Lessons, that is. Today my friend Debbie drove us and our horses through torrential rain to our second clinic with Julie Ronning (the first was in October). We both really enjoy Julie's manner and method, and she's reasonable, too. Knowing she was coming back to Oregon to see her parents for the holidays and give lessons again has kept me committed to riding as much as possible. Not that 2-3 times a week is anything to brag about, but both Russell and I were in better shape for this clinic than we were in October, so I'm happy. We've also made progress in some of the areas we worked on last time. This time we worked quite a bit in counter-canter; it obviously needed work! Straightness is key to getting the most out of Russell (as it is with any horse), and counter-canter really addresses that. We're hoping it also helps strengthen his left hind and cleans up his flying change from left to right lead.
Julie is planning on returning in a couple months; there's my motivation for winter riding! Hopefully the weather will cooperate more than it has this week; it has been very wet, even by western Oregon standards.
Happy New Year!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
That is great you have something to focus on. I have been riding at work but have not ridden any of my own since Thanksgiving weekend. It is going to be one of my New Year's Resolutions this year. Ride MY horses atleast three times a week. Now I need to set a date for our first trail ride of 2011. That would get me motivated. :)
Good for both of you getting riding goals in order and working toward meeting them. I rode Christmas day and the day after (with a cold wind that second day and a "coiled spring" under my saddle ;o) I too love trail riding--it's a great way to get both horse and rider back in shape--and it's a great scene changer for those who ride a lot in the arena. Keep up the good work and the motivation. (I'm right behind you ;o)
Post a Comment