To ride dressage is to dance with your horse, equal partners in the delicate and sometimes difficult work of creating harmony and beauty.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

We're BACK!

Okay, so Russell and I simply participated in a dressage clinic today after a lo-o-o-ong dry spell of no lessons, no clinics, no shows. But it was fun, we didn't embarrass ourselves, and I plan to do it again, so it really does feel like . . . WE'RE BACK!

Some notes to remember when we school:
• Slow his front legs down at the walk; he tends to pop his knees. Remember to relax my thighs and make my legs long to encourage this.
• Keep the trot "innocent," and "fade" into transitions within the gate. His response will tell me if he's got enough impulsion or too much tension.
• Ask for more hindquarter activity at the canter, so he lifts his back behind the saddle.
• At all gaits, shorten my reins and encourage him to go to the bit, engaging his nuchal ligament.

2 comments:

Kim said...

I wondered how your clinic was this weekend. Sounds like so much fun. I long to be a better rider (western) but I'm just starting on my horsemanship journey. I have been assured that I just need time in the saddle.

Lois said...

You and Russell make a lovely picture!