A very happy lesson report for today :D *videos and pics*

T

Thelwell_Girl

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Evening everyone! As I nurse my sore back and giant knee-bruise, I shall tell you the tale of a wonderful lesson...

Yard was fairly quiet today. Just me and another helper (Horsehead on here!) so occasional bouts of running about like a mad thing, and other than that, so much sweeping... :rolleyes:

Got Pally ready, gave her a kiss, and off we went to the outdoor school. I always take ages getting on (I want that girth secure, ta very much!) so of course, there had to be a video...

[youtube]qm64CvIExho[/youtube]

Well, what a lesson!

Pally is so responsive, a really lovely, genuine horse who is a joy to ride! She was eager to get going, so we started walking round. Eased her into a nice steady trot and got into the rhythm.

Ach, what is wring with my feet! My stirrups kept on going back towards my heels, rather than staying on the balls of my feet. Any tips on how to help stop this? (Prob didnt help that Im trying to get used to riding with longer stirrups. If I had a choice I'd probably end up with jumping-length every time :o)

After some more warming up, we started our canter work. While at first P was fairly steady, as we went on through the lesson, it got faster and faster :eek: We really worked on getting my shoulders back properly (Why am I slouching?!) and sitting deep into the canter, therefore steadying Pally up.

Also worked on having a nice bend through my elbows, and not fiddling with my hands.

It was nearing the end of the lesson, so after a break, we had one last canter. It was the best yet! Really nice, steady and controlled, which was a welcome change from her racehorse impression earlier... :rolleyes::D

Walked her back up to the yard, untacked and sponged her off. Bless her, shed even broken a little sweat!

All in all, a really good lesson :D I felt so much more confident by the end, and really learnt a lot!

What I do need to work on is:

  • My wandering feet in the stirrups!
  • Sitting deep in the saddle in canter
  • Try to get used to longer stirrups
  • Actually sitting up STRAIGHT! Not slouching, not wibbling my shoulder, but sitting up, shoulders back and smile :D

Anybody have some ideas for the above?
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And now... The pictures and video!

First, another instructor riding the lovely Bianca...
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WEE! :D
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Not a bad pair, eh?
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Happy or what?!
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[youtube]Fu_Mb_NM2Jc[/youtube]
~
As always, thank you for reading (and CC welcome)! Have some Haagen-Daaz cookies and cream on me :D

TG xx
 
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You look fab!! I always have wandering feet :)
Just concentrate on dropping the weight through your heels rather than taking your weight through your knees - try thinking of your weight as liquid all running to your heels so your top half is weightless and rock steady and your heels are down taking all your weight.
Looks like you're doing really well, and you seem to be sat quite straight as it is! :) Maybe a little further to ward off any cheeky bucks ;)
You look ace though, I wish I could keep my upper body that steady in canter!!!!
K x
 
You don't look like you're slouching to me. I'm envious of your nice straight back! I reckon the answer to the wandering feet and the not sitting deep enough is because you're gripping with your knee. Or at least it looks that way to me from your piccies. Try and let your leg hang long and let your weight down through your heel and you should find it improves. Works for me anyway :)

She is a very pretty pony and you look great together!
 
HollyWoozle said:
^5! :D
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Picture 5? :D

monkeybum13 said:
OOH I love a pretty palomio, even if there is major boot slippage in the last photos :D:D
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Ach, I know :o

And isnt she gorgeous? Original name too, eh :D

KellysHeroes said:
You look fab!! I always have wandering feet :)
Just concentrate on dropping the weight through your heels rather than taking your weight through your knees - try thinking of your weight as liquid all running to your heels so your top half is weightless and rock steady and your heels are down taking all your weight.
Looks like you're doing really well, and you seem to be sat quite straight as it is! :) Maybe a little further to ward off any cheeky bucks ;)
You look ace though, I wish I could keep my upper body that steady in canter!!!!
K x
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Thanks K!

