LadyGascoyne
Still Fig-uring it out...
I had such a super lesson today, thought I'd share some of the things we worked on.
I've been struggling with my position, and with straightness and keeping my weight even. Milly isn't naturally uphill and she does has a tendency to fall onto her forehand and then I feel like we lose our rhythm and impulsion. Then I panic like a numpty, add leg and end up losing our frame and balance completely.
Today we worked on a grassy, 20x40 slope. We started by playing with transitions and I really had to focus on keeping my lower leg still, especially downhill which I thought was quite interesting. Milly had to engage her hindlegs to slow down which she clicked on so quickly. She's so bright. We got some super halts and a nice rein back too, which I was really pleased about.
Then we worked on lengthening and shortening uphill, focusing on 'not faster, longer.' Half-halts, lightening the forehand, all uphill so really using her bum.
Lastly we did some lateral work on the hill. We are trying to establish the basics so we did this as more of a communication exercise than anything else. Milly was so engaged and interested, it was so sweet to see her little ears flickering.
We pottered around the dressage arena afterwards to stretch. My instructor always advises we take ten minutes to quietly stretch, relax and to think about the lesson. Afterwards I can ask questions and have a chat, something I really like.
All in all, I think we are making progress. My fitness is better (I've been doing the 30 day rider fitness program) and I'm feeling very motivated.
I've been struggling with my position, and with straightness and keeping my weight even. Milly isn't naturally uphill and she does has a tendency to fall onto her forehand and then I feel like we lose our rhythm and impulsion. Then I panic like a numpty, add leg and end up losing our frame and balance completely.
Today we worked on a grassy, 20x40 slope. We started by playing with transitions and I really had to focus on keeping my lower leg still, especially downhill which I thought was quite interesting. Milly had to engage her hindlegs to slow down which she clicked on so quickly. She's so bright. We got some super halts and a nice rein back too, which I was really pleased about.
Then we worked on lengthening and shortening uphill, focusing on 'not faster, longer.' Half-halts, lightening the forehand, all uphill so really using her bum.
Lastly we did some lateral work on the hill. We are trying to establish the basics so we did this as more of a communication exercise than anything else. Milly was so engaged and interested, it was so sweet to see her little ears flickering.
We pottered around the dressage arena afterwards to stretch. My instructor always advises we take ten minutes to quietly stretch, relax and to think about the lesson. Afterwards I can ask questions and have a chat, something I really like.
All in all, I think we are making progress. My fitness is better (I've been doing the 30 day rider fitness program) and I'm feeling very motivated.
