Lesson 7

Awesome lesson today! Rode Helena walk/trot off the lunge and was actually able to keep her on the rail (although I had trouble towards the end of the lesson, maybe due to my brain trying to process everything)! And while my feet did slip 'n slide, I'm improving in this area as well. I also had different spurs on than before (these were English Rowels..Rovels? I forget) and did well in those. I'm just happy my actual leg is quiet enough to be able to wear spurs without bumping the horse with them.

Then we did a little canter work. I admit, I got a little scared. It's not the canter that bothers me at all; in fact this horse's canter is quite comfortable. However it is the transition that gets me. The fast trot that leads into the canter is so jarring I often loose my balance and feel like I'm going to fall. Obviously this is my fault: I need clearer cues when asking for the canter. On a good note for that though, I did canter right along the rail without needing a lunge line. Going left (Helena's strong side) was difficult. This is where she decided she was going to be a little more difficult to keep on the rail. So, back on the lunge I went to canter left.

But all in all, improving more and more and it feels great!

Maintain: Good trot along rail, keeping horse on rail, heel down.

Improve: Feet still, keeping focus throughout lesson, canter left, clearer signals to canter more smoothly to avoid jarring trot.

A Ride on Beans (Aka Prince)

A friend of mine is selling her TBH gelding. He’s a bit over 16hh, chestnut with a white blaze and one white sock on his left hind. Off the track but I’m sure it’s been years. She calls him Beans or Prince. I considered buying him but concluded it would be a rash, irresponsible decision if I would have done that. A horse is a horse and still needs a good home, but my finances are not right at this time and I want that good, special horse. Even if I have to pay a good few thousand. I’m hoping the saying, “Good things come to those who wait” holds true. Still, I thought I’d ride him. 

                He needs work but is by no means a bad horse. He needs coaxing and encouragement to listen. She told me two other riders couldn’t even get him to move and thought it might be because they were male! Who knows. He was a bit lazy to trot but I got him to do a few decent laps in the round pen. His stops were quite good, but he would not back. After a few minutes I took him into the larger arena where he a little less than eager to be ridden. He REALLY wanted to go back to his stall. Again, most coaxing and assertiveness and he cut it out. To not make him any more sour and spoiled than he already was, I dismounted him on the far side of the arena and walked him out. 

He needs a manner check and more weight and muscle, but I can tell he is a good boy with that good TB personality. I hope he finds a good home!

Here's a photo taken by his owner.

Lesson 6

On this lesson, Tina and I went on a trail ride. I rode the lovely Helena of course while she rode her 28 year old, very spunky, Morgan mare named Dawn.  Awesome morning. Weather was nice and cool with a gentle breeze. We went through a few desert trails and washes at a trot. This helped me tremendously. I was about the get a good rhythm with Helena’s trot, despite it being outside the arena.

                When we got back to the barn, we did do a little arena work. The biggest thing we worked on was staying on the rail, which Tina assisted me with by pushing Helena on the rail with Dawn! And when I have that rhythmic trot I can relax my leg and my foot doesn’t slip around the irons as much. It worked and I got that good, comfortable rhythmic trot that we had on the trail. All in all an excellent day that left me feeling great.

Maintain: Rhythmic trot, improvement on feet moving around.

Improve: Feet! They still need to be solid and still, but it’s getting better. I also need to work on control still but it’s getting there.

Lesson 5

No lunge this time. Today’s lessons was mostly on control. I did walking where I still struggled with keeping Helena on the rail. But, in my defense it is improve, if only a little. I was also introduced to stepping over an obstacle, side-stepping, turning on the forehand and turning on the hind. It was just an idea on these movements however- none were very good!

I did a little trotting off the line as well. Needs improvement but I didn’t do too bad.

Maintain: Confidence, eagerness, constant improvement (even if it’s small steps).

Improve: Relax leg while trying to move the horse, control, keeping horse on rail.

A Ride on Star

A buddy of mine was out of town and wanted me to ride her horse while she was away. No problem! I'm more than happy to help out, especially if I get to get in ride time. On one of the days I rode Star, my friend's Paint mare. I believe she's around 6 or 7, a tall 14hh-somethimg I'm guessing.

I also wanted to take a video of my riding so I can get an idea on where I was at. It... could be better. In my defense I find this horse a little difficult to ride.

I need steadier hands, a steadier core, heels down, and to keep my toes out the stirrup (though they were a bit too long for me).

Lessons 2-4

August 11^th, 14^th, & 18th 2012

Out of the round pen; I only stayed in it one day. However during these rides I was on the lunge line a good part of the lesson as I am still in the phase of getting used to the horse, Helena. Still, my feet slide around the irons too much. We also did a little canter work. My instructor said I have a decent seat at the canter! However the issue is getting into the canter. Helena and I’s transitions are… quite bouncy. She runs into the canter which makes for an uncomfortable trot. This is due to my inexperience of course. If I was sharper with my signals and maybe if I learned a proper half-halt, the transition would be much smoother. 

Towards the end of these lessons I was let off the lunge to walk on the rail, I discovered another issue… I have issues keeping her on the rail! Big time!

Maintain: Once again, my confidence and my eagerness.

Improve: Heels down, posting without looking at my diagonals, relax legs, fix foot from moving around so much, and learn to keep the horse on the rail.

1st Lessons

This isn't my FIRST lesson, however it is my first under a new instructor at a new barn on a new horse. I thought I'd play a little catch up.

First day meeting Tina my riding instructor who seems very knowledgeable, personable (but tough), and experienced. It was my first time riding English after I did it mid 2011 at Miller Horse Farm.

                It was an exciting day for me… I would be getting to ride the amazing Friesian, “Helena Z”. Helena is a 10 year old, 15.3hh mare trained to 3^rd level dressage. I consider myself very lucky to be able to ride this Friesian mare. The breed is dreamy. Gorgeous horses with an outstanding personality. I can’t believe I’m able to ride one!

                We started in the round pen so that I, Helena, and Tina could get a better feel for each other. And like I figured, Friesians  have a bigger trot that what I’ve experienced in the past. There were a few times I thought I was going to get bounced out the saddle. I also found that I’m having issues with my feet- they keep slipping out the stirrups! After a little research, it seems this is due to me having a tight knee.

Maintain: Confidence and my eagerness- always ready and waiting for that next lesson.

Improve: Pretty much everything else! My seat is decent according to Tina but needs more work. I also need to relax my entire leg. I need to LOOK where I am going and remember... HEELS DOWN!