I was really trying to keep my upper body quiet, as she is dead bouncy!

jesstickle said:
You don't look like you're slouching to me. I'm envious of your nice straight back! I reckon the answer to the wandering feet and the not sitting deep enough is because you're gripping with your knee. Or at least it looks that way to me from your piccies. Try and let your leg hang long and let your weight down through your heel and you should find it improves. Works for me anyway :)

She is a very pretty pony and you look great together!
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Ah thank you :o

And thanks for the tips! Will try them out next lesson :) x
 
You look like your having a blast! Sounds like you know the things you need to work on with your position.

Hope you dont mind a bit of CC. Be careful you dont overgirth before you get on. I know the fear of the saddle slipping as you get on but horses tend to blow out when you girth up and they get uncomfortable if you do it up too tight therefore leading to saddling up problems. Especially those girths with elasticated ends. Maybe get someone to hold your other stirrup as you get on then tighten the girth after having a walk around.

And your right front brushing boot wasnt secure hehe.
 
JoJo_ said:
You look like your having a blast! Sounds like you know the things you need to work on with your position.

Hope you dont mind a bit of CC. Be careful you dont overgirth before you get on. I know the fear of the saddle slipping as you get on but horses tend to blow out when you girth up and they get uncomfortable if you do it up too tight therefore leading to saddling up problems. Especially those girths with elasticated ends. Maybe get someone to hold your other stirrup as you get on then tighten the girth after having a walk around.

And your right front brushing boot wasnt secure hehe.
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I did! :D

No, dont worry about it! How else will I learn?

I always get a leg up or find a mounting block, but thats a very good point, and next time I ride I'll make sure I do the girth up more gradually, and double check its allright 10 minutes in as usual.

Hehe, I know :o:D

HollyWoozle said:
I meant high five, hehe. Good work! I had a good lesson yesterday too and hope for another tomorrow, though nobody to take photos of mine! It's nice to see how you're progressing. x
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Itll be a low five in my case!! ;)

I just gave my camera to my instructor, she likes laughing at me :D

Heres to more fab lesson for both of us! xx
 
Oh TG - I adore that palomino - I have always wanted one!!

You say you are trying to ride with longer stirrups and I can see that you are struggling with your lower leg - but why are your stirrups that length? How much work have you done without stirrups? this is a sure way to secure that lower leg position :)

And has your instructor mentioned about shortening your reins? I just wonder as they got very long when you went for your downward transition.

I just wish my daughter was so enthusiastic - wish I could take you under my wing!!

Good luck Sweetie - you are doing so well :D
 
Ravenwood said:
Oh TG - I adore that palomino - I have always wanted one!!

Isnt she gorgeous?! :D

Ravenwood said:
You say you are trying to ride with longer stirrups and I can see that you are struggling with your lower leg - but why are your stirrups that length? How much work have you done without stirrups? this is a sure way to secure that lower leg position :)
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Instructor is trying to get me to ride longer, mostly because I much prefer riding at jumping length all the time! I actually wanted to do more work w/o stirrups, so asked for Albert (aka Fatty Boom Boom :D) as he isnt that bouncy, and has lots of squidge to absorb the movement, so to speak! I am going to try to do some stirrupless work every lesson now, though, on whatever horse I am on!

Ravenwood said:
And has your instructor mentioned about shortening your reins? I just wonder as they got very long when you went for your downward transition.
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She did mention, yes, I do need to keep on top of them! They kept on inching their way out, naughty things :rolleyes:

Ravenwood said:
I just wish my daughter was so enthusiastic - wish I could take you under my wing!!

Good luck Sweetie - you are doing so well :D
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Hehe, if you ever want a yard worker...;)

aro said:
Well done. Remember to try to keep your heels down. Lovely horse, I have a thing for palaminos!
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Thanks, and I will :)

So do I now!
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Good to read a positive lesson report :D

I know you want to ride longer, but maybe have them up a hole? If you're having to reach and the stirrups are going back along your foot...

With your reins, try using your thumbs to 'lock' the reins and keep them where they belong :D
 
Pally is so gourgeous (SP?) I love her front leg action bless!

As for keeping heels down, my instructor said if she ever got me putting my toes down she'd put a fluffy pink tutu on me as Iw ant to be a ballerina. I did not like the idea of this so it definatly worked for me, juts kepp thinking not a ballerina a horse rider! This technique seems to work better on boys though :p

As for slouching pretend your on puppet strings pulling you up, or just pretend to be snobby, you will immedietly sit up :)

Very well done though you look like your coming on loads :D
 
MrsMozart said:
Good to read a positive lesson report :D

I know you want to ride longer, but maybe have them up a hole? If you're having to reach and the stirrups are going back along your foot...

