Back in the Saddle Stage 1

Today was the third time I’ve ridden in the last four days. I’ve been out of the saddle for 7 weeks, since Leila tossed me off Memorial Day weekend. It’s taken that long to heal. And then Leila got a girth gall last week, then a bout of allergy -related problems. So.I’ve been sitting on … Continue reading →

Skyhook

Consists of: Weight on tendons on pelvis Weight sinking down into heels Spine growing upwards Half halt supported by front of thighs and knee rolls Continue reading →

Get to Her Feet

This was our last lesson of the summer. It’s been so wonderful to work on my riding, knowing that I wasn’t going to get too far off track, that Tanya could stop mistakes as they began to develop. There is one thing that I seemed to make almost no progress on: immediately establishing a consistent … Continue reading →

Last Tanya Lesson of Summer

I really feel as if we have progressed a lot this summer. Today felt as if we had moved up a level. I incorporated some things from Sue Berrill: sitting on my tendons; using the saddle flaps to support my half halts. And I worked on including the Skyhook – good move! Tanya had me … Continue reading →

THF Adult Camp Day 4

Jumping with Sue Same exercise as yesterday with Denny. This time I stayed in half seat for the entire exercise. Leila was much quieter to the rail. She was still strong to the cross rail. Then I switched to a “nip” quick light jerks on the rein, followed by a release. I started the nips … Continue reading →

More, Sooner

Today (Sunday) I especially got right to business. Leila was rhythmic and round by 7 minutes into the ride. Apparently I had put on my big girl pants before I went to the barn. When she lifted her head and hollowed, I checked the motion of my arms, and the position of my seat. Was … Continue reading →

Lifting Aids

What does “lifting aids” mean to me? It means that I am trying to elevate Leila’s front end. I’m trying to do this by: sinking my weight into my heels flattening my back electrifying my elbows lifting my abs while sitting vertically perhaps placing my lower legs closer to her shoulders   Continue reading →

Tom Davis Flat Lesson

We had a really good lesson with Tom Davis. I think he complements time is approach and at the same time works on something totally different without contradicting what I’m trying to accomplish with Tanya. Main points included: work on a small circle at this time. Alternate between bending (inside leg to outside hand) and … Continue reading →

No Spoiled Horses at Taylor Farm!

This is how I want all my horses to look when I am done riding them. What a compliment Leila has given me! What did I do to deserve this? I moved my legs back and down, twerked my left hip, and kept the communication going every step. Continue reading →

How it Actually Transpired

So I thought about finishing an aid, (along with whatever that actually means. Perhaps the take, followed by a give, and set-up for the next aid?). That slowed down my actions a bit. This was good – it gave Leila time to process a single request instead of a barrage. I worked at using my … Continue reading →