August 30, 2013
I'm back from skipping a week of riding and it feel great to be back. It's just me tonight and no ADW to join me as he's returning from Calgary. It's the start of a long weekend and the end of a long week. It's humid and raining today so we end up riding indoors. The day light is also getting shorter and we're finding ourselves in the dark during our lessons.
This lesson is spent indoors as it is raining and nobody likes to be all wet while riding. Our usual warm up is started to get our rhythm right--consistent and in control. Sheri tells us that the best way to get into things is to get into a consistent rhythm so that you can move forward. It's kind of like getting your land legs back, after disembarking a cruise. I notice that with Indy, my legs are secure and I use my inner thighs to keep myself balanced. This is an interesting discovery on my part: it's part of the eventual aim of a proper posture and correct muscles being engaged.
We continue to practice some work with posting and seated trot and also work on the balance by double posting up and once down. This is tricky to consistently do because if your leg position isn't right, then you fall back down. We work up to some very tricky exercises that really test your ability to quickly transition from one gait to another and direction as well. This is not my evening at all. I have trouble initiating the canter over the two ground poles and cannot canter through the X-jump at all! My posture is all over the place and I'm literally falling over Indy during transitions. What's wrong?
I reflect on the way home and I come to realize that I am genuinely tired for this lesson. Part of it is me just going through the motions and not really being "in it". Riding requires you to be actively living the moment and not thinking about what's happened or what will happen but to anticipate just a few moments before, in order to make a sound decision about what you'll do. That's the problem: because I was such a zombie, I wasn't in the moment and my mind was wandering around and I was drifting off into la-la-land all evening. It's time to ramp up my schedule and really buckle down on what needs to be done! After all, I have to work, in order to continue to do what I like to do in my spare time (at this time, anyways...) and so I've got to really pull myself together and not waste time.
Showing posts with label lessons with indy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lessons with indy. Show all posts
Monday, September 2, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Lesson #46: Magic Moment
Aug 9, 2013
ADW and I had another semi-private lesson and today, I ride Indy. I haven't ridden Indy for a while. The only difference this time was that Sheri was doing some stuff with one of her horses, Bons, and a student. So, during warming up, she was riding him around; and it was incredible to watch her do her dressage magic. Her seat is amazingly awesome and just the way she looks as a rider... we're both blown away. I definitely want to get tickets to watch the dressage competitions at the Pan Am Games.
We had the space today so spent most of our time working on the gaits--particularly the canter. We warm-up with the trot and Sheri tells us to lengthen the stride. I read up on it after I came home and see that there are quite a few aids that a rider should do to get a horse to lengthen their trot; we are not at this level of skill yet. In addition, the horse is generally trained to do this. To overly simplify, we merely extend the 'up' part of the post a fraction longer. I don't think I'm quite successful but trying certainly gave me the chance to get a feel for my balance and forward impulsion.
I am finding that the weight that needs to go down through my heels are starting to sink down some more but I also continue to work on the proper leg contact with the horse's body and saddle. My lower leg still flaps about sometimes but I try to wrap around their body and have the proper alignment with heels, hips and head. While doable for short spurts, doing any of this for a longer duration is a tricky endeavour and I find myself tiring quickly and thus reverting to "bad habits". It also continues to be tricky once the gaits increase from a walk.
We trot a few more times in both directions and then we move to the canter. Sheri says that the canter is what we'll work on because there is enough space with just the two of us. So, from walk, we ask our horses to gear up to canter and take a burst as long as we can handle. Indy has been more and more difficult to get started in lessons so I find myself pushing him a lot, to get him forward thinking. I notice that my balance is much better than it used to be and I'm able to coordinate my alignment when he's taking turns.
I focus on getting my leg alignment in the right place in canter because I am finding that my heels are lifting a bit when riding and it thus throws my balance off. I also notice that Indy is a bit unsure of himself sometimes and if I am not clear about what I want, he guesses and doesn't appear to be very good at guessing appropriately. Sheri reminds me to focus on getting my leg alignment in the right place with proper contact. I had some trouble getting him started prior to this reminder and I notice that the instant I have proper leg alignment and the appropriate contact with his body, he takes off exactly as I need him to and doesn't hesitate or guess incorrectly.
It's a "eureka" moment that provides an immense amount of clarity about how to apply my aids to Indy (and any other horse, for that matter). But, it isn't easy. My leg muscles continue to be conditioned with each lesson to develop closer and closer to what is considered ideal. I had just a glimpse of what wonderful magic can happen when I am suddenly talking the right language with the proper pronounciation, to Indy. Now to work on the endurance and flexibility to really drive it home.
ADW and I had another semi-private lesson and today, I ride Indy. I haven't ridden Indy for a while. The only difference this time was that Sheri was doing some stuff with one of her horses, Bons, and a student. So, during warming up, she was riding him around; and it was incredible to watch her do her dressage magic. Her seat is amazingly awesome and just the way she looks as a rider... we're both blown away. I definitely want to get tickets to watch the dressage competitions at the Pan Am Games.
We had the space today so spent most of our time working on the gaits--particularly the canter. We warm-up with the trot and Sheri tells us to lengthen the stride. I read up on it after I came home and see that there are quite a few aids that a rider should do to get a horse to lengthen their trot; we are not at this level of skill yet. In addition, the horse is generally trained to do this. To overly simplify, we merely extend the 'up' part of the post a fraction longer. I don't think I'm quite successful but trying certainly gave me the chance to get a feel for my balance and forward impulsion.
