So, the plan is, to recondition our minds to perceiving jumps as "just another stride". Sheri set-up 3 sets of standards: 2 and 1 along the long sides of the arena. We went through everything in a relaxed yet controlled posting trot and remembered to encourage them forward coming up to the pole so that they don't decide to add in a step or skip or the like. And guess what? It works. I eliminate the extra skips and jumps once I remind Ariel to go forward as we get closer to the ground pole.
We go round and round without thinking too much about what we're doing. Gradually, the stakes are raised by arranging each pole into an x-jump and then into a low straight jump. There were some pretty bad jumps and some really good ones. In each instance, I re-examine what I am doing wrong in addition to Sheri's pointing out items that were visible to her. Things to continue working on (in, what I figure are, order that I need to focus on):
- maintain weight through heels--this is key for balance and even MORE important while jumping
- relax my knees so as not to "death grip" Ariel's shoulders
- sit up straight/don't lean forward or a number of things go wrong like heel/foot placement
- keep my shoulders broad and open with my chest facing "forward and up"
- aim for crest release about half way up the horse's neck
Posting Diagonal Jar Tally: = 3 x $2.00 = $6.00
To date: $91.00
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