With your reins, try using your thumbs to 'lock' the reins and keep them where they belong :D
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I think Ill take the stirrups down gradually for now, I am only little after all!

Good idea :) xx

Kokopelli said:
Pally is so gourgeous (SP?) I love her front leg action bless!

As for keeping heels down, my instructor said if she ever got me putting my toes down she'd put a fluffy pink tutu on me as Iw ant to be a ballerina. I did not like the idea of this so it definatly worked for me, juts kepp thinking not a ballerina a horse rider! This technique seems to work better on boys though :p

As for slouching pretend your on puppet strings pulling you up, or just pretend to be snobby, you will immedietly sit up :)

Very well done though you look like your coming on loads :D
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B-b-but... I LIKE pink tutus! ;):p

Thank you for the advice, will put it all into practice next lesson! x
 
much better - but I agree do the girth up gradually after you get on - you can see shes not impressed. your riding looks cracking though compared to a few weeks ago - well done you

That other horse has strange nostrils!
 
Sorry i didn't say bye, saw you trotting round as i took the ponies to the school and you were looking good to me. Much better than me on Dawi (when i was saying bye to K she said if she'd known it was my last time there she and I quote 'woulda put me on something nicer' haha I think if I rode him all the time i might get used to him, but i take my hat off to you because i couldn't ride him. Very much felt like i couldn't ride :-(

AAAAAAAAAAAAAny roads, we'll always have HHO! haha, i'll hopefully pop down from time to time aswell, K said she'd get me on even if i wanted to come down for a half day or something, and i'll keep you updated on the new girl when she comes, I feel a photo overlad comeing on...

Speak soonies :-)

xxxx
 
CalllyH said:
much better - but I agree do the girth up gradually after you get on - you can see shes not impressed. your riding looks cracking though compared to a few weeks ago - well done you

That other horse has strange nostrils!
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Thanks :)

And Ill be more careful next time.

Doesnt she just? Shes a very odd pony but quite sweet.. Kind of... x

Horsehead said:
Sorry i didn't say bye, saw you trotting round as i took the ponies to the school and you were looking good to me. Much better than me on Dawi (when i was saying bye to K she said if she'd known it was my last time there she and I quote 'woulda put me on something nicer' haha I think if I rode him all the time i might get used to him, but i take my hat off to you because i couldn't ride him. Very much felt like i couldn't ride :-(

AAAAAAAAAAAAAny roads, we'll always have HHO! haha, i'll hopefully pop down from time to time aswell, K said she'd get me on even if i wanted to come down for a half day or something, and i'll keep you updated on the new girl when she comes, I feel a photo overlad comeing on...

Speak soonies :-)

xxxx
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Was thinking as i got on 'Poop I didnt say bye :('

And you looked good on Dawi! Hes a right ***** at times, but you rode him really well :)

And I defnitely think you should bring new horsey to visit the LEC! We have friday night showjumping... And Easter clear round...!

And YAY for pics! xxxx
 
I remember a fabulous lesson that my dauther had..

The instructor made her put pound coins between her knees and every one she lost she had to pay for! She also had to carry a tray of cups filled with water - however much water she lost - she had to pay a forfeit!

Basically it was a great lesson to get her to appreciate balance. But I cannot emphasise enough how fantastic working without stirrups will improve your position - actually, I think I ought to have another go myself!! :o
 
What a lovely horse! Thanks for the vids, really nice to see all your progress!

You ride very nicely and it must be tough adjusting to all these different horses every time. I don't think you are slouching, your back looks nice and straight, but you are tilting a bit forwards from your hips. Try to lean back from your hips and you may find you are then straight! It will still feel like leaning back to you, but you'll actually be straight.

For your heels, maybe it's worth compromising for now and going up a hole with your stirrups (btw your instructor sounds lovely in the background!) and you might find it easier to keep the heel down. To help with getting the weight down, think of the hips opening. I know this sounds odd, but if you think of weight down on the heels it can make your foot heavy which then puts all the weight on the ball of your foot and the stirrup slides through. Instead think of a really open hip (it's difficult to describe, but play around with it in halt until you feel the difference), and as you get it, your entire leg will slip back and the weight will come down on the heel.

