I arrive a wee bit earlier than usual but it doesn't matter since Ariel's part-boarder is riding so I just have to hop on after she's done. She left all her tack on and the saddle was the first thing I noticed: it was like sitting on clouds. I also noticed that there was some resistance from Ariel and she seemed to be putting up a few fights here and there but didn't think anything of it because I knew I had to assert my leadership role in our little herd of two.
J was teaching this lesson and started with having me take my feet out of the stirrups and stretch my heels down and loosen my hips and alternate my leg pressure, simultaneously. At the walk, it was manageable but the minute he said sure, let's move up to the trot, I became a little more apprehensive. It wasn't a miserable experience by any means but pushed my balance. I was also asked to do walk to trot transitions in frequent spurts around the arena. Eventually, he upped the ante and said that if I can do just fine at the trot, I should move to the canter. No stirrups?? I froze at the suggestion and meekly replied "I don't know if I feel comfortable with that idea... I'm afraid I'll fall off". Here's the thing about J's background with riding... he's been doing this since he was a tot and often rode without any tack through all sorts of situations. I don't think he has a hunter/jumper or even dressage background but he likes to have fun. Off I went, canter without stirrups. It was a little scary at moments when I started panicking and gripping Ariel so (naturally) she went faster and it because a little tougher to slow her down but guess what! I got around a full round and didn't teeter side to side or fall off. I'd consider that a success.
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| Don't worry. I got this. --Ariel |
After I pulled my nerves back together, I told him I think that was enough of a test for my courage/confidence for now. We moved to jumping a line of an X and vertical (around 2'). It didn't go super well but I did make it over without major issues--the same old landing and being unable to get back up. It wasn't pretty but I regained control of the situation and told J that my goal for the season is to be able to get through a course of 2'3" under control and I'd be happy. He told me that it would be possible to get there in a month. Um... really? I thought I was not being generous enough with saying "for this season" which in my standards, ends for me by October or November. LOL. We'll see... I have a long way to go b/c there is a lot that I have to fix still and I know I have the occasional over thinking issue at fences.
Nearing the end of the lesson, Ariel was becoming increasingly agitated with me and I couldn't figure it out until I pulled out her bridle... and see that they changed her bit from her usual Happy Mouth to a twisted D ring type that I am not at all familiar with. I would definitely double check that next time because I know my hands aren't quiet enough for this mare to use anything 'harsher' than her usual jointed D ring Happy Mouth.
Great news about the two lessons a week! J sounds like an instructor who really likes to push everyone to their limits! That would be cool if you are able to make so much progress in a month… though I know personally my rate of progress is at a much slower, steady, perhaps snail-like rate. I seem to be engrained with a deeply rooted fear factor! ;-)
ReplyDeletethanks, i couldn't be happier! :) J seems to give his students just enough of a push to get along with it. he also always says that falling off is totally part of the whole gig even though i've never felt in any danger during his lessons. if he and sheri keep pushing me along, it's entirely possible i'll get through that course. i just hold no lofty expectations because i'd rather be surprised than striving for something that i may not be able to attain.. :P
DeleteCantering without stirrups is so good for balance/seat/all that fun stuff, and for your first time sounds like you did just fine! With two lessons a week you'll be improving tons too (: I had a 3-4 week stint where I did that last year because I cravedddd saddle time while looking for a lease horse.
ReplyDeleteit is! hopefully one day i'll be able to canter bareback and get over jumps like that b/c that would mean i'm riding with my seat and not with my hands or stirrups. i'm looking forward to things coming back together because the last few weeks have been feeling like a little bit of a struggle.
Deletenice job giving the no-stirrups a try! i find the canter itself to be ok without stirrups - but the transitions up and down (esp if they fall into that fast trot!) are a little iffy haha. anyway, glad you had fun and it's super exciting that J has such confidence in your jumping :)
ReplyDeletethanks! i was a bit apprehensive but i'd definitely do it again. the thing i was most worried about was the possibility of falling off and landing on a jump. i don't think there is a "good way" to fall on one...
Deletei'm impressed with J's confidence too! LOL but i wonder if he's just saying that so that i get over myself.