improving my riding - help!!

[suzii]

I am a really novicey rider, although I've been riding for years! I have only been at a riding school so haven't gained enough experience. One thing that is bad is my seat! I don't really have one!!!! It's completely not independent and I think it may be where the problem stems from. It's really annoying me because I know what I should be doing to be better but I can't do it (I can talk the talk but can't walk the walk!!!!)

I was wonder if there was any excersises that may helps me that you guys know of. And anybody got any ideas on how to gain experience??

[maximum]

change riding schools!

seriously they should be working on that. I would suggest lunge lessons to work on your seat. a few months of working without stirrups on the lunge will drastically improve your seat.

I would also suggest a riding holiday/intensive course. I have found that people come on leaps and bounds by 5 days of riding for 2-3 hours a day compared to 1 hour every week for years. where abouts are you?

you could also try seeing if anyone wants help hacking out etc with their horses?

[suzii]

Yeh I am hacking out some peoples horses but their more like donkeys!! (but still totally adorable!) the one that isn't a donkey, I am concentrating so hard on getting her to do what i want that I don't really think much!! I'm in south bucks, riding holl/course thing sounds good but I'm only 13 so don't know if anywhere will take me by myself (don't blame them lol!!)

Thanks

[maximum]

theres loads of places do childrens holidays.! since I dont know england well I cant help with any nearish you but there are others here who can!

[racaille]

Wheal Buller in Cornwall ... no personal experience, obviously, but have talked to teenagers who thought it was fab.
And Suzii, you're still only 13 so you have plenty of time. Great that you know what you should be working on - your club should be helping you with this as Maxi says. And yes, working without stirrups is the way ... grooo.... ;D

[haffyfan]

I used to love going to North Humberside Riding centre in Easington, Hull as a child (think my parents couldn't wait to be rid of me the amount of times I went ;D). They still do hols for unaccompanied kids.....you would have a ball!

www.spurnpoint.com/North_Humberside_Riding_Centre.htm

[brigadier]

Hi Suzzi
like everyone says- lots of work without stirrups, try to let your leg hang down and back a little- like a wet dishcloth hanging over the saddle, then use the inside of your calves to instruct the horse, your legs should have no tension in them- the position is not forced at all. It may hurt you hip joint at first but this will be just a bit of stiffness. Off the horse work on side leg raises to free up the hips. Stand like a ballerina with the wall or a rail for support and lift your whole leg out to the side, this may hurt again but do it gradually and equal on both sides, make sure it is just the leg you lift- dont compensate by twisting your back. you need to do this exercise everyday for the rest of your life!!!!!!
brig

[suzii]

I've been to Wheal Buller and like you say - its sooo much fun!! I hope to go again this year. Thats for the advice, keep it coming lol!!

[duckles]

Horse camp/holiday sounds a really good idea. And the excersises that Brigadier suggests (which i am going to start doing myself!) Other than that, what about Pony Club? Have you one in your area? You know, your probably a lot better rider than you think and I think the fact that you are analysing your faults and actively trying to improve them makes me think that you are.