I am finding that the weight that needs to go down through my heels are starting to sink down some more but I also continue to work on the proper leg contact with the horse's body and saddle. My lower leg still flaps about sometimes but I try to wrap around their body and have the proper alignment with heels, hips and head. While doable for short spurts, doing any of this for a longer duration is a tricky endeavour and I find myself tiring quickly and thus reverting to "bad habits". It also continues to be tricky once the gaits increase from a walk.
We trot a few more times in both directions and then we move to the canter. Sheri says that the canter is what we'll work on because there is enough space with just the two of us. So, from walk, we ask our horses to gear up to canter and take a burst as long as we can handle. Indy has been more and more difficult to get started in lessons so I find myself pushing him a lot, to get him forward thinking. I notice that my balance is much better than it used to be and I'm able to coordinate my alignment when he's taking turns.
I focus on getting my leg alignment in the right place in canter because I am finding that my heels are lifting a bit when riding and it thus throws my balance off. I also notice that Indy is a bit unsure of himself sometimes and if I am not clear about what I want, he guesses and doesn't appear to be very good at guessing appropriately. Sheri reminds me to focus on getting my leg alignment in the right place with proper contact. I had some trouble getting him started prior to this reminder and I notice that the instant I have proper leg alignment and the appropriate contact with his body, he takes off exactly as I need him to and doesn't hesitate or guess incorrectly.
It's a "eureka" moment that provides an immense amount of clarity about how to apply my aids to Indy (and any other horse, for that matter). But, it isn't easy. My leg muscles continue to be conditioned with each lesson to develop closer and closer to what is considered ideal. I had just a glimpse of what wonderful magic can happen when I am suddenly talking the right language with the proper pronounciation, to Indy. Now to work on the endurance and flexibility to really drive it home.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Lesson #35: Switch Up
I took Friday of as a personal day to run a bunch of errands; and let me tell you: I am amazing. I literally packed more to do in a single day than I could potentially be productive at work with. ADW and I started the day even earlier than usual and dropped Bucky off for his snip snip procedure. The rest of the day was spent running from place to place to check out venues for the pending nuptials. Trust me, venue hunting is not fun.
Anyways, this meant we had flexibility throughout the day, leading up to our lesson in the evening. Bucky was picked up in the mid afternoon and we stayed with him until he settled in at home and seemed okay. Then, we headed out at the time I would, if I was going from my place and the traffic was really really good.
We arrived and I started the lesson riding Indy but ended up with Nifty by the end of the evening. Good ol' Aspen was having some fits of his summer asthma so had the weekend off--the horse with hay fever! hahaha. We were working on the usual transitions and some jumping of the Cavaletti. While Indy was his usual mischievous self, Nifty was being really unruly. He refused to move forward and even almost backed into Indy at one point! We weren't sure what was going on at first and Sheri was saying that it might be some of his tack because even though Nifty is known to have a bit of an attitude, he's never unruly without reason.
ADW and I switched it up and I took Nifty and things got a teeny bit better and he wasn't refusing to move forward anymore. But, he wasn't really listening to my aids and was shaking his head and chomping on the bit a lot. Sheri decided to remove the martingale and the half pad to see if that got a bit better--a little bit. But, he was still getting into canter and speeding around without me asking him to.
One of the parents mentioned that he was chomping at the bit more than usual and so Sheri checked his mouth to see if there was something bothering him in there. It appears that there might have been some sharpness in his mouth and because of the way horses' teeth wear, they can leave hooks or sharp edges that rub into their mouths. Unfortunately for me, Nifty's super sensitive to a lot and doesn't even like being brushed so, it isn't surprising that if it is his teeth that's bothering him, he's going to be cranky about it.
I tried a few times to get into a good trot around the outside ring but it seems like he just would break out into a canter and deek about. With my lack of experience with Nifty and riding in general, I found it very difficult to stay seated properly and the constant pulling didn't help. In addition, Nifty has a super rocky canter which I have yet to master to ride without feeling like I'm launching out of the saddle. Since he wasn't being an unruly douche for the fun of it, I figured it'd be best to take it easy. We just walked a few times around the ring and called it a night.
Overall, the lesson was very frustrating for me (and I'm sure Nifty was not happier) and one of the more disappointing ones. I was frustrated with not being able to canter around and do the jumps because on Aspen, everything just comes together. However, in order to master the ability to ride any mount, I"ll need to do just that; and get on any horse and ride through whatever it is that isn't working.
Anyways, this meant we had flexibility throughout the day, leading up to our lesson in the evening. Bucky was picked up in the mid afternoon and we stayed with him until he settled in at home and seemed okay. Then, we headed out at the time I would, if I was going from my place and the traffic was really really good.
We arrived and I started the lesson riding Indy but ended up with Nifty by the end of the evening. Good ol' Aspen was having some fits of his summer asthma so had the weekend off--the horse with hay fever! hahaha. We were working on the usual transitions and some jumping of the Cavaletti. While Indy was his usual mischievous self, Nifty was being really unruly. He refused to move forward and even almost backed into Indy at one point! We weren't sure what was going on at first and Sheri was saying that it might be some of his tack because even though Nifty is known to have a bit of an attitude, he's never unruly without reason.
ADW and I switched it up and I took Nifty and things got a teeny bit better and he wasn't refusing to move forward anymore. But, he wasn't really listening to my aids and was shaking his head and chomping on the bit a lot. Sheri decided to remove the martingale and the half pad to see if that got a bit better--a little bit. But, he was still getting into canter and speeding around without me asking him to.
One of the parents mentioned that he was chomping at the bit more than usual and so Sheri checked his mouth to see if there was something bothering him in there. It appears that there might have been some sharpness in his mouth and because of the way horses' teeth wear, they can leave hooks or sharp edges that rub into their mouths. Unfortunately for me, Nifty's super sensitive to a lot and doesn't even like being brushed so, it isn't surprising that if it is his teeth that's bothering him, he's going to be cranky about it.
