Learning to ride
I've started taking riding lessons from cee_gee - horseback riding lessons, that is. Started on the western saddle, just walking, and bouncing out of the saddle at an easy jog. Second lesson in the western saddle I felt like I'd accomplished something, getting comfortable at the walk, getting him to actually follow leg-directions and reins (halter, not bridle). Even took it up to an easy jog semi-trot with the western saddle and I got a few successful posts. Don't ask me what diagonal I'm on, and half the time I lead with my shoulders, but I was learning and making progress. Then this most recent lesson we switched to the english saddle. I can walk, and that's about it. I just don't feel stable in the english stirrups, I guess. Feet slip out at inopportune times, like when he finally decides to pick up the trot. Posting is supposed to be easier in an english saddle, right? When I try to post, I pitch forward. Still learning, still getting control of my body I guess.
Weight/balance question for any riders out there: why is it that when I'm in a two-point, I feel more stable and secure with my hands behind me in the small of my back than with my hands in front of me or at my sides? Makes it awful hard to steer (of course, I can't quite steer with my legs from a two-point yet). Is it a leg/foot position issue?
Also have been re-learning to ride my motorpickle, thanks to the TO audits and the skill test practice with macavite I'm reacquainting myself with skills that I hadn't realized I was rusty on. Had fun on the skill test practice, though. Even if I did kick over the cone in the sharp corner, and my wheelbase is ugly for the offset cone weave.
Weight/balance question for any riders out there: why is it that when I'm in a two-point, I feel more stable and secure with my hands behind me in the small of my back than with my hands in front of me or at my sides? Makes it awful hard to steer (of course, I can't quite steer with my legs from a two-point yet). Is it a leg/foot position issue?
Also have been re-learning to ride my motorpickle, thanks to the TO audits and the skill test practice with macavite I'm reacquainting myself with skills that I hadn't realized I was rusty on. Had fun on the skill test practice, though. Even if I did kick over the cone in the sharp corner, and my wheelbase is ugly for the offset cone weave.