Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Monday Lesson

I don't usually take lessons on Mondays, but it just worked out that way this time. Lucky me!

My trainer rode Phil first, and I have the last few minutes of her ride here - 




Then I got on and had my lesson.  This video is pretty much my entire lesson.  My trainer's mom came along and was kind enough to video the whole thing, and do a great job of it too!  Big huge thanks to her!  





So, basically I need to trust him, and me, and let him go more.  It's hard not to hold onto him, because that trot gets pretty big and we cover some ground.  But I need to trust him, and he hasn't done any scooting and bolting on me lately, so I guess it's time.  

And I need to fix my right side!  It's like it has a mind of it's own.  That stupid arm and elbow flapping, and the shoulder creeping up.  You can see through most of the video that my right hand and arm are higher, tighter, and out of position.  I'm working on it, but obviously there is still work to be done.  I need to fix it before it causes Phil to be crooked on that side.  So, Right Arm, get it together! 


Oh, and I've come to the conclusion that my arms are short.  My trainer can just reach down and pat Phil's neck and not come out of position, but for me to reach his neck I have to bend forward, even if I totally straighter my arm!  I've got to sit up straighter too.  So much to improve! 

I rode tonight and was able to let go and work on some of the points my trainer made in the lesson.  The hardest part was the last stretching bit.  He wasn't as tired and he kept rushing during this part.  It's hard but we're going to keep at it.  

I'm lucky to have such a great trainer (she hates to see or hear herself on video, by the way).  And such great horses.  Show season, here we come! 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sheri, he looks amazing!! So much better in the connection. Swinging and stretching more over his back the longer you ride. He seems like lot's of fun! You must be very pleased!!
Sabine

Marnie K said...

Sherri, I can hardly believe this is the same horse from a few short months ago! You have done a marvelous job with him and I can tell he is relaxed and trusting you. On a side note, I really think all Arabs ought to do dressage because they are so darn gorgeous when they do!

Marnie K said...

I can hardly believe this is the same horse that you were introducing us to a few months ago! He's come a long ways! I can tell he's really trusting you and he looks relaxed and eager to work. You're going to go a long ways with this one. Keep up the great work!!

Bella said...

Looks wonderful for the most part! And your last lengthening on the diagonal was beautiful! I am working on stretch circles as well currently. I have a lesson today so hopefully can sort it out further. Keep up the good work! Love his coloring, by the way. :)

Unknown said...

Loved both videos and the change in Phil's way of going is phenomenal. I am excited for you and your show season! He looks wonderful.

P.S. My right side does the same...I started having chiropractic sessions and in my case it stems from my right leg and right hip. My right arm/shoulder problem was just a symptom of right lower body issue. Might be worth investigating yours as you might be correcting a symptom rather than cause...

Jessica said...

Hello - thank you for sharing your experience with training your horse and juggling life at the same time! I'd love to hear more about how you manage it all. I am a young professional and struggle with juggling life and a full-time job with also training (and hopefully, showing) my young Oldenburg filly. Thank you!

Cally said...

I noticed that when you let your reins loose and you dont have contact his head goes up and his tail gives a little swish. While your trainer rode him, she didnt loose contact so he kept low and level

Stacey Kimmel-Smith said...

WOW -- I am loving how he looks!!! He moves so beautifully, just a little more umpf and "let go" and his gaits go to the next level. Congrats!

 
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