Lesson 3 and I think somethings 'clicked'

[scattymare]

Well following my last lesson I've been feeling a bit despondent about things. As you know my aim is to relax my leg particularly from the thigh and re-develop my seat which seems to have evaded me following years of happy hacking - gripping in all the wrong places. So the last two weeks have been spent with my stirrups two holes longer and to work with no stirrups as much as possible and really relax. I have become aware of how tense my muscles are - not just riding but all the time - it's a subconcious thing that I am working on now.
Anyway so I have been really trying to acheive a little of what I felt two weeks ago but it just wasn't happening. I have just felt very insecure hacking and schooling in the field getting frustrated as I just didn't really know what I should be feeling. It's much harder without that person on the ground.
So anyway explained all this to Joanne today so we started in walk, no stirrups and worked on getting my leg back and under me - and relaxed at the same time. And there 'bing' lightbulb comes on Eddie is soft, I am in a position which feels totally unnatural, but I got it. Even though I couldn't sustain it for long, I was able to put myself back in the same place
Basically I have been sitting incorrectly for so long - rather than on my seatbones I have my bottom too far under me which is then pushing my legs forward. When sitting on my seatbones I felt as if I was positioned for a ski jump - though Joanne assured me I was actually now sitting up straight!
And despite not realising it my legs have become far more elaxed - my right leg particularly. I need to work more on my left.
Moving into trot was a similar performance. I need to keep moving my thigh out and back, even if just a few millimetres at a time.
We then had a wonderful canter on each rein. I seem to find it easy to relax in this gait - more so than walk even. I was holding the neckstrap with my inside hand and cantering a 20 metre circle using only my seat and outside rein to contain her - and she responds beautifully.
So I left feeling a lot more positive. I'm hoping I will be able to put it all into practice abit easier now.
And best news Joanne has said I can use her menage to school in - I think that makes such a difference than trying to do it in Eddies own field. I instantly feel her change slightly when we enter the menage - she knows what she's there to do!
Oh and J put my stirrups back up a hole - for now

[solomon]

Really great. A eureka moment eh? It is so lovely when things start to fall into place. I absolutely love having lessons and will always have them as long as I can afford it.

[fleabitten]

Thats great scatty. I think in between lessons its easy to get frustrated with what you are practicing. I stopped lessons and was in a bit of a rut with kieran and then i got a lesson and it gave me a new lease of life lol it just clicked, like you say. and brilliant that you are able to have the use of a nice arena! ;D

[racaille]

That's great! Funny how there is always something else/new to learn, isn't it?

[fimacg]

thats brilliant Scatty - I call these moments a flash of the blindingly obvious... i.e. its easy once you get it and you can't believe how you could miss it for so long.

Glad the lossons are going well.

[brigadier]

Well Scatty if its any consolation my riding seems to be going backwards! I seem to have lost the ability to control my upper body. When its good , Basil can relax and flow......but unfortunately its not happening often and he is sooooo sensitive! Its a divil when the horse is more intelligent! I do love those eureka moments though, and they are completely different with every horse you ride!

[scattymare]

Thats just it Brig thing, I can so see the difference it makes to Eddie when I am relaxed and positioned correctly. She softens and relaxes and is so responsive to my seat alone - when I use it correctly. I don't wish to 'do' dressage to a high level, but I do want to do what I can to make things more comfortable for her. It just gets frustrating when you feel like you're going backwards. But it's necessary to move forwards sometimes.
Me and S were laughing about it today as she is going through the same thing. We had a no stirrups moment and just took the pee - 'legs out, back and away, but keep them around the horse. Keep those heels down and RELAX that thigh. Now wheres your hands gone? Pick them up, don't let that thigh tense up. DO NOT move your bottom from the saddle or we start again. Now perform a treble somersault without taking your hands off the reins
It's nice to be able to compare notes with someone too. I do really like my instructor too. She has a way of making you feel much better about things whilst getting great results. And you beleive her when she reminds you that she's been there before and still goes back to basics sometimes.

[brigadier]

Thats it Scatty, always laugh about it, its so frustrating when its not happening which causes us to become tense so we can never get it, so its so important to laugh and relax. Actually think thats the most important lesson to learn. You see so many people worked up about something and their horses are miserab;le as a result, who wants to be like that?
I got the legs backs thing by practising it when hacking, towards the end when everything was warmed up and pliant. As a result my hip joint is quite amenable now.

[florence]

I love your attitude. Those eureka moments are great and make you feel so good for ages. I would really love to see the somersault!!

I had a bit of a pooey lesson. I need to work on my shoulders. When going into canter it made my shoulders come up, making me slightly forward at the top unsteadying the horse. Then the more I tried not to hunch the more I did. Managed not to panic and brought rushing confused horse back to walk before the bucking actually started. Aaarrggghhhhh!!

[kitcat]

It's great to hear that things are going so well for you and Eddie. I love lessons when things finally click. I also have problems with relaxing my legs so if anyone has any suggestions I would welcome them. It's so difficult when you can't practise between lessons.

[fleabitten]

kitcat - working without stirrups is good and concentrate on relaxing. probs be easier on the lunge so no need to worry about steering.

or trot and canter round in jumping position for a looong time. by this stage i guarantee you will not have the strength to tense up lol!!

[scattymare]

Kitkat my instructor also told me to get one of the big gym/pilates balls and just sit on it to strengthen my core muscles, and to practice squeezing and relaxing my muscles around the ball- beware though, see non horsey chat for my little accident!! They should come with a health warning!!