This is actually a post about lead changes, which I am definitely not famous for, at least in any good way.
Our lesson started with a very grumpy pony, who just couldn't even. Couldn't bend, couldn't do shoulder in, definitely could not make transitions from shoulder in. Eventually, she remembered dressage is a thing and got to work. Once we had our basics reestablished, we spent the remainder of our ride doing some figure eights.
As for the exercise, ride Bridget in as collected and balanced a canter as I can on about a 15m circle, then trot, change bend, and canter on the new circle. Repeat forever and ever. Focus is on balanced and accurate transitions, keeping the trot steps to a minimum and having pony on my aids throughout - any time she ran through it was down to walk, enforce the bend/softness, and immediately back to canter. Midge thought the hardest part of the exercise was bending in a new direction quite so quickly. I found the hardest part was remembering to keep the down transitions forward and organized, I am lazy about dropping her a little and allowing her to pull my upper body forward.
Overall, it went super well, and is the next logical exercise from all those 20m canter 4-5 strides, trot 1, repeat until you want to die circles we do every lesson. It's an excellent exercise for keeping me organized and planning ahead, and also keeping the pony honest between leg and hand.
As a final note, thank you for the words of encouragement on our big goals post! I'm not sure I'm a believer yet, but it's super flattering and motivating to have you all believing in us!
Way to keep motivated!
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling a little now, but so far we're staying mostly on track :)
DeleteFigure 8's for the win!
ReplyDeleteSuch a simple exercise, and so helpful!
Deletesounds like a good exercise - active enough to keep the horse thinking
ReplyDeleteExactly. we reversed directed and added extra circles etc so she was constantly thinking.
DeleteThis is a great reminder that I should try this exercise. Maybe this weekend -- thank you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I like that it's such a simple pattern but it really shows our weak spots.
DeleteI think I'll try this once I'm back and able to ride. Nothing like being out of town at a horse show to make me want to ride my pony ;)
ReplyDeleteI loved your recap! I would totally trade a weekend away from my pony for a weekend with ALL the dressage ponies! :)
DeleteI like the exercise! I am pretty famous for doing things the hard way too, I feel you :)
ReplyDeleteSweet! I love meeting other celebrities ;)
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