, blowing a bit, but then walked all the way down a track at the side, so got breath back nicely to go up again. Second time up I let him choose the pace til half way when I asked him to open up more and he did! You could hear him muttering 'but I'm tired' under his breath but he did a good job!
Hacked back down, still not a bead of sweat even though warm evening. Breathing well though. My legs were jelly though! STILL the horse is fitter than the human, sigh.
Got back and he wasn't wet enough to wash so boxed home and left him on front grass for half hour.
Will definately do that again, takes about 15 mins to get there and is a fiver a go so well worth it!
We might just be fit enough for the hills at Broadway if I manage to get up there a few more times!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Practice makes perfect
Poor Magic.... its really hard being the good one in any relationship because then you have to put up with doing the same things over and over whilst the weaker partner practices!!!
So yesterday we donned dressage saddle and went hacking. I went left cos then we can go for 1.5 miles on tracks and trot most of the way.
So we did! And the little swine was golden!! He had the odd head-up-looking-mode when he spotted something, but whilst I was busy concentrating on me, he'd drop straight back down onto contact.
I did find that I was getting stiff in the left arm from trying to hold hand still against saddle, so I allowed it up a smidge but ensured it stayed still, and put it back onto saddle as soon as I felt it being naughty again.
By the time we'd trotted for 20 mins we were both sweaty (and Magic is NEVER sweaty at the mo!!). But it was revolutionary to have that level of concentration and connection when out hacking, and with very limited input from me.
Now I'm sure I wasn't leaning back enough, but I was definately more upright and have really got the idea of the swing of the trot.... so am at least part way there, hurrah. Hope I can keep it up.
Then today we hacked down to the river meadows and had our first schooling session on grass of the season, cue plenty of 'WASSAT????' from Magic, much to my frustration.... but we started with the walk exercise and then built up to trot on both reins, which was pretty fabby (esp as I usually lean EVEN more on grass!).
Then we had a canter each way, which after the trot work I could sit to really easily - go figure! LEft canter was over bent inwards and losing him through the shoulder but that was probably my inside rein which can't just leave it alone! On the plus side we got contact and NOT leaning in the canter and him out on the end of the rein, so CAN'T be bad!
Gallopies on the proper gallops tomorrow, quiet hack Sat, SJ practice Sun, SJ lesson mon, quiet day tues then XC on Wed..... then we are all set for Saturday... . eeeeeeek!
Fingers firmly crossed for GOOD weather and good going.... not too hard and not too wet!!!
:-)
So yesterday we donned dressage saddle and went hacking. I went left cos then we can go for 1.5 miles on tracks and trot most of the way.
So we did! And the little swine was golden!! He had the odd head-up-looking-mode when he spotted something, but whilst I was busy concentrating on me, he'd drop straight back down onto contact.
I did find that I was getting stiff in the left arm from trying to hold hand still against saddle, so I allowed it up a smidge but ensured it stayed still, and put it back onto saddle as soon as I felt it being naughty again.
By the time we'd trotted for 20 mins we were both sweaty (and Magic is NEVER sweaty at the mo!!). But it was revolutionary to have that level of concentration and connection when out hacking, and with very limited input from me.
Now I'm sure I wasn't leaning back enough, but I was definately more upright and have really got the idea of the swing of the trot.... so am at least part way there, hurrah. Hope I can keep it up.
Then today we hacked down to the river meadows and had our first schooling session on grass of the season, cue plenty of 'WASSAT????' from Magic, much to my frustration.... but we started with the walk exercise and then built up to trot on both reins, which was pretty fabby (esp as I usually lean EVEN more on grass!).
Then we had a canter each way, which after the trot work I could sit to really easily - go figure! LEft canter was over bent inwards and losing him through the shoulder but that was probably my inside rein which can't just leave it alone! On the plus side we got contact and NOT leaning in the canter and him out on the end of the rein, so CAN'T be bad!
