So, I went out to ride Rusty again today - armed with more knowledge and things to watch for. Thanks so much for everyone's advice and comments. We had a much better day. He lunged really well. Another boarder was there, so I asked her to help me watch him to see if she noticed anything unusual.
He was a little frisky at first, giving me a couple of crowhops and head tosses on the lunge. He quickly got over that. I worked him both ways for about 8-10 minutes each side.
I decided to ride english today because I feel much more comfortable in that saddle. I can get my leg on much better. Riding Rusty in a western saddle feels like I'm sitting on a barrel! My stubby legs don't like it as much.
We were able to do some longer trot sessions without too much ear pinning - I really made an effort to work on my leg position and not to get too far back. I also rode with a crop and two little smacks with the crop was enough to keep him in line. I got one little crowhop - but it was pretty half-hearted. We even managed to canter a circle (egg? rhomboid?) without too much trouble. Annnnd after about 20 minutes in the ring, we went out and trotted around the larger jumping ring. I can feel my confidence coming back in slow little drips. As I learn to trust Rusty a bit more, I'm sure we'll do really well together.
I'm really looking forward to my weekly lessons starting in November -I'm sure I will make a lot of progress with a good coach.
I had to post something to get that awful picture of me pushed down. Here is a picture of the little weanling foal at the barn. His name is Suede and he is pretty frisky most of the time., but I caught him sleeping in the sun in his hay pile...
8 comments:
Yay for Laura! (I laughed when I saw the post title)
And Suede looks adorable :)
Awww! That is just so great Laura!
What a funny title for your post, too.
I'm so happy for you that Rusty is helping bring back your confidance again. Yay!
I just trotted over here to tell you thanks for the wonderfully supportive and kind comments you left for me on my blog, concerning my son's injury.
It is much appreciated :)
Take Care,
Lisa
Good job. If you are more comfy im your english stick to it for awhile and then go back to your western.And the lessons will be great for both of you, having that extra set of eyes on the ground is always good.
Sounds like things are going well. I enjoyed seeing the pics of you riding Rusty. You have a lovely area to ride! I think My Appy boy does the same thing with his ears. If you look at most pictures of me riding, his ears are back. He always looks kind of cranky. It's nice to know that maybe he is just listening to me, not about to toss me! :)
Hey, I'm so glad that things are working out. Those appy's can really be a project, but once they work with you there;s nothing better. Keep on riding!
Congrats on your 1st point! Keep racking them up...sounds like Rusty was just trying to test you to see what he could get away with...
Here's to more and more confident, ear-forward rides!
Laura, I forgot to let you know that the ulcer/calming supplement that my mom is feeding Boon is a Frank Lamphley product.
That was not an awful picture of you and Rusty at all. You can't be too hard on yourself, gaining confidence after having a miserable horse takes time.
Good job! Glad you rides are improving - GREAT picture of the baby!
There is nothing wrong with that picture of you riding rusty - BTW he has a nice stride on him!
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