8 months into my new discipline
As you may or may not remember, I posted about switching barns (for the very first time) and disciplines at the end of this past summer. I came from about 12 years at a barn that was eventing/dressage geared. While I had only ever participated in one recognized event I Pony Clubbed when I was younger and did eventing and dressage rallies. Anyhow, I had a lot of pretty typical riding issues that I've been battling over the past few years. I think some of them had to do with me just being pretty tall. I'm 5'11. I can have a hard time controlling my back and legs.
The biggest thing I've realized over my past months with a new trainer is that there is a SERIOUS difference in how people can teach basically the same thing. I am only riding once a week (as opposed to 2-5 times at the previous place) but I feel like I am legit learning 10 times more because this lady can teach so, so much better. I've totally crushed a lot of my old bah habits and have greatly improved issues that I am still working on.
Some of my major issues were lower leg security. My lower leg would not stay still. I realize now this is because my last coach was trying to get my leg into a pretty impossible positions. There was no way I could've had a quiet leg the way I was. I also have always had issues with keeping my back straight -- not roached -- over fences. I also bent at the waist or mid back, instead of folding at the hips. My legs are pretty much solid now. They don't get mentioned often. My back is pretty straight now... I'd say like 80% of my fences I had a straight back. I am still dealing with folding enough over the fence. I tend to want to be too straight up over fences.
So here's a video from today's lesson. The horse is a draft cross mare, 9 years old. She is tricky to get going forward and staying like that. Basically lazy. She is also resistant to bending... which you'll see. We're going to focus more on that now since I've gotten past her "initiation phase" where she really gives you a hard time about everything. We're on a good terms now. lol
Just wanted to share... but feel free to offer an advice. I have a very reputable coach and lesson weekly... so I don't need anyone to take it upon themselves to dissect my riding. I am aware of a lot more stuff than I mentioned above. Just keeping it brief.
FYI too, the mare does not do flying changes. Which is fine right now because I don't either. lol If you see my looking down that's me double checking her lead and changing it if necessary.