More forward..

Skhosu

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12 May 2006
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Ugh had to ride a dressage test tonight in front of any instructor who I don't really like. She insisted I ride more forward.
Now, we've spent the last 2 years trying to slow me and the horse down. He gets tense in dressage and sometimes bunny hops.
But she insisted on pushing him forwards (faster) and he was throwing his head in downwards transitions, head in the air, rushing, taking off into canter as he was confused.
To me he needs to do lots of long and low to chill him out and not rushing him and jsut settling work. Yes, lengthen the stride a bit but not gallop everywhere!
Then to top it all apparently she's getting on him the next time to get more forward..
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Errrrrrrr I think you need a different instructor! She obv makes you uptight and therefore everything fell apart. Yes she is right in the riding forward idea, but it is not about speed, it is about riding forwards into a longer contact, as you say, long and low, and then push on.
 
Forward is NOT speed, it is the forword swing of the hindleg to develope connection. Speed is the enemy of connection as it does not give the hind leg time to finish the steps and therefore develope the engagement required for balance.
This idea that you 'instructor' is giving you is a common misinterpretation of what forward is... WEEZY is right ... getanother instructor who does actually know what forward is and how you need to get it.
 
dont go back to her, you obviously dont like the way she teaches, so whats the point in having lessons off her. You and your horse both dont need it, it will make you both tense.
 
Partoow words it perfectly.
I will use my own explanation which is not as good but you get the message:
Woman is a muppet. Don't let muppet ride your horse. Find someone that knows what they are talking about.
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lol. oh good. I'm not alone (my reg instructor and most other senior PCers are of the same mind and she as said she's getting on someone elses horse too??) !
Lol. Ah well. We;ve all been there. I will just have to avoid PC dressage training from now on!
 
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