I tried a few times to get into a good trot around the outside ring but it seems like he just would break out into a canter and deek about. With my lack of experience with Nifty and riding in general, I found it very difficult to stay seated properly and the constant pulling didn't help. In addition, Nifty has a super rocky canter which I have yet to master to ride without feeling like I'm launching out of the saddle. Since he wasn't being an unruly douche for the fun of it, I figured it'd be best to take it easy. We just walked a few times around the ring and called it a night.
Overall, the lesson was very frustrating for me (and I'm sure Nifty was not happier) and one of the more disappointing ones. I was frustrated with not being able to canter around and do the jumps because on Aspen, everything just comes together. However, in order to master the ability to ride any mount, I"ll need to do just that; and get on any horse and ride through whatever it is that isn't working.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Lesson #29: Big Personalities
We rode outdoors again, on Friday. I'm sure I'm not the only one to say that the best riding is outdoors. The drive up was also pretty relaxed and not particularly stressful. Upon arrival, we get ready to tack up. Our lessons horses assigned are Aspen for me and Indy for ADW. I am always excited to ride Aspen because in my head, I'm riding a unicorn. A kooky wild unicorn who clearly has a mind of his own.
ADW and I both adore Aspen and I know he enjoys riding Aspen because he's a joker with ADW and pulls all sorts of ridiculous practical jokes on him--like taking him to the corner without reason. Or the times he stops and insists he has to pee but nothing happens for a good minute or two.
When we get to the ring, Sheri asks me to trade with ADW as she wants us to do some canter today and Indy's canter is not as smooth going as Aspen. Last time I cantered on Aspen I wasn't even too sure I was cantering because it was so smooth! Anyways, so we trade and I climb on Indy.
Of course, I get the kooky horse who's been a bit strange lately and he spooks because of an unknown pony running by. Seriously?? Anyways... it doesn't matter because having a 'difficult' horse only helps a rider develop the skills to deal with a more extreme horse. Learning to "speak animal" is a feat in itself. People who keep animals (this is more common in the city, I find) are generally idiots who have no idea what they're doing and blame bad behaviour on the animal when in fact animals generally act out of instinct or based on training by humans. No matter. This lesson I focus on proper posture as the posture seems to help with appropriate balance and riding, as a result. I remind myself to sit up straight, look up and forward, weight in heels, heels relaxed yet firm to keep them from collapsing, chest open, elbows at my sides and hands closed with thumbs on top. A lot to think about! But, when all that comes together, everything actually does come together while you're moving!
We work on trot to get warmed up and during seated trot, I keep my gaze up and forward while keeping my hips loose enough to absorb the movement. It's still uncomfortable--I loathe doing the seated trot when asked. However, we quickly move into canter and I have the opportunity to take Indy in a nice canter around the ring. But, we know this boy loves to move and his canter always gets faster than an inexperienced rider is able to handle so I often find myself transitioning back down so I can gain control of him. This proves to be a feat I'm able to handle this lesson. Hurrah!
Our last section of the lesson is focused on a short "X" jump with 2-point position during trot. It's a pretty good final exercise as we each move nicely over the jump without any real issues. I hope to continue to improve my balance so that I can ride any canter for an extended period of time without losing my balance and needing to recollect. Continuing to focus on improving balance through retained correct posture.
ADW and I both adore Aspen and I know he enjoys riding Aspen because he's a joker with ADW and pulls all sorts of ridiculous practical jokes on him--like taking him to the corner without reason. Or the times he stops and insists he has to pee but nothing happens for a good minute or two.
When we get to the ring, Sheri asks me to trade with ADW as she wants us to do some canter today and Indy's canter is not as smooth going as Aspen. Last time I cantered on Aspen I wasn't even too sure I was cantering because it was so smooth! Anyways, so we trade and I climb on Indy.
Of course, I get the kooky horse who's been a bit strange lately and he spooks because of an unknown pony running by. Seriously?? Anyways... it doesn't matter because having a 'difficult' horse only helps a rider develop the skills to deal with a more extreme horse. Learning to "speak animal" is a feat in itself. People who keep animals (this is more common in the city, I find) are generally idiots who have no idea what they're doing and blame bad behaviour on the animal when in fact animals generally act out of instinct or based on training by humans. No matter. This lesson I focus on proper posture as the posture seems to help with appropriate balance and riding, as a result. I remind myself to sit up straight, look up and forward, weight in heels, heels relaxed yet firm to keep them from collapsing, chest open, elbows at my sides and hands closed with thumbs on top. A lot to think about! But, when all that comes together, everything actually does come together while you're moving!
We work on trot to get warmed up and during seated trot, I keep my gaze up and forward while keeping my hips loose enough to absorb the movement. It's still uncomfortable--I loathe doing the seated trot when asked. However, we quickly move into canter and I have the opportunity to take Indy in a nice canter around the ring. But, we know this boy loves to move and his canter always gets faster than an inexperienced rider is able to handle so I often find myself transitioning back down so I can gain control of him. This proves to be a feat I'm able to handle this lesson. Hurrah!
Our last section of the lesson is focused on a short "X" jump with 2-point position during trot. It's a pretty good final exercise as we each move nicely over the jump without any real issues. I hope to continue to improve my balance so that I can ride any canter for an extended period of time without losing my balance and needing to recollect. Continuing to focus on improving balance through retained correct posture.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Lesson #28: Mind of His Own
Last Friday, we had the opportunity to ride outside: I love riding outdoors.
