I've been having lessons with my Mary Wanless (RWYM) instructor for 3 years now. She has had to deal with a novice rider and a "severely remedial" pony, as those of you who have been around a while will know! But this year begins to feel a bit different.
My biggest issue as a rider is giving way - hollowing my back and letting go with my hands (see the "How much does contact weigh" thread I started today).
Ziggy's issues were hollowing his back, lifting his head and zooming off with me, which he could do at any pace, including walk.
Mary Wanless describes a horse and rider in harmony as "well stuffed" - like new stuffed toys, their bodies full of energy and muscle tone. This year I've begun to realise how much my energy was leaking, and how much I need to keep it contained.
When I get it right, Ziggy doesn't get away from me at all. And he is quite happy about that! Instead of a whizzy trot we get a nice little trot at the speed I want, with perky ears and a relaxed mouth and neck. If he starts badly - too fast - I can correct it by checking that my back is straight and my torso and thighs strong, keeping my hands steady, and sitting on him firm and square. Then he comes back to me, ears and all.
It feels absolutely extraordinary to be able to make such a change in him without kicking, pulling or jabbing - just being strong and consistent.
This year I am going to help him to learn to soften to the bit and hope we can take the next step!
My biggest issue as a rider is giving way - hollowing my back and letting go with my hands (see the "How much does contact weigh" thread I started today).
Ziggy's issues were hollowing his back, lifting his head and zooming off with me, which he could do at any pace, including walk.
Mary Wanless describes a horse and rider in harmony as "well stuffed" - like new stuffed toys, their bodies full of energy and muscle tone. This year I've begun to realise how much my energy was leaking, and how much I need to keep it contained.
When I get it right, Ziggy doesn't get away from me at all. And he is quite happy about that! Instead of a whizzy trot we get a nice little trot at the speed I want, with perky ears and a relaxed mouth and neck. If he starts badly - too fast - I can correct it by checking that my back is straight and my torso and thighs strong, keeping my hands steady, and sitting on him firm and square. Then he comes back to me, ears and all.
It feels absolutely extraordinary to be able to make such a change in him without kicking, pulling or jabbing - just being strong and consistent.
This year I am going to help him to learn to soften to the bit and hope we can take the next step!
