Haven't posted in a while, but have had plenty of lessons in the past few months, including a couple with my 'other' barn, where I learn a lot about being a brave jumper.
At my weekly lesson barn yesterday we worked on getting through a short hunter course (5 cross rails), which I was told to do at a trot because my pony has been refusing jumps (and, in fact, he did attempt to refuse). The first time I tried to do the course, I had to circle back to jumps, or halt infront of a jump and use the crop. But the second time, we got through it, even if he broke into a walk over one jump, I did not let him refuse. I've always been told (as a humble adult beginner it's easy to believe), that it is not the horse's fault, their behavior stems from the rider's error. And in this case it proved true. The walking over the jump was from me not getting out of the saddle far enough. Probably, enough students have made this error, so the pony associates it with an uncomfortable jump. So working on my jumping position is in order. But it was exciting to do a course, and I can't wait to get it down at the trot and move up to the canter!
At my weekly lesson barn yesterday we worked on getting through a short hunter course (5 cross rails), which I was told to do at a trot because my pony has been refusing jumps (and, in fact, he did attempt to refuse). The first time I tried to do the course, I had to circle back to jumps, or halt infront of a jump and use the crop. But the second time, we got through it, even if he broke into a walk over one jump, I did not let him refuse. I've always been told (as a humble adult beginner it's easy to believe), that it is not the horse's fault, their behavior stems from the rider's error. And in this case it proved true. The walking over the jump was from me not getting out of the saddle far enough. Probably, enough students have made this error, so the pony associates it with an uncomfortable jump. So working on my jumping position is in order. But it was exciting to do a course, and I can't wait to get it down at the trot and move up to the canter!
hooray! reading about your progress makes my insides tingle with excitement and jealousy (because i broke my leg and wrist a month ago and am out). but seriously, HOORAY!!! a few bits of advice that might help is to sit the last 2-3 strides into the jump so you don't get caught in an awkward half post and to apply leg as you approach the jump so they understand they need to move forward. enjoy and looking forward to living vicariously through you for the next little bit!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of sitting those last strides, makes me think I'll be more aware of my position at the last moment! I'm so sorry you got hurt!!
Deleteah you win some you lose some. in my case, lost an entire summer. but it's just one summer. aaanyway, i think you'll feel more connected and won't get stuck half posting. hope things are well!
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