Guess what was easier than explaining what my lesson consisted of today? THIS FABULOUS PROFESSIONAL-GRADE DIAGRAM. I worked on transitions on Chance. I did a figure eight cutting across the ring between ground poles. That little white circle at E represents D, who was standing there to make sure I got as close to her as possible without cutting the corner. It was hard to do! I need to work on getting Chance straight during the walk portion and then bending him correctly into the direction we are going to canter. I also had my stirrups a little shorter than usual and it caused me to put too much weight in them when cantering, which is no excuse, and in fact prompted us to focus on me sitting back and wrapping my legs around the horse better. This confused me because I had been taught to avoid letting Chance fall in by partially putting weight into my outside stirrup. That's probably cheating. I'm gathering the more 'correct' way to do it would be to push him out with my inside leg and adjust the weight in my seat. Bet let me know if you hear differently.
I didn't get to ride Calvin today because I had to some family obligations :(
i'd say the weight in the seat is the most impactful way to direct a horse. *shrug* i've always been told that stirrups are a crutch and being able to ride without them is the key to understanding seat and how it influences your communication with the horse. BUT, it's by no means an easy feat. it takes what feels like eons to get there so just keep working on things during lessons and take them away to your practice rides! :)
ReplyDeleteThe shorter stirrups really trip me up! It makes me have to reassess my seat. But I could use a lesson in how to use my seat -I don't think it's been discussed. Might bring it up with Danielle.
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