Friday, September 4, 2015

Lesson #204: Quasimodo

The traffic I deal with on week nights really makes me question why I go up in the evenings... especially since right now, I don't work. It took me 30 minutes more than usual, to get up last night. I left early with the hopes that I would have some time to mosey on in. I was SO WRONG. I was even late this time and had to run out into the rain to get a sopping wet Ariel from her paddock and quickly tack up.

Another new student joins the class today. This girl looks to be in her teens and she's returning to lessons after taking time away from riding. That said, I figure it's going to be a pretty low key lesson so I can work on my canter transitions.

After a varying warm-up of posting trot, sitting trot with and without stirrups, I am directed into the canter. The other girl seems to pick it right back up and has no problems at all. I, on the other hand, am struggling with keeping Ariel out at the rail on the right rein and she's falling in and the corners are just plain ol' botched up. I am certain that it has to do with me because as is most of the time, it's a poor rider that gives poor results. Especially with a horse like Ariel who is not particularly forgiving about miscommunication from the rider. While Ariel knows her job and loves to jump (she hates to bend... haha), she demands that her rider is properly clear with her so that she too so that everything flows. After all, the communication means that the rider is giving appropriate physical signals and staying balanced.

It's pointed out I'm using too much rein with the outside one trying to redirect her. Sheri directs me to break down the canter in the arena: trot the long sides and canter going into the corners. Then progressively going into the opposite pattern. The departs and downward transitions are bang on and there is mostly no issues when I'm doing the canter in pieces. It is pointed out to me though, that the cause of the falling in/bad corners is my right side curling in at the corners (I KNOW!!! UGH) and my right leg gripping and coming out of the seat. Seriously, the left side is perfectly fine and that's how my right side should be but isn't. I don't know the cause but I do have to take extra care to keep my chest open and right leg relaxed as much as possible.

I swear I was so frustrated but equally relieved I figured out what the issue is. So now comes the work each and every minute of every single lesson following....

4 comments:

  1. my right side is super crooked too haha. good luck sorting it out!

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    1. lol thanks! i still can't believe how much it throws ariel off!! :S

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  2. These things are still very much beyond me :) But for some reason, cantering Chewie on keeping him going where I want him to go is a lot easier than trotting. Also, I feel you with the traffic. From office to barn it is an hour and 45 minutes since I have to take the subway to my car first and then sit in traffic getting out of the city. Which is why I sneak out of work a half-hour early, hehe! And how I ended up at the barn I am at now - they had lessons until 7:30! And I love this barn so much now!

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    1. i prefer getting into the canter, myself. with the speed, it's easier to redirect them if needed and it's simply smoother and easier to ride. the sitting trot is difficult to master and the posting trot can be tiring so i totally hear you!

      your commute sounds like my previous one! :S it's quite the trek for lessons on some days... i admit there were moments i didn't feel like getting into the car to keep going but i never regret it once i get there.

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