private lesson
So because of Good Friday, I ended up having a private lesson on Rachel last Friday.
It was *HARD*.
We actually didn't even do any cantering. But Marty had me in sitting trot almost the entire time. Rachel has an annoying habit of leaning on the bit and making you carry her head. She also doesn't use her hind legs effectively. So that is what we worked on. I had to kick with my legs or give her a smack with the whip (Marty made me carry two dressage whips, one in each hand) but I wasn't allowed to let Rachel go any faster. The idea was to make her use the energy to bring her hind legs further under her, and her neck and head up. This involved using many harsh half halts on the reins as well; not just little squeezes, but all out yanks. I didn't want to yank around on the poor thing's mouth, but wow, what a difference when I did. A much bouncier, forward trot, without being uncomfortable, and without her just charging/plowing forward.
That is pretty much all we did. It was a tough lesson for both me and Rachel. She got a thorough hosing down afterwards.
No lessons this week because of the show. Sadness. I decided not to do the show. I just don't feel ready. When I can reliably get a horse to canter, I'll go for it. Until then, I'll just go and watch.
It was *HARD*.
We actually didn't even do any cantering. But Marty had me in sitting trot almost the entire time. Rachel has an annoying habit of leaning on the bit and making you carry her head. She also doesn't use her hind legs effectively. So that is what we worked on. I had to kick with my legs or give her a smack with the whip (Marty made me carry two dressage whips, one in each hand) but I wasn't allowed to let Rachel go any faster. The idea was to make her use the energy to bring her hind legs further under her, and her neck and head up. This involved using many harsh half halts on the reins as well; not just little squeezes, but all out yanks. I didn't want to yank around on the poor thing's mouth, but wow, what a difference when I did. A much bouncier, forward trot, without being uncomfortable, and without her just charging/plowing forward.
That is pretty much all we did. It was a tough lesson for both me and Rachel. She got a thorough hosing down afterwards.
No lessons this week because of the show. Sadness. I decided not to do the show. I just don't feel ready. When I can reliably get a horse to canter, I'll go for it. Until then, I'll just go and watch.