I got reunited with my unicorn and with the seasons having changed, he is now raining white fur on everything. My jacket is covered in fur and so is ADW's car (Sharkie). Grooming him is also a big chore since he's shedding so much that the curry comb is clogged with fur so I'm constantly stopping to clear it up. While I have Aspen, ADW is assigned Indy! We head out to the outdoor ring and get ready to get our guiddyup on.
I work with Aspen to be sure I'm not balancing on his face and that my posture is upright, open and straight. I usually catch myself slouching which seems to place my upper body precariously close to the horse's fore body. This tends to be problematic when the horse pulls forward or otherwise and I have nowhere else to go with my hands but forward and I often am pulled forward. I realize that when Sheri is telling me to keep my elbows at my side, that I should have my chest open and my shoulders back. Unfortunately for me, my day job is essentially a desk jockey and this lends to my poor forward leaning posture. However, once I start reminding myself of this, I notice that things feel better and I feel like I have more control of what's happening.
Now, that's me but what about Aspen? He's in a little bit of a mood today and he wants to run a smaller circle around the ring and at the start of the lesson, I spend a good portion of it trying to get him to move outwards. He's also in a following mood and when Buddy tries to canter, Aspens does too! So I end up spending a lot of time readjusting him to do what I want.
We work on a lot of trot--both seated and posting and some directional changes. Nothing way out of the ordinary and all good to continue to improve our balance and feelings with the various gaits. We transition into canter from seated trot and Aspen takes off in a wonderfully smooth canter. So smooth, I wasn't sure if he was in fact in canter! What a wonderful feeling it is, to be able to ride a canter several times around the ring with good control. To go at that speed is exhilarating!
ADW and I switch things up because Indy's doing his twisty gaits where he's leading with his inside shoulder and it's really strange for a newbie rider b/c you don't quite know what to do because it's distracting! Anyways, he's being a bit of a suck today and doesn't want to canter no matter how many times I try to initiate.
After untacking and grooming, we take the boys to paddock 7 to have a nice long weekend break. Paddock 7 is a huge paddock with lush grass, a pond and space to gallop and frolick. Aspen is dragging ADW to the gate and as soon as I let Indy go, they gallop right down the hill and off into the distance! Sheesh, I spend all lesson trying to get Indy to canter and he takes off in a gallop, when he's done lessons! *sigh* This just further iterates that you really can't force animals to do something they don't feel like doing...
I got reunited with my unicorn and with the seasons having changed, he is now raining white fur on everything. My jacket is covered in fur and so is ADW's car (Sharkie). Grooming him is also a big chore since he's shedding so much that the curry comb is clogged with fur so I'm constantly stopping to clear it up. While I have Aspen, ADW is assigned Indy! We head out to the outdoor ring and get ready to get our guiddyup on.
I work with Aspen to be sure I'm not balancing on his face and that my posture is upright, open and straight. I usually catch myself slouching which seems to place my upper body precariously close to the horse's fore body. This tends to be problematic when the horse pulls forward or otherwise and I have nowhere else to go with my hands but forward and I often am pulled forward. I realize that when Sheri is telling me to keep my elbows at my side, that I should have my chest open and my shoulders back. Unfortunately for me, my day job is essentially a desk jockey and this lends to my poor forward leaning posture. However, once I start reminding myself of this, I notice that things feel better and I feel like I have more control of what's happening.
Now, that's me but what about Aspen? He's in a little bit of a mood today and he wants to run a smaller circle around the ring and at the start of the lesson, I spend a good portion of it trying to get him to move outwards. He's also in a following mood and when Buddy tries to canter, Aspens does too! So I end up spending a lot of time readjusting him to do what I want.
We work on a lot of trot--both seated and posting and some directional changes. Nothing way out of the ordinary and all good to continue to improve our balance and feelings with the various gaits. We transition into canter from seated trot and Aspen takes off in a wonderfully smooth canter. So smooth, I wasn't sure if he was in fact in canter! What a wonderful feeling it is, to be able to ride a canter several times around the ring with good control. To go at that speed is exhilarating!
ADW and I switch things up because Indy's doing his twisty gaits where he's leading with his inside shoulder and it's really strange for a newbie rider b/c you don't quite know what to do because it's distracting! Anyways, he's being a bit of a suck today and doesn't want to canter no matter how many times I try to initiate.
After untacking and grooming, we take the boys to paddock 7 to have a nice long weekend break. Paddock 7 is a huge paddock with lush grass, a pond and space to gallop and frolick. Aspen is dragging ADW to the gate and as soon as I let Indy go, they gallop right down the hill and off into the distance! Sheesh, I spend all lesson trying to get Indy to canter and he takes off in a gallop, when he's done lessons! *sigh* This just further iterates that you really can't force animals to do something they don't feel like doing...
Monday, March 18, 2013
Lesson #21: Crazy Town
Friday March 15, 2013
Today's main focus was to get the canter down some more. I started the class riding Indy and found that he was a bit of a lazy bones! Which is a rare occurance because he's usually raring to go. Apparently they had a special dressage clinic the day before and so it was likely he just wasn't feeling it. For the first time, I thought that this boy was being pretty lazy!
Even getting him into a canter was trying as he is usually particularly forgiving for a beginner rider like me. Instead, I spend a good deal of time trying to figure out why my canter aids aren't working. It was really frustrating because it didn't seem to matter what I did because he just sort of trot a little faster and then let me struggle up there! Sheesh.
A few times I felt Indy launch himself into a canter but nothing quite took. I was pretty tired after several go's. So, I thought to change things up and switch with ADW and get on Aspen again. After all, I didn't have too much trouble with Aspen before. He seemed to listen to me when I told him what I wanted of him.
