I have a wonderful lesson today riding the horse named Dick. My seat, balance and aids were good. I felt like things were much more natural and I didn't really have to think about all the balance stuff so I could work on identifying the feel of a diagonal change without being told, counted in etc. Of course once this new part was thrown into the mix some of the other stuff was momentarily forgotten, but it all came together very well and I was wrapped in having what seemed to be a great leap forward.
I was often successful at recognising the diagonal correctly which is great but what I think is more important is that I was often successful at recognising when I had got it wrong. I also knew each time the rise was out of time once I got the diagonal correct.
I think riding Teddy during an exercise like this will actually be a benefit as the horse named Dick is a 16.1hh Quarter horse and is a total barrel guts (though he doesn't have thin legs like I've heard some Quarter horses do. He's a well proportioned horse.) I love this size and type of horse but I am pretty sure that when I ride the slighter framed 15.3hh Teddy who is a Stockhorse, I will be able to feel the diagonal a lot more pronounced, which can only be to my benefit. Yay for Teddy!
I spent most of the lesson at the trot and in the end I could feel it in my lower back so I will need to find out some exercises to strengthen that part of my body as it is taking a lot at the moment having to control my upper and lower body simultaneously but in different ways while maintaining my balance.
It was one of my best lessons even though the weather wasn't good, with high winds, drizzle and cold. It makes me want to go again tomorrow... pity I cant afford it. I need to win lotto and quit my job, pay off all my debt and just go riding!
Hey it's my blog and I can dream all I like!
P.S. The pic is for the injured Shelley as it reminded me of her pony Pebs.
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