Sleipnir
Well-Known Member
A few things caught my attention in this discussion.
Re: electric butts. Back when I had recently graduated in the RS I attended to the level of a "competent beginner" (whatever that means
), I was given all the slow and dopey RS horses as I was known for having "fire in my pants" and could easily make them a lot more lively and forward. I did notice, however, that these horses never relaxed with me, so I sought the help of a renowned trainer/clinician who dealt with the biomechanics of riding. She immediately spotted that my seat, in fact, was crooked and, when cantering, I was always pushing forwards with one of my seatbones, unknowingly pushing the horses forward with no pause or release. It also explained why I had troubles to pick up the correct canter lead on most horses when going to the left. Once I worked with a physio and with my posture, I no longer had an electric butt and instead learned how to use my seat and core properly.
Re: the general topic. Generally nobody else rides my big gelding, but I have let other people on board on several ocassions, more in the recent years than before. He can leave the impression that he's a dope on the rope, but, in fact, he checks any new rider thoroughly and will test them. If the rider is unstable, not focused enough or simply too strong and demanding, rather than asking, one of two scenarios will happen - he either gradually slows down until he just stops in the middle of an arena and refuses to move (this once happened with a pro who started using much too much of leg and hand on him and shut him down), either pulls a dirty spook and, if the rider is still on board, takes them on a joy ride - no joy included! He generally hates children as they're far from being gentle, yet focused, but, to my pleasant surprise, I recently found a nice little rider who is just 12, but he goes for her perfectly and jumps for her like an old schoolmaster even if she isn't perfect in her approach. Go figure! In general, you need to be able to see through his facade of "don't wanna!", but make him think it's his own idea to work with you, and he will be nice and forward, and do anything you ask.
Re: electric butts. Back when I had recently graduated in the RS I attended to the level of a "competent beginner" (whatever that means
), I was given all the slow and dopey RS horses as I was known for having "fire in my pants" and could easily make them a lot more lively and forward. I did notice, however, that these horses never relaxed with me, so I sought the help of a renowned trainer/clinician who dealt with the biomechanics of riding. She immediately spotted that my seat, in fact, was crooked and, when cantering, I was always pushing forwards with one of my seatbones, unknowingly pushing the horses forward with no pause or release. It also explained why I had troubles to pick up the correct canter lead on most horses when going to the left. Once I worked with a physio and with my posture, I no longer had an electric butt and instead learned how to use my seat and core properly. Re: the general topic. Generally nobody else rides my big gelding, but I have let other people on board on several ocassions, more in the recent years than before. He can leave the impression that he's a dope on the rope, but, in fact, he checks any new rider thoroughly and will test them. If the rider is unstable, not focused enough or simply too strong and demanding, rather than asking, one of two scenarios will happen - he either gradually slows down until he just stops in the middle of an arena and refuses to move (this once happened with a pro who started using much too much of leg and hand on him and shut him down), either pulls a dirty spook and, if the rider is still on board, takes them on a joy ride - no joy included! He generally hates children as they're far from being gentle, yet focused, but, to my pleasant surprise, I recently found a nice little rider who is just 12, but he goes for her perfectly and jumps for her like an old schoolmaster even if she isn't perfect in her approach. Go figure! In general, you need to be able to see through his facade of "don't wanna!", but make him think it's his own idea to work with you, and he will be nice and forward, and do anything you ask.
