This past lesson we worked on going down the center line and just off the rail perfectly straight. It was pretty hard, especially when the pony just wants to go where he thinks he's supposed to go - on the rail. D was pretty tough on us and even caught me posting on the wrong diagonal for one second transitioning down from the canter. As she pointed out, at my level, that shouldn't happen. Fair enough! Our lessons are definitely progressing towards jumping, with the center line work supposed to prepare us for lines towards jumps...down the center line. I guess that's pretty obvious, but sometimes I feel like I'll never get to do jumping lessons because a couple people in my group lesson are a little behind me on some things. Still, if D can catch me doing something wrong, then there's still work to be done.
The day before, I got to practice ride Calvin while the high school team was practicing around me. It was tons of fun to watch. They kept mentioning that I could "Jumping right in and use a jump if I wanted." That would have been soooo awkward. I'm sure they think I can pop over jumps like it's no big deal, but that is not the case. I have been wondering if I should get a lesson with Calvin's trainer, as sometimes she does lessons during the week and I will be working from home these next couple of weeks. I feel like I'm progressing much faster with the added practice ride. I have become more confident riding with other people in the ring and don't feel like cantering by myself is so scary. Some things I need to work on:
- Not letting horse/pony break the canter when they feel like they can get away with it
- Not letting Calvin fall in and trot like a mad man instead of immediately going into the canter
- Smoothing out downward transition so I'm not bouncing around to prevent any posting on the incorrect diagnol
The day before, I got to practice ride Calvin while the high school team was practicing around me. It was tons of fun to watch. They kept mentioning that I could "Jumping right in and use a jump if I wanted." That would have been soooo awkward. I'm sure they think I can pop over jumps like it's no big deal, but that is not the case. I have been wondering if I should get a lesson with Calvin's trainer, as sometimes she does lessons during the week and I will be working from home these next couple of weeks. I feel like I'm progressing much faster with the added practice ride. I have become more confident riding with other people in the ring and don't feel like cantering by myself is so scary. Some things I need to work on:
- Not letting horse/pony break the canter when they feel like they can get away with it
- Not letting Calvin fall in and trot like a mad man instead of immediately going into the canter
- Smoothing out downward transition so I'm not bouncing around to prevent any posting on the incorrect diagnol
Sounds like your instructor is good at keeping you accountable! I always did private lessons & was advised by my first riding instructor/now friend to do those if possible; I've done a couple semi-private lessons with friends which always tend to be more "fun" oriented rather than productive. Nothing wrong with fun of course, but if your goal is to improve faster/and can afford it then private is the sure way to go :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. It seems the like the group lessons are great for fitness and really getting the basics down, since they are longer and slower-paced.
Deleteanother step closer to jumping!! i'm really excited for you. taking more than one lesson a week or getting privates always seem to be the quickest way to really move forward so i'm really excited for you!!!
ReplyDelete