While we were practicing our canters, the other girls from the class before were in the process of breaking down the jumps in the centre and moving then aside. I suspect they were getting ready for a jumper clinic or something. I mounted Aspen and he got right back into his old tricks and lowered his head as he was walking and when the other horses got going, so did he! The worst thing was that I didn't prompt any of his actions and he did just as he tends to do: follow. Buddy picked up the trot, Aspen picked up the trot. Buddy started cantering and Aspen took-off, cantering! Every time way before I was ready and he was cutting corners and just ignoring my rein aids! I thought that Indy was a chore... Aspen was clearly giving me a little perspective!
I spend the remainder of the class being dragged around by Aspen doing whatever it was that he felt like doing. I'm pretty sure that Jason had to laugh seeing me go in circles with Aspen.. while Aspen was the lead. I really have to be tougher with this kiddo next time I ride him. No more nice guy! I mean who knows what might happen if I was less aware of what was going on!
Today's main focus was to get the canter down some more. I started the class riding Indy and found that he was a bit of a lazy bones! Which is a rare occurance because he's usually raring to go. Apparently they had a special dressage clinic the day before and so it was likely he just wasn't feeling it. For the first time, I thought that this boy was being pretty lazy!
Even getting him into a canter was trying as he is usually particularly forgiving for a beginner rider like me. Instead, I spend a good deal of time trying to figure out why my canter aids aren't working. It was really frustrating because it didn't seem to matter what I did because he just sort of trot a little faster and then let me struggle up there! Sheesh.
A few times I felt Indy launch himself into a canter but nothing quite took. I was pretty tired after several go's. So, I thought to change things up and switch with ADW and get on Aspen again. After all, I didn't have too much trouble with Aspen before. He seemed to listen to me when I told him what I wanted of him.
While we were practicing our canters, the other girls from the class before were in the process of breaking down the jumps in the centre and moving then aside. I suspect they were getting ready for a jumper clinic or something. I mounted Aspen and he got right back into his old tricks and lowered his head as he was walking and when the other horses got going, so did he! The worst thing was that I didn't prompt any of his actions and he did just as he tends to do: follow. Buddy picked up the trot, Aspen picked up the trot. Buddy started cantering and Aspen took-off, cantering! Every time way before I was ready and he was cutting corners and just ignoring my rein aids! I thought that Indy was a chore... Aspen was clearly giving me a little perspective!
I spend the remainder of the class being dragged around by Aspen doing whatever it was that he felt like doing. I'm pretty sure that Jason had to laugh seeing me go in circles with Aspen.. while Aspen was the lead. I really have to be tougher with this kiddo next time I ride him. No more nice guy! I mean who knows what might happen if I was less aware of what was going on!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Lesson #20: Let's Get Technical, Technical!
Friday March 8, 2013
We've spent the majority of our past lessons where we learn the basic aids and then get a feel for what it feels like, to ride. And, it's been some of the most satisfying times because of the fact that you don't have to worry about the little bits here and there. It's like what Sheri tells us about just getting a feel for what it's like, "to ride". While it's important, for our old adult bodies that don't bend the ways that kids' bodies do, to get a real feel for things, it's equally important to refine one's technique. So, Sheri went into detail about understanding a horse's stride while you're riding at the various gaits. We focused on recognizing when each leg moved during the trot. Posting diagonals were the starting point and then we were asked to determine which foot was falling as we were either sitting or rising.
The trot is a 2 beat gait where diagonal pairs of feet fall simultaneously and when you're doing the proper diagonal, you'll be able to easily gauge which hoof is falling. Sheri tests us on when the hind foot is falling and it's a fair bit trickier than I thought! My diagonals were all over the map and it made for difficulty to determine the hind foot falling. I'll need to work on that. Next time silently say to myself which foot is falling as I'm doing something.
We also learn the "half halt". We use it to slow a horse down and get him to collect his gait so that the energy is directed to the hind more. In essence, the gaits get shorter. This aids we're employing are difficult! While post trotting, the rider is meant to squeeze the inside leg while squeezing the outside rein. Let me tell you, this has got to be impossible! Sheri further explains the purpose of each rein in these instances and it's not what we originally thought... I do not remember having done it successfully even once during the evening. Check, something else to work on.
Finally, something that I've been picking up a little more quickly: the canter. I've managed to initiate the canter with Indy and fly through the arena but I also recognize that this boy is easier to get together to do this sort of thing. Riding the canter is not the issue... it's the transitions that are killing me. I'm sure I look like a sack of potatoes those moments where I'm trying to transition up or down. Going up has been challenging because I tend to lean forward and I'm sure my hands are totally out of whack. But, the decreasing the transition has been even worse! Legs flying out of stirrups, hands jossling and the uncertain seat. Getting collected coming out of a canter is the next thing I will focus on too.
All in all, a perfectly technical lesson that I soaked up like a sponge.
We've spent the majority of our past lessons where we learn the basic aids and then get a feel for what it feels like, to ride. And, it's been some of the most satisfying times because of the fact that you don't have to worry about the little bits here and there. It's like what Sheri tells us about just getting a feel for what it's like, "to ride". While it's important, for our old adult bodies that don't bend the ways that kids' bodies do, to get a real feel for things, it's equally important to refine one's technique. So, Sheri went into detail about understanding a horse's stride while you're riding at the various gaits. We focused on recognizing when each leg moved during the trot. Posting diagonals were the starting point and then we were asked to determine which foot was falling as we were either sitting or rising.
The trot is a 2 beat gait where diagonal pairs of feet fall simultaneously and when you're doing the proper diagonal, you'll be able to easily gauge which hoof is falling. Sheri tests us on when the hind foot is falling and it's a fair bit trickier than I thought! My diagonals were all over the map and it made for difficulty to determine the hind foot falling. I'll need to work on that. Next time silently say to myself which foot is falling as I'm doing something.