Unfortunately it's the sort of thing everyone has to practice and hours and hours of work with no stirrups is the only way round it!!
 
LauraElise said:
This^. You are coming along really well and would look even better with a hat silk!
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What an awful superficial comment :(

I really don't think that a silk will improve her riding, do you?

What on earth does it matter what she looks like? As long as she is wearing correct, safe gear that is all that matters!
 
Ravenwood said:
I remember a fabulous lesson that my dauther had..

The instructor made her put pound coins between her knees and every one she lost she had to pay for! She also had to carry a tray of cups filled with water - however much water she lost - she had to pay a forfeit!

Basically it was a great lesson to get her to appreciate balance. But I cannot emphasise enough how fantastic working without stirrups will improve your position - actually, I think I ought to have another go myself!! :o
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PLEASE dont tell my instructor about the pound thing... I'm skint already!!

Definitely will be doing at least a bit of no stirrups every lesson now... If I can do it on Dawi, I can do it on any horse!

Booboos said:
What a lovely horse! Thanks for the vids, really nice to see all your progress!

You ride very nicely and it must be tough adjusting to all these different horses every time. I don't think you are slouching, your back looks nice and straight, but you are tilting a bit forwards from your hips. Try to lean back from your hips and you may find you are then straight! It will still feel like leaning back to you, but you'll actually be straight.

For your heels, maybe it's worth compromising for now and going up a hole with your stirrups (btw your instructor sounds lovely in the background!) and you might find it easier to keep the heel down. To help with getting the weight down, think of the hips opening. I know this sounds odd, but if you think of weight down on the heels it can make your foot heavy which then puts all the weight on the ball of your foot and the stirrup slides through. Instead think of a really open hip (it's difficult to describe, but play around with it in halt until you feel the difference), and as you get it, your entire leg will slip back and the weight will come down on the heel.

Unfortunately it's the sort of thing everyone has to practice and hours and hours of work with no stirrups is the only way round it!!
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I did feel like I was leaning forwards, and my instructor picked up on it. Its the one thing Ive carried on doing as Ive improved :mad::rolleyes:

I do see what you mean about opening my hips, I was gripping with my knees way too much which made me go all *wooo* :o

One exercise I did the other week was: knees away from the saddle, and legs lifting forwards, out to the side, and back. It did help relax my hips (I think!).
 
palomino_pony said:
You look like you have got more confidence now. One thing...treat yourself to a hat silk...please!
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LauraElise said:
This^. You are coming along really well and would look even better with a hat silk!
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I know Im an egghead ok ;) Just that, running around the yard today, didnt have time to put mine on! Also only had my 'posh' velvet one.

Ravenwood said:
...As long as she is wearing correct, safe gear that is all that matters!
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That!^

Am getting a new hat soonish though, this one is too old :o

Chessy said:
Great vids and pics! I love seeing people's lesson vids, lol ;)

Beautiful horse also.

I get the foot slippage too, usually because I grip too much with my knee.
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Stupid knee! Might put tacks on the saddle, THEN I wont grip with my knee... :p

Hehe, thanks :D Shes a lovely horse! Looks even nicer with her proper full mane though, someone pulled it the other week :mad:
 
thelwell_girl said:
I did feel like I was leaning forwards, and my instructor picked up on it. Its the one thing Ive carried on doing as Ive improved :mad::rolleyes:

I do see what you mean about opening my hips, I was gripping with my knees way too much which made me go all *wooo* :o

One exercise I did the other week was: knees away from the saddle, and legs lifting forwards, out to the side, and back. It did help relax my hips (I think!).
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Everybody leans forwards, it takes ages to get out of the habit! I don't know why, but instinctively everyone goes forward for safety and balance, whereas actually straight up is a lot more balanced. It's the kind of thing that takes time because your body has to learn a new way of balancing.

Yes, that should give you a feeling for it. In time you should be better able to open your hips without lifting the legs off and that will allow you to have a deeper seat.
 
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