Monday, August 13, 2007

i need

a lesson onthe lunge, never mind molly!

i'm fine in walk. but seem to have lost trot altogether, even with the stirrups up a hole....it's as if i can't sink into it properly when out, but can in the arena, i don't understand at al....

felt most of today's ride as though i was perched - didn't feel as though i was sitting really deep at all. .....i could think i'm still getting getting used to the saddle, given the little riding i've done this year one way and another, but still and all...

molly was very good. stood still, when i asked her for one step forward so i could get on she did that and didn't move any further.

so i reckon we've really cracked that one (she says, touching wood!).

We went through the ford again going out following suzie, but she's not yet confident enough to take the lead through it, and to be fair it seemed a bit stronger today after yesterday's rain...but overall a nice ride, and we came back through the 20 acre and she was striding on ahead nicely and didn't even come to a halt at the site of the gate (open) in front of her (it's a narrow one..)

3 comments:

Jean said...

It's probably that Molly's trot is different outside, and because she is making balance adjustments according to the terrain, you have to make the adjustments too and just aren't quite up to speed yet.

I would suggest working in two point--galloping position--in the ring making sure your are keeping your leg properly under your body and then adding transitions within the gait and out of the gait--trot on, slow trot, trot on, etc. Trot/walk etc. You can use an old stirrup leather as a neck strap on Molly to help you stay up in two point as you work.

This should help you center yourself better, increase your strength, and help you find your balance. Then you can try the posting trot trying to maintain the same feel.

The stirrup neck strap can also help out on a hack. After a while you won't need it at all.

That ride sounds lovely. Wish I could go out with you. *sigh*

Claire said...

thanks jean.... i will try that (with my neck support on i think!!!! severe cervical spondylosis!). and the martingale stuff will do the job as a strap....

becoming very depressing though, you'd think i'd never ridden before the way i'm going at the minute!!! it's amazing what a lack of practice does....

Jean said...

Ouch! Trust me, I sympathize. My chriopractor is keeping my neck from getting worse. Last xrays didn't show any arthritic problems, but I surely do get the headaches, arm aches, and stiffness. So far, no numbness.

A neck collar/support is a really good idea when you are risking stress to that area. Just be careful.

And yes, sometimes even after a day or so off I have trouble getting with the riding rhythm. Some days it's just not fluid, so don't beat yourself up for being out of shape.

By the way, I think Rick's has the sticky breeches on sale again, but it looks like he only has large. The ones you have are a good fit?