We also learn the "half halt". We use it to slow a horse down and get him to collect his gait so that the energy is directed to the hind more. In essence, the gaits get shorter. This aids we're employing are difficult! While post trotting, the rider is meant to squeeze the inside leg while squeezing the outside rein. Let me tell you, this has got to be impossible! Sheri further explains the purpose of each rein in these instances and it's not what we originally thought... I do not remember having done it successfully even once during the evening. Check, something else to work on.
Finally, something that I've been picking up a little more quickly: the canter. I've managed to initiate the canter with Indy and fly through the arena but I also recognize that this boy is easier to get together to do this sort of thing. Riding the canter is not the issue... it's the transitions that are killing me. I'm sure I look like a sack of potatoes those moments where I'm trying to transition up or down. Going up has been challenging because I tend to lean forward and I'm sure my hands are totally out of whack. But, the decreasing the transition has been even worse! Legs flying out of stirrups, hands jossling and the uncertain seat. Getting collected coming out of a canter is the next thing I will focus on too.
All in all, a perfectly technical lesson that I soaked up like a sponge.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Lesson #19: Expanding Our Horse Communication Repretoire
Although my week was on the tense side, Friday night was completely and utterly relaxing. Not for one second did I worry about the traffic or weather. I was easy, breezy and beautiful like a regular CoverGirl. ADW got off work early and excitedly left me a voice-mail telling me he was going specifically to purchase apples, carrots and tuna. Apples and carrots for our equine friends and tuna for the barn cat who regularly temps ADW to take him home.
On the drive up, ADW tells me, with excitement in his voice and face, that Indy and Aspen are lucky tonight because Honeycrisp apples were half off, so he got two! The giant grin I was looking at was typical of ADW and his love of tasty fruit and value deals.
Indy isn't tacked up so I worked on getting him put together but he was A LOT of trouble! Bridling him was tricky and he was just not respecting me. He wasn't rude or a naughty boy but he certainly was making me work for things tonight. It's quite possible that his behaviour was retaliation; for me not noticing the sore spot on his back when I was grooming and going at things harder than I should have. I guess we were even.
Just skipping ahead for a minute, Indy eats the apple much like you or I would: in bites! There I was, holding his apple for him as he was taking one bite after the other and juice was leaking all over my hands.
We initiate the lesson with the usual posting trot to warm up. Sheri started the class with going over posting diagonals for ADW who had not been taught them before... with Indy and myself as the example. And, just as Murphy's Law would have it, Indy and I get simultaneous stage fright and we both sort of muck up our mini performance. Re-composing ourselves and getting back together, we manage to achieve the proper posting trot diagonal and the related change up.
Sheri continues her lecture about horse behaviour and reading our horses before getting out into the ring as our equine friends each have their own brain and therefore we need to work on proper communication and assessment of the moods. Afterall, horses read us, their riders, all the time. When we're tense, they in turn, become tense. She continues to go through some other behavioural things like applying the assessment we make: to our environment and our ride so that we ride safely and smartly.
She continues the lesson with technical breakdown of the posting and seated trot. She breaks things down for us about how different actions of our bodies (however slight) communicate to our mounts, what we want to do. While the untrained audience might not notice what's happening, a rider has many tools available to them in order to communicate with their horse, which are not verbal. For example, if you bring your elbows to your side, sit in your "seat" and tighten thigh grip, your horse immediately slows down, in response to this statement. While humans have an extensive verbal and speech vocabulary (even different languages!) to communicate, horses use mostly non-verbal cues--however slight. Because if he gets noisy, you're probably in trouble. As flight creatures, I expect this since noise in the wild could surrender their location to predators.
We move towards the canter next. Sheri tells us to evaluate our situation before actually cantering: are the horses busy, comfortable and relaxed with what's going on? Check. We usually initiate canter from corners as it gives them the opportunity to "push off" with the correct lead leg (I'm still trying to get clarity about what this exactly means...). At first, Indy is getting into the fast pony trot that scares the begesus out of me so that means I'm leaning forward, looking down and tensing up. I'm likely also not getting the leg aids quite right. Talk about sloppy! LOL. Oh well. I work repeatedly on the canter initiation and suddenly, it comes together and my hands are (woohoo!!) not holding onto the saddle for sweet life! HURRAH!!! Success at last. And for tonight, this is good enough for me.
The lesson is finished with a ride on bareback to cool-off. What a wonderful lesson. It's like what Sheri said the other day, sometimes you accomplish loads, other days you're just lucky to have stayed on the horse.
On the drive up, ADW tells me, with excitement in his voice and face, that Indy and Aspen are lucky tonight because Honeycrisp apples were half off, so he got two! The giant grin I was looking at was typical of ADW and his love of tasty fruit and value deals.
Indy isn't tacked up so I worked on getting him put together but he was A LOT of trouble! Bridling him was tricky and he was just not respecting me. He wasn't rude or a naughty boy but he certainly was making me work for things tonight. It's quite possible that his behaviour was retaliation; for me not noticing the sore spot on his back when I was grooming and going at things harder than I should have. I guess we were even.
Just skipping ahead for a minute, Indy eats the apple much like you or I would: in bites! There I was, holding his apple for him as he was taking one bite after the other and juice was leaking all over my hands.
We initiate the lesson with the usual posting trot to warm up. Sheri started the class with going over posting diagonals for ADW who had not been taught them before... with Indy and myself as the example. And, just as Murphy's Law would have it, Indy and I get simultaneous stage fright and we both sort of muck up our mini performance. Re-composing ourselves and getting back together, we manage to achieve the proper posting trot diagonal and the related change up.
