Sixth lesson done..... gradual improvement.

LyndaB

LyndaB

Member
Jul 1, 2017
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South Australia
Greetings everyone from Australia. Had my sixth lesson today, having one per week. Gradual improvements noticed, getting on easier, getting off - well lets say that's a work in progress.
Have been able to walk, trot, and did weaving, and trotting over poles. Buddy had one pole that was about 4 inches of the ground, was supposed to trot over it - yeah right, he walked over it every time we got there, then eventually was trotting well, and we headed to the pole on last time round - did he trot over it? No, he decided to JUMP over it - that was a first for me. Even though it was a very little jump, glad it was.
Then on the last round of the arena again going well, and he is hard to get going, but trotting around and then he goes into a canter - how did I do that? No idea, but I stayed on - that's another first. Other times he was so difficult to get moving, was too keen to get back to his food. Buddy loves food. (hes not starving)
I got my RI to video me last couple of minutes, helpful to watch later. And took some pictures. When I remember how to load them I will put them up here.
lesson number six

lesson number six

Arena rather wet, picture a bit dark.
 
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Reactions: umathehorse, GaryB, Trewsers and 1 other person
Glad you are being patient and things are progressing.
Just a word from an older lady on this Forum about getting off problems. I cant remember how old you are but in the UK it is generally thought safer (and is in the Pony Club Handbook) for riders who have a problem dismounting to use the foot in the stirrup method (Cavalry dismount) where you put weight in the left stirrup and stand up on it, giving you the height to swing your right leg over the back of the saddle. You need to take care you dont bend the left knee and it is generally recommended to have someone hold your horse so he doesnt wander off while you are doing it.
It is the same as getting on. Only in reverse and if you search this forum you will find posts here discussing it.
I was taught it at my second lesson by my first RI when a very experienced rider in his 80s returned from a hack and fell onto the stones of the yard when dismounting. I wonder whether your RI has considered this? My OH and I would never have learned to ride in old age without using this cavalry / granny dismount.
 
Thanks @Skib I am 61 years young (ha ha). Yes one of ladies at work mentioned that way, I haven't tried it yet. I am on Fanta next week, she is a little smaller so see how it goes. Will talk to RI re using this technique. I don't have an issue getting on, seems to be just getting off, and I attribute that to now knowing how far to slide down (cant see ground so unknown but its something I am working on) I even took a tape measure and measured the distance to ground from saddle (ha ha), and practice at the gym of jump boxes.
I will be happy to be able to walk; trot and canter, maybe just little jumps. To be able to learn the emergency dismount if needed. Currently riding once per week, maybe one day I can afford to do twice a week. :) Thanks for all the support.
 
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