I realize now after 4 riding lessons, that my harmony & lightness and my aids are in need of GREAT improvement. I have gone back to the book, “Dressage in Harmony” by world renowned dressage master, Walter Zettl. I am reading it with more insight than ever and digesting the pages as never before. I have added the link to Master Zettl’s web page for any readers interested in learning more.
Heather
Categories: Riding Lessons
Tagged: Harmony, Riding Aids
Well? I really worked myself up prior to arriving at the Ranch. The very thought of having to go catch my horse from a paddock on horses unknown to me was really getting to me mentally. I arrived – all stirred up. Picked up a halter and lead line and went to the paddock, shaking in my boots. The instructor opened the gate – and lo & behold, and bless good ole’ R.Z., he came to catch us – big PHEWPH!!! I led R.Z. quietly into the barn to start the grooming process. All went smoothly from then on.
There were 4 in our class tonight and we worked steadily on our aids, steering, circles (including some square ones). I picked up the jog/trot this time with the rest of the class (in lieu of remaining inside of them) and I was OK!!! I am beginning to trust that R.Z. is a good horse for me and I am beginning to feel comfortable on him. As I was trotting around the arena and just by the door – someone opened – yelled DOOR and whoooooooosh the arena door opened (before I had time to stop). R.Z. did spook (a little jump and a shiver/shake) – but NOTHING compared to what Olly would have done. I was OK!!! It took me back a bit, but I was really OK about it.
I have to really work on stretching my muscles out. I am feeling sore through my hips and lower back (a problem with me, as I have two lumbars which are fused and a rotated right hip) – so, I truly must start an exercise regime to loosen up those muscles for riding. I was told “no posting” in the jog and this irritated my back (fused lumbars) big time, so I want to “conform” to how western riding is done, so I must do something to be able to sit the jog (just naturally, I post … something I have to work on NOT doing!).
By the end of the session, my square circles were becoming much better and my aids were improving. My biggest problem is when I squeeze with the inside leg, my outside leg is cumbersome for that aid. I move it too much and must remember to move it back just slightly (not bending my knee).
Confidence is building with me trusting R.Z. a little more each week. Thankfully, I can have the same horse for the lessons and this helps BIG time.
Heather
Categories: Riding Lessons
Tagged: Confidence, Equitation, Riding Lessons