Sheri continues her lecture about horse behaviour and reading our horses before getting out into the ring as our equine friends each have their own brain and therefore we need to work on proper communication and assessment of the moods. Afterall, horses read us, their riders, all the time. When we're tense, they in turn, become tense. She continues to go through some other behavioural things like applying the assessment we make: to our environment and our ride so that we ride safely and smartly.
She continues the lesson with technical breakdown of the posting and seated trot. She breaks things down for us about how different actions of our bodies (however slight) communicate to our mounts, what we want to do. While the untrained audience might not notice what's happening, a rider has many tools available to them in order to communicate with their horse, which are not verbal. For example, if you bring your elbows to your side, sit in your "seat" and tighten thigh grip, your horse immediately slows down, in response to this statement. While humans have an extensive verbal and speech vocabulary (even different languages!) to communicate, horses use mostly non-verbal cues--however slight. Because if he gets noisy, you're probably in trouble. As flight creatures, I expect this since noise in the wild could surrender their location to predators.
We move towards the canter next. Sheri tells us to evaluate our situation before actually cantering: are the horses busy, comfortable and relaxed with what's going on? Check. We usually initiate canter from corners as it gives them the opportunity to "push off" with the correct lead leg (I'm still trying to get clarity about what this exactly means...). At first, Indy is getting into the fast pony trot that scares the begesus out of me so that means I'm leaning forward, looking down and tensing up. I'm likely also not getting the leg aids quite right. Talk about sloppy! LOL. Oh well. I work repeatedly on the canter initiation and suddenly, it comes together and my hands are (woohoo!!) not holding onto the saddle for sweet life! HURRAH!!! Success at last. And for tonight, this is good enough for me.
The lesson is finished with a ride on bareback to cool-off. What a wonderful lesson. It's like what Sheri said the other day, sometimes you accomplish loads, other days you're just lucky to have stayed on the horse.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Lesson #18: Will the Weather Ever Make-up Its Mind?
Tonight was a make up lesson from 2 weeks ago when we had snowmaggedon. But, as luck would have it, we expected another snow storm for this season. As if it didn't snow enough for Christmas, now it's making-up for it all. *sigh*
I got out there a-ok since the weather was just starting to get treacherous. I arrived late and Jessica, the stable-girl tonight, helped me tack-up Indy. I got another private tonight since the Tuesday bunch decided to cancel. That's ok, shortened lesson but the opportunity to focus on some of the things that I've been having trouble with--namely, the canter.
In addition to the usual active physical learning, Sheri took this opportunity to teach me about horse behaviour and listening to your horse "talk". I mount Indy and Sheri asks me, "what do you think about Indy's mood today?" The only thing I notice about Indy is his general reluctance to be in the ring. There wasn't one specific action or gesture that tipped me off otherwise but I noticed that he was not at ease. Sheri tells me to listen and look: there is a lot of wind blowing around outside and Indy's ears are roving around, listening towards the sounds around him.
Sheri says that for a horse that is attentive like this, I need to keep him busy and focused on anything but everything else. He's what Pat and Linday Parelli consider one of the right brain personalities (thanks Present Tense!) tonight. I didn't think he was particularly one, over the other but in general, right brained--this confirmed which personality Indy generally is labelled, too. Sheri was stressing that thinking ahead of what's happening around you; in combination with what a rider knows about both instinctive horse behaviour plus the individual horsey characteristics; is what will help you be safe and communicate effectively with your equine friend. It's something that takes time, and patience. In a day and age where everything was demanded yesterday, this exercise has some meditative qualities to it.
I got out there a-ok since the weather was just starting to get treacherous. I arrived late and Jessica, the stable-girl tonight, helped me tack-up Indy. I got another private tonight since the Tuesday bunch decided to cancel. That's ok, shortened lesson but the opportunity to focus on some of the things that I've been having trouble with--namely, the canter.
In addition to the usual active physical learning, Sheri took this opportunity to teach me about horse behaviour and listening to your horse "talk". I mount Indy and Sheri asks me, "what do you think about Indy's mood today?" The only thing I notice about Indy is his general reluctance to be in the ring. There wasn't one specific action or gesture that tipped me off otherwise but I noticed that he was not at ease. Sheri tells me to listen and look: there is a lot of wind blowing around outside and Indy's ears are roving around, listening towards the sounds around him.
Sheri says that for a horse that is attentive like this, I need to keep him busy and focused on anything but everything else. He's what Pat and Linday Parelli consider one of the right brain personalities (thanks Present Tense!) tonight. I didn't think he was particularly one, over the other but in general, right brained--this confirmed which personality Indy generally is labelled, too. Sheri was stressing that thinking ahead of what's happening around you; in combination with what a rider knows about both instinctive horse behaviour plus the individual horsey characteristics; is what will help you be safe and communicate effectively with your equine friend. It's something that takes time, and patience. In a day and age where everything was demanded yesterday, this exercise has some meditative qualities to it.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Lesson #17: Energizer Bunny
February 15, 2013
Finally, we make it out to Greyden for a lesson. I can't complain much though... the weather hasn't been that unreasonable this winter. There was a major accident on the 401 and some blockage on the QEW so we took a different approach and enjoyed the change of scenery.
Tonight I'm riding Indy and ADW is on Aspen. I didn't have to tack up today so I spent the time helping ADW with Aspen and got a good review and challenge: Aspen wasn't easy with getting the bridle on tonight! He raised his head high and refused to open his mouth. I should have taken this as a sign that he'd be livelier today.
When we got to the arena, Jason handed me Indy. J said that Indy's being his saucy self today so that I would need to watch him more. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I've only ridden him once before and he was a wonderful experience: agreeable, enthusiastic and sweet. Today, I spent most of the lesson trying to keep him in order. He was more eager than I had anticipated and tried to get into the canter in a few corners.
