Brief Lesson Report...A Thread

[SaddlePsych'D]

I realised my posts my be a bit 'spammy' so perhaps best to just do a thread. I know my lessons aren't grand in ambition but I like the process of writing them up and sharing the bits of progress I do make!

Back to another favourite of mine, when I heard 'gentleman' to describe him I just knew we would get on A slightly 'meh' lesson today, on my part rather than the horse or my instructor. I had my upbeat tunes on in the car on the way to try and get in forward thinking mode but still struggled in the lesson, frustratingly I don't know why. Interestingly when given the option to spend a few minutes doing my own thing to try and shift my headspace I said 'shall I do some canter?' This horse has a lovely canter but in the indoor school for the first time, I felt like I was teleporting round! I wasn't of course, just not used to the bigger strides and the short sides come up fast. I love this horse, I feel very secure on him and if I rode better he goes so nicely. He is the one I did medium trot on for the first time, my first experience of really engaging the little engine behind the saddle!

I could definitely have been more positive in the riding forwards but today's achievement was just staying on the horse, not beating myself up for not pushing more, and just enjoying as much as possible. I did love this canter in the video below and given I went in feeling I might not want to canter at all I'm pretty pleased with that. We also discussed coming to do some groundwork and volunteering so I am excited about the opportunity to have other avenues to enjoy 'horse time' not focused on riding.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

He looks like he is much more comfortable than last lesson horse, well done ??

 

[Wishfilly]

He looks really nice and it looks like a really nice canter. I don't think your posts are spammy at all- but I always enjoy reading about other people's riding journeys!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

He looks like he is much more comfortable than last lesson horse, well done ??

I think we had a bit of an easier job in the bigger school but yes his canter is very comfortable and he feels more balanced round the corners (I think, I'm not sure if that's the right terminology!) Whatever 'not falling in' is! ?

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

New lesson report from today...

No video today as my video man (OH) didn't come. Funnily enough standing around in minus whatever it is did not appeal to him!

Same horse as last time and my confidence was in a much better place. Partly/mainly because I am getting to know and love the horse, partly because I have spent the last two weeks absolutely nerding out with horse riding books and videos. Some of Karl Greenwood's stuff has been really useful to get me to shake up my thinking and come in to the lesson with a better mindset.

We did some shoulder in and leg yields, then working on correct bend on 20m circles in walk and trot. Given the previous lesson ended up being me sort of doing my own thing and feeling too nervous to canter a left rein circle (horse finds bend more tricky this way), I am thrilled that I didn't give up on this exercise today until we'd got it both ways. Even when we drifted out, even when I lost the canter, I decided not to get nervous or frustrated with myself but to get on with it and enjoy! Simple exercises but really trying to better understand all the aids and bringing them all together.

Then had a couple of hours at the RS helping out. Mainly making haynets but also being shown around and introduced to some of the horses and ponies. Looking forward to next week!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

All sounding very positive SP'd, glad it's all going in a great direction x

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

All sounding very positive SP'd, glad it's all going in a great direction x

Main thing is it's getting more fun. I do wish OH had been there to video though as I think the riding was better too!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Main thing is it's getting more fun. I do wish OH had been there to video though as I think the riding was better too!

Lol, I always find when I have a great training session that there is no proof x

 

[Kunoichi73]

Really glad to hear you're feeling better about riding!

 

[Carrottom]

Sounds good. Maybe only video every 3rd session, then your progress should be more visible ? also I think it's more about what it feels like than how it looks.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I agree it will be good to leave it a bit before videoing again. It's been helpful for improving my feel though as sometimes I've thought 'dear god we are going way too fast' and then when I watched back I could see why my instructor was asking for more forwards because we're just pootling along

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

New lesson report...

Back with my favourite horse O today, god I love him! He wasn't feeling so up for things today so I was working a little harder than usual on him. I came in feeling a bit wobbly and had a few internal wobbly moments in the lesson but decided to do this radical thing and...ignore them! Shush brain, I have stuff to do. Like enjoy myself and concentrate on what I'm doing. I think a key thing I have learned is to keep moving and make changes of direction, do lateral movements, to have something to focus on and if I lose my canter just pick it back up as quickly as possible so I don't overthink it. O gave some lovely 'dressagy' movement at the end, my reward for not riding too badly!

I have asked my instructor about setting a goal to do a dressage test and she thought it could be possible to hire O for this; I need to ask about whether to do Intro or Prelim (or both if this is a thing). This is exciting and scary because I think we would be looking at one of the centre competitions (i.e., not 'just' RS) which is new to me and feels a bit 'proper'! It is one of the reasons I chose this RS though as I wanted more opportunities for things like this as I don't have a horse of my own. That and to have a go round the tiny tots XC course in the Spring.

 

[dixie]

Sounds like a great lesson today and aiming for a dressage comp is an ideal move. You can definitely do Intro and Prelim if you want - remembering two tests is the most difficult bit so you might want to line up a caller !

