Yesterday I dragged my husband to the barn with me. His job was to install fans in the girls stalls. He did a great job getting Rosie's high enough that she should not chew the top off it like she did last year.
I talked him into letting me have an hour to ride Bonnie. I was very please with MY performance. I asked Jim to watch my hands and he said he noticed a marked difference. Much less movement and stiffness. He said the word "natural" to him. Now keep in mind he's not a horse person so he was comparing from previous rides.
I used no contact on bit, pushed with my seat and balance until she went round and through with the hind end. Then I made contact just until my belly muscles engaged. I was very happy that I was able to do this reliably almost every time I tried.
I think I've had a break through!
After that I wanted to go for a short trail ride. Bonnie was trimmed yesterday and he did bring her up a bit shorter then normal, but she's had LOTS of hoof growth. In the arena sand she was not tender at all, but she took a step onto the drive way and she very clearly told me her feet were sore and could we please walk on the grass.
I turned her around and went back to the barn letting her pick her path.
Sounds like a wonderful session! Sometimes non-horse-people can be very perceptive, because they have no preconceptions and if they're observant, can see things horse people might miss.
ReplyDeleteBonnie sounds very responsive. Glad you had a good ride, and got fans hung up - yeay hubby!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great ride with Bonnie. I am also going through a phase in my riding where I feel like I'm progressing again after awhile in limbo. Feels great, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteSounds as though you are doing really good with control by muscles -- very neat to be able to ride that way. I am sure it is much better for the horse, and a bit of a toning exercise for you! I should work on that...
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