We continued to work on the rising trot a balance exercise where we'd raise up 2 beats and down 1, which proved to be far more difficult than I had anticipated. I ended up giggling everytime I tried to do the 1 down because it became a double bounce no matter how hard I tried. But, I can feel the balance coming together much better than it has been in the past.
The last section of the class was getting 3 of 4 of us into short canters to get used to the motion. Indy was clearly much happier once he was allowed to get going. So much so that I had difficulty trying to slow him down. It's like what NR said about Indy... that a rider needs to spend more time slowing him down than needing to speed him up. He's clearly the opposite of the other schoolies that we've ridden in that he is all go and no stop!
Finally, we make it out to Greyden for a lesson. I can't complain much though... the weather hasn't been that unreasonable this winter. There was a major accident on the 401 and some blockage on the QEW so we took a different approach and enjoyed the change of scenery.
Tonight I'm riding Indy and ADW is on Aspen. I didn't have to tack up today so I spent the time helping ADW with Aspen and got a good review and challenge: Aspen wasn't easy with getting the bridle on tonight! He raised his head high and refused to open his mouth. I should have taken this as a sign that he'd be livelier today.
When we got to the arena, Jason handed me Indy. J said that Indy's being his saucy self today so that I would need to watch him more. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I've only ridden him once before and he was a wonderful experience: agreeable, enthusiastic and sweet. Today, I spent most of the lesson trying to keep him in order. He was more eager than I had anticipated and tried to get into the canter in a few corners.
We continued to work on the rising trot a balance exercise where we'd raise up 2 beats and down 1, which proved to be far more difficult than I had anticipated. I ended up giggling everytime I tried to do the 1 down because it became a double bounce no matter how hard I tried. But, I can feel the balance coming together much better than it has been in the past.
The last section of the class was getting 3 of 4 of us into short canters to get used to the motion. Indy was clearly much happier once he was allowed to get going. So much so that I had difficulty trying to slow him down. It's like what NR said about Indy... that a rider needs to spend more time slowing him down than needing to speed him up. He's clearly the opposite of the other schoolies that we've ridden in that he is all go and no stop!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Lesson #5: Not for Nothing
I arrived with good time and checked the board to see who I was riding tonight: I thought it was Rock, but things changed and I had Indy! Let me tell you, how excited was I? I wanted to ride Indy for a few weeks now. He is a silver thoroughbred x warmblood. And he's just awesome! Why? Because a horse with a full name of "Indiana Jones" can't possibly be un-awesome to ride.
I also changed lesson day--going from Thursday night to Wednesday evening. This meant I had a different instructor tonight: Sheri. She's more technical and more specific. For example, she was mentioning to me that my hands needed to be lower, about a foot apart and not jossling the horses mouth back and forth. I never paid attention to these items previously.
The class was not particularly exciting but I was really hoping that it wouldn't have been a big class because there's just too much going on for any instructor to really make an impact and pay attention to each and every student. I hope that the class size diminishes for next week or I'm going to move back.
We continued to work on our post trots and posting diagonals. I'm starting to find that posting on the correct diagonal is much more comfortable. I don't know how to explain it but there's just this rhythm that flows when you're doing it right. Not that you couldn't on the other diagonal, but it's just that little "bit" that makes it more comfortable. I still need much more practice though.
Over the weekend, I visited Glenwood and tonight, I measured the time it would take to get to Glenwood vs Greyden. Why am I thinking about this...? I'm finding the drive to Greyden to be taking way too long to be considered reasonable. I like the school and I enjoy the horses whom I've ridden so I am hesitant to leave but, I could potentially save upwards of 1 hour driving (and gasoline!) if I went to Glenwood. I'm not certain what I'm going to do but I am certain that it's something I need to really start thinking about.
The class had just enough work since I was finding myself getting lazy with the posting and inserting double bounces where I shouldn't. The one "ding!" moment I had today was realizing that my inner legs help me pivot through my hips for posting diagonals. This also explains why my breeches have the inside knee patches! Hurrah! mystery solved.
I also changed lesson day--going from Thursday night to Wednesday evening. This meant I had a different instructor tonight: Sheri. She's more technical and more specific. For example, she was mentioning to me that my hands needed to be lower, about a foot apart and not jossling the horses mouth back and forth. I never paid attention to these items previously.
The class was not particularly exciting but I was really hoping that it wouldn't have been a big class because there's just too much going on for any instructor to really make an impact and pay attention to each and every student. I hope that the class size diminishes for next week or I'm going to move back.
We continued to work on our post trots and posting diagonals. I'm starting to find that posting on the correct diagonal is much more comfortable. I don't know how to explain it but there's just this rhythm that flows when you're doing it right. Not that you couldn't on the other diagonal, but it's just that little "bit" that makes it more comfortable. I still need much more practice though.
Over the weekend, I visited Glenwood and tonight, I measured the time it would take to get to Glenwood vs Greyden. Why am I thinking about this...? I'm finding the drive to Greyden to be taking way too long to be considered reasonable. I like the school and I enjoy the horses whom I've ridden so I am hesitant to leave but, I could potentially save upwards of 1 hour driving (and gasoline!) if I went to Glenwood. I'm not certain what I'm going to do but I am certain that it's something I need to really start thinking about.
The class had just enough work since I was finding myself getting lazy with the posting and inserting double bounces where I shouldn't. The one "ding!" moment I had today was realizing that my inner legs help me pivot through my hips for posting diagonals. This also explains why my breeches have the inside knee patches! Hurrah! mystery solved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)