[Elisabeth Kazup]

We had a very successful show season including some top ribbons and even a blue! DD did a fantastic job of showing him and I got really good at 'grooming' for her at the shows.

I've progressed from jogging to loping, not without a struggle. Yesterday was shaping up to be another struggle so I got off and had DD get on and see if it was him or me. It was HIM! His lope was 'broke'. She kick- started (No actual kicking involved) him for me and then when I got back on he went along as smooth as silk.

However, my riding still leaves a lot to be desired. I rode him both Saturday and Sunday...walk, jog, lope....and had a great time. I hope my bad riding doesn't make him mad. It's not that I'm abusive or anything, just not the smooth, polished equitation rider he's used to.

I don't want to ride him badly too much and yet the only way to get better is to ride. Kind of a catch 22. So, I'm riding in my head: going over and over how it felt, what I did, DD's instructions,etc. Hopefully I'll be better next time.

 

[amy22]

Just keep practicing

 

[Elisabeth Kazup]

I'm hoping I can make good use of the good Fall riding weather. This weekend is the first time I've ridden in over a month and I can't remember the time before that. Probably back in April.

So, ya, more practice. More than a couple of times a year.

 

[amy22]

I always wanted a horse growing up..I took riding lessons for about 2 years, but then I had to stop and that was that. Now Im too old I think....I might be afraid to get on a horse!

 

[coppers-mom]

Ah, you're never too old.
Is there any chance you could take lessons from someone on a school horse? You are right that a really well trained horse responds to the "proper" cues and can get confused by a rider who is not consistent.

However, it would probably do Harry a lot of good to have a rider who is a little less intense and you are right - the more you ride the better you will get. You could also browse online or talk to friends who can show you some exercise to do when you can't ride. They will help your balance and strengthen your muscles. Of course, DD will still ahve to teach you the proper cues to use with Harry, but you can improve your balance from exercising.

I hope you two have a great time learning about each other, even though you will suffer from weekend warrioritis for a while.

Too bad you don't live near me. I'd take you all over the mountains on a trail horse who is used to weird cues (and ignores most of them!!). If he has a green rider, he just follows my horse and with a more trained rider he responds to them.