Friday, June 25, 2010

Back In The Saddle

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.

4 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. Bonnie sounds very responsive. Glad you had a good ride, and got fans hung up - yeay hubby!

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  3. Sounds 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?

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  4. Sounds 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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Happy Trails!

~Jeni