It was either the wind, the coming storm, or a combination of both that had both Max and Gali in a tizzy this afternoon.
Gali turned up sound this weekend, so I hopped on more than excited to ride. I really focused on riding every step and not letting him disable my outside aids, and after a few reminders about what an outside leg means (GIT. OVER. HORSE.) he began to make circles, instead of eggs. His head carriage was a lot more stable tonight, and his back was most definitely up in the uppest of ways - I lost count at 8 bucks during our canters today.
This is more a quick note to myself than anything else, because I want to remember to keep my inside leg from sliding forward - when I could feel him underneath my calf, he was more likely to step up and stretch out. I also need to get quicker on my releases when he gives at the trot, remembering the advice from Lendon that if I need to use my reins, use them in bumps, not constantly. I tried to remember that tonight, and there was a clear difference in Gali's performance when I asked instead of nagged. Oh, and as always, both of us need to slow the tempo significantly coming back from the canter.
I was at that Lendon clinic! I was only auditing, but still... small world, huh?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Gali is sound. The weather has been silly this winter: windy, rainy, blech. But I won't complain, it could be worse!
Wow, I had no idea you were there! Did you catch my ride? What did you think?
DeleteAnd yeah... the weather has been wonky, but at least it's been fairly warm.
Honestly, I don't really remember. :( There were so many rides! I do remember that there was only one ride that was really cringe-worthy, but that was a chestnut Warmblood, so not you. *lol*
DeleteI was actually really impressed with the quality of the horses and riders I saw there. South Jersey has a bad reputation for dressage, but I think we got it going on! Lendon is really great to audit, too. I actually prefer to audit her clinics rather than ride! She's really good at talking to the audience.
My little farm is about 15 minutes from Acadia Farm (hosted the Lendon Clinic) and I'm good friends with the owners. They're planning many more clinics, fix-a-tests and discussion groups this year. It's really exciting!
I was the last ride - Gali kept taking off, Lendon kept yelling "Stop him, stop him, STOP HIM!". He also changed directions on me a few times.
DeleteI wish I were closer to that farm - it was lovely and I would enjoy riding in their events. Unfortunately, I'm about an hour away :(
I do remember that one! I was in and out (socializing), so I didn't see everything, but Gali certainly gave you a run for your money that day, didn't he! I always think it's better when a horse behaves poorly in a lesson, because then you get real feedback. You handled it well, and were fairly effective in implementing Lendon's advice.
DeleteThe chestnut Warmblood was "cringe-worthy" because the rider just sat there the whole time and never even tried to do anything. You were trying, that's for sure!
I don't think you ever really achieve a "breakthrough" in lessons. The real breakthroughs happen when you're all by yourself in the ring, thinking about that lesson, and then suddenly it all clicks. You get it, your horse gets it, and there is absolutely no one there to see it. And you think to yourself, "Dammit! I wish so-and-so were to see this now!".
I don't usually ride in the clinics, either. I prefer to audit. If you want to come down, I'll save you a seat!