KittyJay
Well-Known Member
Hello everyone!
I had my first lesson in absolutely months today; I've been riding more frequently than ever before but I can tell so many bad habits are creeping up on me as there's no one to shout at me!
Anyway I was on a big, strong, fresh Welsh D who's highly sensitive and very, very forward. All was going well and we were working on my position foibles in walk and trot. Then at a corner he mistook a slight tip forward for an aid to canter and off he went. I didn't panic but started work on getting him back in my control and trotting again. It took absolutely aaages of going round and round the school - him not slowing in the slightest and often speeding up - before I could get him back. He did this four or five times over the half four and by the last I got him back in about half a lap, so there was definitely an improvement as I bent my elbows more and used my shoulders.
Basically my problem is that even if I really concentrate on 'treading on my stirrups' I touch my leg to his sides just enough for him to take it as an aid to speed up. I also had trouble bringing him back because I just can't sit right down into the saddle, however hard I try. It doesn't help that I'm small enough that my feet touch his sides easily and very light too, but I know it's no excuse. It wasn't like he evaded the bit or anything or was naughty, he went beautifully the whole time, I just couldn't control him!
Any tips for stiller lower leg and a really deep seat? The situation definitely improved when I brought my shoulders back but I still had these problems.
So sorry for the essay, just wanted to give as much info as possible!
Thanks
I had my first lesson in absolutely months today; I've been riding more frequently than ever before but I can tell so many bad habits are creeping up on me as there's no one to shout at me!
Anyway I was on a big, strong, fresh Welsh D who's highly sensitive and very, very forward. All was going well and we were working on my position foibles in walk and trot. Then at a corner he mistook a slight tip forward for an aid to canter and off he went. I didn't panic but started work on getting him back in my control and trotting again. It took absolutely aaages of going round and round the school - him not slowing in the slightest and often speeding up - before I could get him back. He did this four or five times over the half four and by the last I got him back in about half a lap, so there was definitely an improvement as I bent my elbows more and used my shoulders.
Basically my problem is that even if I really concentrate on 'treading on my stirrups' I touch my leg to his sides just enough for him to take it as an aid to speed up. I also had trouble bringing him back because I just can't sit right down into the saddle, however hard I try. It doesn't help that I'm small enough that my feet touch his sides easily and very light too, but I know it's no excuse. It wasn't like he evaded the bit or anything or was naughty, he went beautifully the whole time, I just couldn't control him!
Any tips for stiller lower leg and a really deep seat? The situation definitely improved when I brought my shoulders back but I still had these problems.
So sorry for the essay, just wanted to give as much info as possible!
Thanks