 

[j1ffy]

That sounds like a great lesson. I do think that (if the basic riding skills are there) the ‘fake it til you make it’ approach to confidence can be very effective. Imposter syndrome is as rife in us horse riders as any other discipline and distraction / learning to focus on a task instead of emotions is an effective coping mechanism.

My jumping confidence has disappeared as I’ve not done it for a while but just getting on and doing it (over very small and technical exercises) has helped, and carrying on with that is one of my plans for next year. It sounds like you’re doing the same with your hang-ups, and it sounds like it’s working!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Sounds like a great lesson today and aiming for a dressage comp is an ideal move. You can definitely do Intro and Prelim if you want - remembering two tests is the most difficult bit so you might want to line up a caller !

Ooh I hadn't thought of that! I learned the last Intro test I did pretty quickly but can see it would be very easy to mix up two tests.

That sounds like a great lesson. I do think that (if the basic riding skills are there) the ‘fake it til you make it’ approach to confidence can be very effective. Imposter syndrome is as rife in us horse riders as any other discipline and distraction / learning to focus on a task instead of emotions is an effective coping mechanism.

My jumping confidence has disappeared as I’ve not done it for a while but just getting on and doing it (over very small and technical exercises) has helped, and carrying on with that is one of my plans for next year. It sounds like you’re doing the same with your hang-ups, and it sounds like it’s working!

Glad it's helping with your jumping too. I found parallels with driving really helped as I am quite confident with my driving. For example that when driving, even if adrenaline gets going I don't lose the plot, start comparing myself to other drivers, let go of the wheel and hope for the best. I keep driving. So I'm trying to translate that to 'keep riding'.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

A pretty pointless post but I am sooo excited for my lesson tomorrow. Something different...a lesson on potential new share horse (having previously given up hope)

I tried him last week and although doubting myself got a good feeling about him and asked if I could book a lesson on him to help get us off to a good start.

I don't want to say too much and jinx it but hopefully will have a positive lesson report to share tomorrow. Eeee!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Slightly less pointless post...

Had my lesson on new share horse and agreed we will do a month trial - exciting!

The lesson was very helpful for getting to know him and I was really pleased to do a bit of canter as first time riding him I felt unsure about this. We did have what felt to me like a super fast trot where I got tense but I know this was my perception of a forward going horse not being quite right. In time I know I will get used to this and my riding will be much better for it! I got some positive feedback as well as some points to work on around contact and my lower leg position/stability, so I will keeping these in mind on my next rides.

Although I had a slightly nervous/tense moment and was not riding as forward as I need to, I am so looking forward to building the relationship with this horse. He's a real star and just right I think for my level to help me progress further with my riding while not over-horsing myself. Having lessons available with him is going to make a huge difference and I think I have been incredibly lucky to find him. Watch this space folks!

 

[dixie]

That’s great news. Am looking forward to your reports - and pictures !

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

That’s great news. Am looking forward to your reports - and pictures !

I'm looking forward to riding more and having a bit more to write about I'm not sure about pics as obviously he's not mine but I hope I can at least share a nice 'between the ears' hacking shot next week. I drove one of the hacking routes on my way back today and it's all quiet lanes, with bridleways and off-road when I'm ready to go further afield. Looking forward to new adventures!

 

[Kunoichi73]

This sounds like a great step forward for you. Good luck with your new share. ?

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Great horsey day today!

Unexpectedly good lesson at RS - back on the 'pocket rocket' I'd ridden before and got nervous because she trotted really quick and for some reason my brain said 'death is imminent' (spoiler: it was not, the speed increase wasn't visible when I watched the video back) I still got nervous I just decided 'shut up brain and ride the corner/make the turn/stay straight/keep the rhythm/pay attention to lower leg/hands etc.' Simple but apparently effective and progress was made. Walk and trot only, I'm more than happy with that.

Then over to new share horse. Our fourth ride and first in the school without supervision. It's early days and I'm trying to remember that to take the pressure off. He showed me his big marching walk on a hack last week so now I know where we're aiming for in the school! The first time I rode him I didn't canter, then I did canter with him in a lesson, and then today just once down a long side on each rein. Lots of circles and changes of rein to keep the brain occupied. Again a bit nervous but just spent the whole time chatting away to share horse/narrating myself: riding the corners, making the turns, staying straight, keeping the rhythm/paying attention to lower leg/hands...

The main thing was...it was fun! I am so looking forward to developing the relationship with share horse. He is just fab and I know if I am patient with myself I'm going to progress and enjoy!

 

[Kunoichi73]

Really jealous (but in a good way). You sound like you're really starting to enjoy riding again!

 

[Red-1]

Great horsey day today!