Gallopies on the proper gallops tomorrow, quiet hack Sat, SJ practice Sun, SJ lesson mon, quiet day tues then XC on Wed..... then we are all set for Saturday... . eeeeeeek!
Fingers firmly crossed for GOOD weather and good going.... not too hard and not too wet!!!
:-)
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Lightbulbs galore!
So, had a really good session and found out:
Its ME that's screwing up the contact thing (sigh, now why am I not surprised!). Mainly because of trying to hold a contact whilst not being balanced enough in the trot - ie when I sit in my 'usual' Magic-is-bouncy-so-I-lean-forward-mode, I can't absorb his movement enough to then balance with independent seat and still hands. This is why I can ride any other horse but my own -no other horse has the Magic bounce factor! :-)
So positional corrections abound.
Firstly, as a guide to 'knowing' hand is still, put little finger of outside rein against front of saddle. Keep there the whole time. (Needs longer than usual reins and doesn't matter if he tries to bend outwards and drop outside rein to start with...)
Then with heavy elbows so they hang by the side, walk a circle.... from 20m circle, do a 10m circle by pushing inside shoulder back (to line up with how you want horse's shoulder) and draw inside ELBOW back to increase inside bend to decrease size of circle. Do not move hand per-se.
If you ride with left shoulder forward (as I tend to) you can't be surprised when horse matches you and leads with his left shoulder (hence bending right!).... that then makes me use MORE inside rein to 'straighten' him and so the vicious circle begins!! DOH!
Do not worry about straightness as it will come. As we've always known, his wiggling is an evasion.... but its basically become an evasion from my contact not being still enough.... and I thought my contact wasn't still enough because he is intermittent in his head carriage - wrong, tis me!
So then trot..... on each rein:
Outside hand on saddle.
Breath in and lift chest.
Lean back 25%.... yeah yeah, the BIG stumbling block for a Jane!
Push pelvis (well in my case just tense bum) in rising trot.
Leg forward so heel is under hip, not drawing leg back.
Drop chin towards chest until not looking at sky.... (ahem)
Easy huh? Hahahaha.
It felt like my spine was in a massive double S bend.... I felt totally contorted and really really rubbish. I also felt like I was lying on his back! And due to me usually being permanently slightly tilted forward, I was then looking at the ceiling cos I'm so not used to being upright I'm usually having to look up!
BUT...
Magic was foot perfect. He quickly stopped evading outside hand and settled in mouth, in a long outline perfectly on vertical. He dropped in to a beautiful rhythm that needed no help from me. My hands were passive, my leg was passive. I could concentrate 100% on my posture and all the while he improved (smug git).
Then I had to go large!!! AND give inside rein..... and we managed it.... and without trying to, the trot that started like sewing machine ended up big and flowing.
So I ended up trotting large, giving inside rein and riding totally from inside leg to outside rein even on the long straights.... no dropping onto forehand from him, not much (cough) leaning forward from me!
Points to remember:
I lead with left shoulder and must push it back on left rein.
Although I thought left hand was stronger, it is also naughtier... and MUCH harder to keep near saddle. Having said that he is always in it....!
On left rein I mustn't over use left hand and am only allowed to move my elbow to get bend by doing smaller circles.
Elbows must stay by sides (even when attempting sitting trot, eek!)
Its no surprise I cannot sit to the trot when my position in rising isn't correct!
When I get it right, it FEELS so easy to trot - not the usual hard work. We trotted for at least 30 mins non stop and I wasn't anywhere near as hot,bothered or breathless as usual - although I had jelly knees when I got off, so obviously doing something right and if I can get the trot right then it'll strengthen my legs for the jumping rather than weakening them!
I can do a smaller rise and not feel like I'm being 'boinged' on every stride and then sit softer and smoother.
We did a little bit of sitting at the end, and I started to feel the difference from sitting correctly. So homework is to crack the rising so we can move onto sitting. (and he's not different when I sit cos I bounce, he's different because I'm TENSE!)
