I had another great lesson on Sunday morning. I rode . Since I'm used to much more eager to move horses in my Morgans, I think it's good for me to work on a lazier horse, Knight. He cracks me up though, and it's nice to be on such a well behaved guy.
Anyway, during my lesson a young lady brought her Warmblood out to work. Let me just say that normally, I feel like a pretty competent rider. With this Dressage thing, I'm finding that I have A LOT to learn, I feel like a fish out of water; like a total newbie. While the girl and her horse were sailing around the ring - gracefully gliding about - half passing and doing other fancy dressage moves (Soon I will know the correct terminology), I struggled with a sitting trot. A SITTING TROT. The girl held a conversation with my instructor as she adeptly maneuvered a canter pirouette (that's what it's called, right?). She circled around on her gorgeous horse, while I could barely get Knight's head set - I bounced around at a normal sitting trot (nothing fancy, big or fast) and felt ridiculous compared to this amazing rider. I wonder if I'll ever be able to do that? I like that I have so much to learn though, it's really fun and I have the sore abs to prove that I'm working hard at that sitting trot. Here's the thing about that sitting trot though, even though my butt didn't move out of the saddle, I still felt like I was a floppin'. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I gallumped past it, and I looked akin to a sack of potatoes.
How in the world to you sit a trot like this? I may never know.
I still really like this barn. T, my instructor, is open to all breeds and in fact, she gives dressage lessons to a woman who owns a Tennesee Walking Horse. I saw it with my own two eyes :).
I know these updates are probably boring, but I'm excited about the lessons and I want to share them with someone. Rather than boring the poo out of B with my confusing tales, I figure I can share with those who can choose whether they want to read this, or not. :)
4 comments:
not boring at all (your blog is one of my faves!).
You know lately "dressage" is a word on my mind. maybe its from all the dressage/eventing blogs. Or maybe its thinking that its a good base for bringing up a baby horse? But it may be something I want to get into at some point... but I love the hunters! Can I do both? hmmm...
all that to say, I like hearing your take on learning a new discipline after years of being a horse woman. You are very humble. i like your perspective!
Not boring at all! Learning something new is awesome and frustrating at the same time!
I am excited to start learning Dressage!
I've been reading your blog tonight (at work... shh! don't tell!) and I love it!
I grew up in Michigan, so it's fun to read about the different shows you attended, like the shows at MSU. :)
I also took my very first riding lesson on a Morgan. His name was Macho and he was so much fun to ride. Later in my horsey life I had the opportunity to ride two other Morgans, Bunny and Apollo. I've always loved Morgans. They're gorgeous and versatile for sure.
Your post about your favorite childhood toys really took me back. I had Fashion Star Fillies too but had totally forgot about them!
Sorry, I'm rambling... just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your blog.
It's great that you are trying your hand at dressage! Of course I am biased, but I believe it is the basis of all other disciplines, and having that secure seat that you develop flatwork/'dressage' makes the world of difference to the ease of anything else you do on a horse's back.
Just keep working at it, you will get the sitting trot soon! Don't get bogged down if you can't get it as quick as you would like... It took me 10 years to be satisfied with my position, and even now I am making corrections everyday. Every rider does, even Anky and Isabell. The work on the seat and position is a never-ending job.
And to answer your question of how would anyone be able to sit to that amazing trot? Easy, the horse is 'through' and supple and carries you with his back, so there is actually no bounciness and you can glide along smoothly with it.
Good luck!
Post a Comment