Flicker
Well-Known Member
I had a lesson with a visiting instructor on Sunday evening and at the time thought that I was paying quite a bit of money to just trot round in circles. Instructor had me doing all sorts of things: standing in stirrups in walk and trot, holding the reins 'upside down' and my hands wide open. I had to hold my hands right out coming into some trotting poles and jumps too, which felt really weird.
Everything he was telling me made perfect sense, about taking the weight in my legs, using my calves as a 'buffer' etc, getting off the horse's back to help him to round off, and especially the hands. It became so apparent to me that I'd been using them to balance myself and my elbows were becoming fixed and inflexible.
But it all just seemed too 'easy'... I said it was like going right back to learning to ride. At one point he told me my reins were too short - even though they felt like washing lines!
Anyway, my lad went super all through the lesson, and I thought I'd give it another try last night. I played with how I held the reins, didn't demand a contact, stood up in my stirrups, just messed about basically. Within 15 minutes, my lad was carrying himself, bending round my leg, light as a feather and super responsive. We got some gorgeous transitions, including walk to canter on both reins, which is a real achievement for him. He was foaming like crazy, and so relaxed. He really felt like he was enjoying the work.
Best money I've ever spent, and I am just grinning from ear to ear!
I was so sceptical to start out with, but sometimes going right back to basics is just what we need! Can't wait to have another play tonight!
Everything he was telling me made perfect sense, about taking the weight in my legs, using my calves as a 'buffer' etc, getting off the horse's back to help him to round off, and especially the hands. It became so apparent to me that I'd been using them to balance myself and my elbows were becoming fixed and inflexible.
But it all just seemed too 'easy'... I said it was like going right back to learning to ride. At one point he told me my reins were too short - even though they felt like washing lines!
Anyway, my lad went super all through the lesson, and I thought I'd give it another try last night. I played with how I held the reins, didn't demand a contact, stood up in my stirrups, just messed about basically. Within 15 minutes, my lad was carrying himself, bending round my leg, light as a feather and super responsive. We got some gorgeous transitions, including walk to canter on both reins, which is a real achievement for him. He was foaming like crazy, and so relaxed. He really felt like he was enjoying the work.
Best money I've ever spent, and I am just grinning from ear to ear!
I was so sceptical to start out with, but sometimes going right back to basics is just what we need! Can't wait to have another play tonight!
