Lesson report (pics and vids)

brighthair

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And a vague attempt at matching :D
Today we worked on keeping the paces forward after transitions, Hannah really using her hind leg and some lateral work. For me anything after getting on is a bonus due to my nerves and massive lack of self belief in my riding ability. Luckily as well as all that I am a stubborn git by nature and God loves a trier :D
I need to carry my hands, sit up and look up, but it is really coming and I am so proud today. Gentle cc, please bear in mind I haven't cantered (except this week) in about 4 months :eek:
We did shoulder in to travers but no pics of that
<goes to attempt to work iPad to post photos>

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Videos - off phone so not great!!

http://youtu.be/axZPl-oMqpM

http://youtu.be/GBcYchBnoaY

http://youtu.be/-TF3F4I669E

Heston salted caramel popcorn if you get this far <offers round>
 
It looks like you know what needs work, its so handy having some video you isn't it! I thought you were using too much hand with the weight of your body to keep his head in in front and to control the speed which needs to come from your seat not your hand, also could be ridden much more forward in canter.
As you say once you look up and lift your hands the entire picture will be better but allow your hands forward and be less restricting and keep your elbows bent. Good luck, hope to see more updates soon x
 
The two of you look really nice together, you should be more positive!!! Well done on cantering and enjoying your lesson!

Were you looking for CC, or would you rather not?
 
Gentle cc ;)
I know in the trot I am better with my hands - she makes you heavy if that makes sense? And when I get nervous my instinct is to grab!!
I do use my seat a lot on her, she is not easy to ride as I have to ride every stride and constantly think what I am doing
I have part loaned her from jetset for about 18 months :)
 
I shall try my gentlest, but in all honest I don't need to because you are doing a lovely job with her and you should have every confidence in your riding!

If she gets a bit heavy on you, try giving her the rein with mini-give-and-retakes. That way she will have to rebalance by carrying herself rather than relying on you to carry her with your hands.

In the canter, if you can, send her on a bit as she does seem a bit 4-beat. I have the same problem and it's a tough one to solve, as R will either go hollow 3-beat or round 4-beat...all in an effort to get out of doing any work!
 
Yeah in the trot we have been working on giving the inside rein and then pushing her with my inside leg and getting her to take my hand forward and that worked really well
The canter is a sticky one as even thinking about canter makes me go green :)
I used to tip forward massively so have been trying to sit up and carry my hands. Hopefully when I get a bit braver I can push the canter on a bit
Horse is working (and competing) at a much higher level than I ride so she teaches me a lot. And if I don't ask, I don't get!!!
 
I thought you were using too much hand with the weight of your body to keep his head in in front and to control the speed which needs to come from your seat not your hand, also could be ridden much more forward in canter.
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I don't know if this would help you at all but I pop a neckstrap on when I am a bit uncertain. Like today when I rode for the first time in two weeks and I knew R would be an idiot, I felt a bit braver with the neckstrap on and I could hook a couple of fingers under it for extra courage!!!
 
First of all believe in yourself, you're doing a lovely job!
I agree with what others have said about leaning on your hands but it sounds like you're already working on that. Also try to keep the bend in the elbow as your arms look a little stiff at times.
Other than those very minor points you're doing a lovely job, you should be very pleased with your pretty pony (and yourself!) :)
 
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