Honestly the way Magic was today we could conquer the world! :-))
(He's still a smug git though)
Its ME that's screwing up the contact thing (sigh, now why am I not surprised!). Mainly because of trying to hold a contact whilst not being balanced enough in the trot - ie when I sit in my 'usual' Magic-is-bouncy-so-I-lean-forward-mode, I can't absorb his movement enough to then balance with independent seat and still hands. This is why I can ride any other horse but my own -no other horse has the Magic bounce factor! :-)
So positional corrections abound.
Firstly, as a guide to 'knowing' hand is still, put little finger of outside rein against front of saddle. Keep there the whole time. (Needs longer than usual reins and doesn't matter if he tries to bend outwards and drop outside rein to start with...)
Then with heavy elbows so they hang by the side, walk a circle.... from 20m circle, do a 10m circle by pushing inside shoulder back (to line up with how you want horse's shoulder) and draw inside ELBOW back to increase inside bend to decrease size of circle. Do not move hand per-se.
If you ride with left shoulder forward (as I tend to) you can't be surprised when horse matches you and leads with his left shoulder (hence bending right!).... that then makes me use MORE inside rein to 'straighten' him and so the vicious circle begins!! DOH!
Do not worry about straightness as it will come. As we've always known, his wiggling is an evasion.... but its basically become an evasion from my contact not being still enough.... and I thought my contact wasn't still enough because he is intermittent in his head carriage - wrong, tis me!
So then trot..... on each rein:
Outside hand on saddle.
Breath in and lift chest.
Lean back 25%.... yeah yeah, the BIG stumbling block for a Jane!
Push pelvis (well in my case just tense bum) in rising trot.
Leg forward so heel is under hip, not drawing leg back.
Drop chin towards chest until not looking at sky.... (ahem)
Easy huh? Hahahaha.
It felt like my spine was in a massive double S bend.... I felt totally contorted and really really rubbish. I also felt like I was lying on his back! And due to me usually being permanently slightly tilted forward, I was then looking at the ceiling cos I'm so not used to being upright I'm usually having to look up!
BUT...
Magic was foot perfect. He quickly stopped evading outside hand and settled in mouth, in a long outline perfectly on vertical. He dropped in to a beautiful rhythm that needed no help from me. My hands were passive, my leg was passive. I could concentrate 100% on my posture and all the while he improved (smug git).
Then I had to go large!!! AND give inside rein..... and we managed it.... and without trying to, the trot that started like sewing machine ended up big and flowing.
So I ended up trotting large, giving inside rein and riding totally from inside leg to outside rein even on the long straights.... no dropping onto forehand from him, not much (cough) leaning forward from me!
Points to remember:
I lead with left shoulder and must push it back on left rein.
Although I thought left hand was stronger, it is also naughtier... and MUCH harder to keep near saddle. Having said that he is always in it....!
On left rein I mustn't over use left hand and am only allowed to move my elbow to get bend by doing smaller circles.
Elbows must stay by sides (even when attempting sitting trot, eek!)
Its no surprise I cannot sit to the trot when my position in rising isn't correct!
When I get it right, it FEELS so easy to trot - not the usual hard work. We trotted for at least 30 mins non stop and I wasn't anywhere near as hot,bothered or breathless as usual - although I had jelly knees when I got off, so obviously doing something right and if I can get the trot right then it'll strengthen my legs for the jumping rather than weakening them!
I can do a smaller rise and not feel like I'm being 'boinged' on every stride and then sit softer and smoother.
We did a little bit of sitting at the end, and I started to feel the difference from sitting correctly. So homework is to crack the rising so we can move onto sitting. (and he's not different when I sit cos I bounce, he's different because I'm TENSE!)
Honestly the way Magic was today we could conquer the world! :-))
(He's still a smug git though)
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