Opinions needed - on me, not the horse!

[Equus Leather]

I'm going to post some pictures below from when I first got India to last weekend. I'm wondering if people can have a look at me, rather than her (though do feel free to comment!). Do I look any different?? Iss my position any different?

Before (end of Jan)

Last weekend

 

[Equus Leather]

Anyone?

 

[Daisychain]

Your looking slimmer and more balanced on the bottom ones, more together.

 

[Equus Leather]

Thanks Daisy, I don't feel more balanced, which is what worries me!

 

[bexandspooky]

You look more relaxed and natural in the second ones, but your balance would feel better if you stopped looking at the floor!! you end up tilting forward as a result.

 

[dwi]

You look slimmer

, I'd like to see your shoulders slightly further back and your hands slightly more square, they look quite flat in the first couple of recent pictures. I've been known to tip forwards, my old RI used to shout that I sat like a duck

 

[Equus Leather]

Yeah I find it hard to sit on my seat bones and not my fork - easier now I've lost a bit of the flab, but still difficult. Shall remember to raise my hands.

 

[richjpeckham]

Lovely horse, what breed, size is he? Just being nosey!

 

[Taboo1968]

Well I noticed a difference in your position... in the first pictures your lower leg is too far back and you had what I call chicken wings (elbows sticking out) So yes I agree you look more balanced!!

 

[Equus Leather]

Thanks ovidus, it's helpful to have people you don't know be objective!

 

[Diggerdog]

You do look less "perched" in the second set of photos.

Your saddle does not seem to be helping you, from the photographs.

It appears to be a little low at the front, tipping you onto your fork. If you have to fight against your saddle, maintaining a balanced position will be harder than it should be.

 

[shadowboy]

you look deeper seated, but are still looking down and this brings your upper half forward....

 

[Booboos]

I think you look more balanced in the second lot, maybe if you could look up a bit and try to keep your thumbs on top? (my instructor made me hold two blades of straw to remind myself to close my fingers and keep the thumbs on top!)

 

[Equus Leather]

Digger - you're dead right, the saddle does throw me forward. I always have trouble keeppiong my left hand closed too...