Spanish walk, a first effort from a tolerant pony!

[BBP]

I've realised that I am a useless rider for my pony. In every single (bar one) recent photo, I am tipped right forwards, hands dropped and fixed, chest tight, absolutely hopeless. I have a herniated disc which isn't helping me to sit up as it hurts like hell, but it would just be an excuse to blame that. I'm starting to get really down on myself as he has so much potential and is so eager to learn. But, every now and again, he does something that makes me smile so much and I realise that despite me holding him back he is actually a happy, fun loving little pony who tries really hard for me and possibly isn't too badly done by.

The below video is one of those moments, our very first efforts at trying spanish walk under saddle. I know it isn't perfect, but i'm just amazed he tried it for me! (Hope link works!)

And to prove I don't just play silly games with him:

 

[a kind of magic]

Nothing constructive to say as I frankly have no idea but he is beautiful and you look to have a wonderful partnership.

 

[rhino]

Stop putting yourself down woman!!! You look like a lovely, quiet rider who obviously has a special bond with a truly gorgeous horse!

Now promise me there will be no more of that 'I'm rubbish' nonsense! (*All said in my very best teacher voice*)

 

[BBP]

Sorry 8)
I don't think I do anything terrible, I'm just increasingly frustrated at my inability to blimmin well sit up! You know when you find that special instructor and you realise that you actually didn't know anything about riding before and are trying to relearn everything... I don't think my brain and body are attached!

 

[rhino]

Yes I do understand that feeling It's hard to learn a good habit but 100 times harder to unlearn a bad one!

 

[BBP]

Rhino, I just noticed the middle pic in your sig...looks suspiciously like a Trec obstacle. My little lad did his first (and my first) trec in august at Level 3 (did pairs) and came 2nd (thanks to my talented pair!)...very proud! Just waiting til I can teach him to sit and stay in the immobility section!

 

[rhino]

Yes I love TREC! Congratulations on your placing - we have only done Level 1 and 2. Funnily enough the immobility is one of our best scorers - my horse doesn't believe in expending energy unless it is absolutely essential

 

[sheep]

Your pony looks like a smart little cookie. I enjoyed that, it was lovely to see how quickly he 'got' it and looks like he was trying his best!

 

[BBP]

Thanks! I think that's my favorite thing about him is that he loves to be praised, if you do something right and give him a treat, a pat and an enthusiatic 'good boy', he'll come right round and try it again better and better...even if I don't want him to! (so I can't do the same thing too often with him). If i leave him to his own devices he will pick the obstacles that he has had the most praise over lately, so the other day when I was cantering in the big field on a long rein he turned and popped the only jump out thereon an angle. before that he would walk to the pole on the ground, step over it and wait to be asked to leg yield along it, and he LOVES the s-bend and podium. He has also decided it's no longer necessary to walk under the low branches, cantering is way more fun! Thankfully he has the same attitude to dressage and picks it up brilliantly, as long as i make sure I tell him what was good.

He's just brilliant! (barring a small panic attack hacking issue)