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Post by SuzieP on Jan 29, 2011 20:54:17 GMT -1
Yep - that's the one I use. But I bought it secondhand from a friend.
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Post by SuzieP on Jan 30, 2011 21:04:14 GMT -1
Had another really good bareback session today! And I cantered and didn't fall off!!! Wheeeeeeeeeee  I got a great book for my birthday called 101 Schooling Exercises for horse and rider. Each exercise is graded according to level (beginner, prelim, novice etc) and has diagrams, explanations, what to look out for and how to correct it, and how to take each exercise a step further. Today we worked on staying soft through transitions. Bea hollows and resists during transitions and I wanted to get to the bottom of it. We only did 20 minutes, but by the end we were both getting the idea. I found that I tend to give the contact away and get too "busy" during upward transitions and this unsettles Bea, and I rely too much on the reins during downward transitions which makes him hollow because he's uncomfortable. When I corrected both of these and prepared him more for downward transitions with my seat and legs instead of reins he responded immediately. He was so on the aids that I thought we might be ready for a little canter - and off we went! Yayyyyy! BIG pats and praise and a digestive biscuit for my boy. I was exhausted and coughing afterwards - but it was great to ride again. |
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Post by harveydales on Jan 31, 2011 5:56:12 GMT -1
Brilliant Sue! Sound slike the 2 of you are making great progress and having lot of fun together too.  |
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Post by benjismum on Feb 1, 2011 18:34:20 GMT -1
Nice one, I bet it was worth the exhaustion and coughing. Are you schooling him on your own or with an instructor?
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Post by SuzieP on Feb 1, 2011 19:20:29 GMT -1
On my own at the mo. I've had to stop lessons for the time being because of financial pressures. So now I'm working on my own, with occasional lessons to give me pointers. The 101 schooling exercises will help to give the sessions a bit of structure and I have a clear idea of what I want to achieve.
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Post by benjismum on Feb 2, 2011 17:59:12 GMT -1
oh wow I'm really impressed, I don't think I would have the determination to do this bareback on my own, it would be too easy to say 'ow it hurts' and get off; particularly doing downward transitions with your back and seat - that takes some doing with a saddle - never mind bareback!
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Post by SuzieP on Feb 2, 2011 18:03:09 GMT -1
LOL! Well I'm pretty determined - I very much want to do more dressage this year and won't get better marks until we're working in a softer outline. It's hard for both of us - being of mature years now - but I think we're getting there. Mind you, it's one thing working sensibly and softly at home! Once we get to a competition Bea usually grows a hand and turns into a giraffe LOL.
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Post by benjismum on Feb 2, 2011 18:14:25 GMT -1
It's hard for both of us - being of mature years now - but I think we're getting there. oh I just know what it's like trying to do dressage in your 'mature years', every supposedly simple exercise seems to bring on an ache in a different part of your body, my chiropractor can't understand why I don't take up knitting!!  |
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Post by SuzieP on Feb 2, 2011 19:38:02 GMT -1
 Knitting just ain't the same is it? I ached so much when I first took up bareback, especially my tummy, waist and legs. But it's fine now I've learned to go with Bea's movement and my balance has improved. No gain without pain eh? I think the most striking thing about riding bareback and being in better balance is how much it has freed Bea up and how responsive he is now to the aids. Even under saddle he's better. It just goes to show how much I was blocking his movement before.
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Post by benjismum on Feb 4, 2011 17:32:31 GMT -1
I think the most striking thing about riding bareback and being in better balance is how much it has freed Bea up and how responsive he is now to the aids. Even under saddle he's better. It just goes to show how much I was blocking his movement before. Just shows how much we affect them without realising doesn't it?, but its lovely when that eureka moment comes and we know how to improve things, nice one. |
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