Lance and I hauled over for a lesson with Julie today. It was a gray day but I had to try for some photos since Julie wanted to get on Lance to see how he feels; I don't often get the opportunity to watch him get put through his paces! I also took photos of Julie, her beautiful driveway and her talented Totilas filly (yes, her pasture buddy is a miniature horse, who is totally the boss!).
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| Blurry but I love the color, the motion, Lance's frame.... |
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| I'm not sure I've ever seen Lance so quiet after a ride; he was TIRED! |
NOTES:
Require a better work ethic; don't let Lance take a break with every canter-walk transition.
Work on simple changes around the whole arena, not on a circle. If Lance gets "stuck," get in two-point, ask him to be a little rounder, lift his belly with spurs, and go forward for a bit.
Hold the counter-canter sometimes, asking Lance to counter-flex. I should be able to feel him flex more in his fetlocks.
Don't grip with my upper thigh; it can block Lance. Must use my correct seat bone while keeping thighs relaxed.
RHYTHM is main goal in trot. Ask for collection by closing hip joint some and moving legs back, then ease out to bigger trot by opening hip joints and using a long, relaxed leg.
Lateral work at the walk is good; save lateral work at the trot for times when Lance has extra energy.
5 comments:
Good notes for anyone - it's the thigh thing I'm struggling with right now
Thank-you so much for your comment, Kathryn! I feel a bit awkward sharing my quick and dirty notes because I don't know if they will be misconstrued by someone, but they sure help me get the most out of lessons.
I love that you share theses photos and notes. I am starting back to weekly lessons next Wednesday and am looking forward to help with Nick's work ethic (or lack thereof). THIS---> " Ask for collection by closing hip joint some and moving legs back, then ease out to bigger trot by opening hip joints and using a long, relaxed leg." YES. I tell myself this all the time.
Thanks for more confirmation, Mary! I would love to do weekly lessons, but will settle for monthly lessons if I can squeeze them in.
Lance is as handsome as ever! I use my blog often for weaving notes because I am gawd awful at keeping a notebook. Sadly my two guys have been pasture ornaments this summer and fall, but they have given and received lots of hugs lately.
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