This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi All-
Just wanted to say how valuable photos of riding can be. Several pictures were taken of myself & Tommes in Turlock, and I noticed something... I'm always looking down! Consequently, Tommes' feet are tied up trying to figure out what his rider is telling him with her bizarre posture : ) I also notice that my grip on the reins is too tight, limiting his motion. Additionally, I seem to have my stirrups up too high, like a jockey. Gee, I never noticed these things from the saddle! So back to the drawing board... I took my stirrups down a notch, removed the breast collar which is I think too small (I'll buy another before we hit those steep trails), and convinced Tommes that arena work is FUN. Look up and relax those damn reins. Oops, I'm looking down again... oops, death grip on the reins... around and around till I get it right. I continued to practice "looking up" in my daily life. I discovered as a result of this exercise that I often walk looking at the ground. Don't know if it's my attitude or my nearsightedness. After 3 sessions of practice, Tommes & I had some nearly perfect trips around the arena. A nice forward walk and trot on the rail, figure 8, etc. What a difference it makes to sit up straight and see where I'm going, instead of looking at the ground or his ears! He is also listening better, since the reins are comfortable when he's doing the right thing, and my directions/corrections are as light as possible. Sweetie Jack purchased a video camera, which will be even more interesting to learn from. Do any of you use pictures or videos to critique yourself? Brigid in CA
