Deuce and I are starting to get the bending and the rounding in better consistency We still have a ways to go but... I can see the progress now and its good.
Tonight was another lesson with Erin. She first had us work on some flat and she started getting after my position and getting quite technical! Ah! I am a member of the Horsemasters - an adult member of the United State Pony Club and one of our goals this year is to work towards certifications .. which have certain riding and horsemanship standards. So.. riding position is one of those and she's helping us get it right!
But honestly its a really good thing. I have gotten into some bad habits and a better position and technique make a better rider... and a better horse! And that was the case tonight for sure!
Hands up, elbows bent and soft.... Heels stretched way down, chin up, shoulders back... and tah dah! Deuce is round, soft and lovely!!! Now if I can do it all by myself for more than 2 strides... haha. We'll get it...
Then we did some jumping in the grid. My goal was to get Deuce manageable 2 strides after the last jump. He has been taking off and diving into the gate at the end or sorta scrambling around the turn and struggling to balance. Not so good.
We have been working over a small cross rail on a circle the past week and I think that has really helped us develop our half halts and balancing before and after a jump.
So back to grid... it totaly worked! 2 - 3 strides after our landing off the grid I looked left or right and used a bit of outside rein and inside leg and got a nice rocked back controlled turn! Now I have to remember not to anticipate the turn and inadvertenly back him off his forward momentum through the grid. And still keep my elbows soft, chin up, shoulder back, hands up, etc.... we are getting there!
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