Trying to be a perfect rider......

Today I had a lesson, riding Corey. I spoke to Elizabeth on how I feel during my lessons; it's sort of funny... I get all tense, trying to pay attentiont to what I'm being asked to do, at the same time trying to pay attention to what I'm doing, and trying my best.

Probably too hard. Elizabeth told me to relax! Just ride the moment!

Today I had a great ride, riding better at the sitting trot. What was explained to me made SO much more sense than the years past.

More stuff to work with Asher on... I hope it's easier to move up a level or two next year. I've been showing a level lower than I trained in years ago, but that is okay. I need to have patience. Asher is not a school horse, which I was use to years ago.

Cody

Jumping Sarah's horse cody... picked up the canter right before the jump... didn't expect it!

ahhh... jumping gone bad

Yesterday I did some small jumps, being about a year since I have... ha... using a Dressage saddle... uhm... next time I'll switch to the A/P to shorten my stirrups! I'm sideways on this pic... as Asher would go up to the jump and just about "cow" hop over it! Will try to raise the bars next week! It was fun... miss jumping like I use to... The older I get, and the less I jump, makes me more anxious!

for today

Tomorrow I have my weekly lesson with Elizabeth...I'm looking forward to riding with her, but also worried about my oldest horse Nash.. he hasn't been himself the past few days, not eating. He is 26 years old... I won't let him suffer.

I've never had to personally put a horse down... and after seeing Nash sedated tonight, I thougth it wouldn't bother me. Now I know when the "time" comes, it will really bother me. Seeing a horse go down just is a scary thing...

we'll have to see how he does tomorrow... I will call the vet to let them know.

I hope I sleep tonight... it's just been an emotional week.. :-(

Lesson for November 12th

Back again... another great lesson... it's been a great year training with Elizabeth... I've made some great progress. Sometimes it's hard going "back to basics", but in the long run, it's for the best!

I rode Corey today... the quick mare -- that makes you really ride. Ride with your seat. Worked on some lateral work; which I will be doing with Asher. I haven't done any of that since a lesson I had with Annette this past summer.

It was a great lesson, which I've never had a bad one with Elizabeth. But, happy to say, my progress this year has come along way! Further than expected! :-)

Next week... Friday... until then....

lesson for November 6th, 2009

well, today wasn't the best week at the end.. hearing of a friend passing, another friend putting her horse down today, I wasnt' sure how my lesson would be--- in my mind, not in the "right" frame...

I rode Libby today, a nice mare; moves somewhat like Asher, but you have more "time" to correct your errors.

Today, while walking Libby, I used my skills taught to me by Elizabeth (Beth) to make her soft, move forward. Moving forward does not mean to go faster.

As I was asked to ask her to trot, I didn't ask with my "heals" kicking her side, I have been taught to ride with even weight in my stirrups, sitting up straight, asking without the force.... it's sort of hard to explain. *not for Beth, but for me!

I asked for a trot, which started off slow; Beth asked me to ask for a more forward trot. Her head went up, which makes for a hollow back, less control. Why ride like this? You dont' want to. Horses were not meant to carry us on their back. Ask them to go round, and they use their muscles and it will be easier.

As my lesson went on, Beth asked to "massage" my reins... since I wasnt' getting a connection with her, I asked for a more forward trot, circled and she rounded and lifted her back.... much more relaxed. yes, it took some work. her hind end came underneath her, and there was no forcing in dropping her head. Why would you want to pull a horses head in, or sea-saw the horses head in? this only forces their head down, but does NOT lift their back.

Today was good... I developed skills on what to work with Asher. He has a huge trot for a little guy; I hope tomorrow I can ask for an extended trot, having him round, use his back.

My lesson ended well; as all my lessons do... I learn so much! Until Thursday...