Unexpectedly good lesson at RS - back on the 'pocket rocket' I'd ridden before and got nervous because she trotted really quick and for some reason my brain said 'death is imminent' (spoiler: it was not, the speed increase wasn't visible when I watched the video back) I still got nervous I just decided 'shut up brain and ride the corner/make the turn/stay straight/keep the rhythm/pay attention to lower leg/hands etc.' Simple but apparently effective and progress was made. Walk and trot only, I'm more than happy with that.

Then over to new share horse. Our fourth ride and first in the school without supervision. It's early days and I'm trying to remember that to take the pressure off. He showed me his big marching walk on a hack last week so now I know where we're aiming for in the school! The first time I rode him I didn't canter, then I did canter with him in a lesson, and then today just once down a long side on each rein. Lots of circles and changes of rein to keep the brain occupied. Again a bit nervous but just spent the whole time chatting away to share horse/narrating myself: riding the corners, making the turns, staying straight, keeping the rhythm/paying attention to lower leg/hands...

The main thing was...it was fun! I am so looking forward to developing the relationship with share horse. He is just fab and I know if I am patient with myself I'm going to progress and enjoy!

That sounds fab, I am very happy for you!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Really jealous (but in a good way). You sound like you're really starting to enjoy riding again!

Getting there, it's still a bit 'oh god why am I doing this' sometimes and then 'this is the best, I love it!' at others. I'm hoping with patience and practice it will balance out generally in favour of the more positive.

That sounds fab, I am very happy for you!

Thanks Red I think if I keep going on this way over the Winter I'll have a really fab Spring and Summer to look forward to.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Second lesson on share horse today and it was super! Walk and trot only because the school hadn't fully defrosted but that was fine by me.

We worked on keeping a good forward walk rhythm, improving the effectiveness of my leg aids and consistent contact. I wanted the lesson as we are quite wonky and I knew I needed help to correct this. By the end of our lesson our circles were circle shaped, and we were bending the correct way not 'banana-ing' with the wrong bend. Our halt transitions were nice and snappy and the upwards ones certainly improving.

I am getting better at riding through nerves, making a bit of humour when things aren't yet falling in to place, and celebrating the 'aha!' moments when they eventually do fall in to place. I am looking forward now to having some time to put this in to practice in the school before having another lesson when ready to push things forwards again.

 

[dixie]

Sounds great. So lovely to hear you sound so positive and happy with your riding ?

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Sounds great. So lovely to hear you sound so positive and happy with your riding ?

It's great to be feeling positive about it again. I really struggled with giving up the last share and still miss her a lot. Then it wasn't straightforward finding an RS/RI combo, and I'd just about given up on looking for a new share.

We are going for our second hack on Sunday which I feel nervous about but trying not to be too hard on myself as it's only our second time out. I haven't been regularly hacking since early Summer last year, and that hacking involved basically no road work. OH is coming out on foot with me, I know the route now, and share horse is bombproof so I will need to do a bit more 'shush brain!' and go with it!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Not a lesson report but reading back the last one after my ride in the school today, because my mind is trying really hard to focus on the approximately 5 seconds of the ride that 'went wrong'. Which is unhelpful and unfair. It would be quite nice to unhook from the feeling 'useless'.

We did about half an hour practicing from the lesson last week. Walk and trot again, transitions, contact, moving forwards, and circles. I should be really pleased because we spent a much bigger proportion of the time with his head pointing the right way, while not making the circles too small. The forwards was better too, not as good as in the lesson and not so consistent but definite improvement.

The 'going wrong' bit was a spook at the bin lorry the other side of the yard, and I think a small buck or two. We only went from the track to the centre line so whatever it was probably far less dramatic than it felt. Immediate response was temptation to cry, give up, get off! A moment later it was 'get on with it!', albeit in walk and then trot once I refocused on the exercise.

It was a weird morning. I managed to do stupid things like put share horse's foot down on my fingers after picking out, and walking him onto my foot leading through a gateway. Obviously I'm not very with it today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, especially as we're hacking again. I've worked out some steps to progress away from needing OH there all the time which is positive. If I'm up for it tomorrow I will try to take one of those steps and if not I know it's there for next time.

 

[smolmaus]

Always in admiration of how introspective you are able to be SP'd. I know sometimes it works against you focusing on the wrong bits but it is such a great skill and it's wise to practise it as much as you do.

It took me... 4 months??? to ride by myself without supervision last summer which sounds absolutely ridiculous but it is hard to take away that safety blanket! It'll happen when you're ready.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Always in admiration of how introspective you are able to be SP'd. I know sometimes it works against you focusing on the wrong bits but it is such a great skill and it's wise to practise it as much as you do.

It's a natural tendency, educationally reinforced and professionally pretty useful/essential, but often gets in the way with riding things in particular and general life overthinking!

I forget it's only been 4 weeks, even 4 months is not long really in the grand scheme of things (not ridiculous at all!). Too much thinking how other riders could just get on and do it or that I am not good enough for the horse.