Riding Journal by D.O.G. ~ 8th Lesson, Canter,Bareback,Plow Reining!!!

[redtailgal]

What was the weather like today?

I have always found that on cooler, clear sky days horses have a little more "spring" to their step.

 

[Dreaming Of Goats]

What was the weather like today?

I have always found that on cooler, clear sky days horses have a little more "spring" to their step.

Today was a cool 60 degree day, which has been the warmest in a few days, so that may be the reason.

Other than riding, I really love hanging with these goofy animals they each have their own little personalities and you can see Dreamer is beginning to trust me. She will now, finally, let me pick up her back feet. And she's beginning to listen to me pretty well also.

 

[Dreaming Of Goats]

I had another lesson today! I did E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. myself when tacking up, which was pretty exciting! Then I warmed her up a bit, cantered, and after a while, I decided to try working on my posting but she did NOT want to trot. After a while, I gve up, and started practicing going from a walk to a canter. Boy, can she go from 0-60 in 2 seconds! After a while, I switched to bareback, and then I walked and trotted- a little. Then I began to do some direct reining, because I was curious to see if she would remember! She did! I liked it better than neck reining, but at a canter I don't think I would have the balance to direct (or plow) rein. So, it was a good lesson.

ETA: I forgot the H in my EVERYTHING

 

[Dreaming Of Goats]

Oh, we also took out the measuring tape to measure exactly how tall they are. Dreamer is 14.3 hands, and Challenger is 15.2 hands. It's amazing how 3 inches makes such a difference!

 

[Ms. Research]

Sounds like you had an excellent lesson. Good for you. Can't wait to hear what you do at the next lesson.

K

 

[Dreaming Of Goats]

Thanks! Next lesson, if doing corral work again, I might have my dad videotape it

 

[Dreaming Of Goats]

Just an update... I have been taking these lessons just about every weekend now, but took a huge break over december/january. I've mastered controlling Dreamer, and we've had really good lessons the last few times. The things I have been working on are: heels down, sitting deeper in the saddle, keeping my hands still while posting the trot, and really sitting well in the canter. I'm still riding western.
We can't go on any trail rides as of now because Challenger came up lame, giving my instructor no horse to ride.
This summer I plan on taking formal english riding lessons at a local barn, so I can eventually do some eventing. Until then, I ride Dreamer. And, once my family can no longer afford these lessons, I plan on riding Dreamer english instead of western for practice.

 

[elevan]

We've missed hearing from you D.o.G.!

 

[Dreaming Of Goats]

Thanks! School has been really busy and stressful recently, especially with the algebra haha! I have to take a little time off to go visit Joy and her two new babies soon!

 

[Dreaming of Eventing]

Wow. It truly is fantastic reading through this journal and seeing how I have matured- Personality and Riding!

I have been taking formal english riding lessons since the beginning of the summer and have learned so much and love my new barn!!! I've now been really working on gripping with my calves and seat and not just flopping around like I used to. I've also improved a lot and my instructor tells me I have a natural seat and my leg position is pretty good. She said I'm very advanced for the amount of riding I've done. I have walked, trotted, and cantered in my lessons and am really focusing on cantering transitions and keeping my butt in the saddle and letting my hips move with the horse. I plan to do my first event Junior year!

Also, I have not forgotten about my beloved old mare dreamer! She was a true saint for putting up with my previous riding style. I now cringe looking through these photos! However, I would never change how I started and that little mare is a true confidence builder. I still ride Dreamer from time to time now, english. Her saddle is actually in my room for cleaning and conditioning! She is fantastic english, and now that I actually know how to direct rein she remembers everything. Her canter is still as smooth as ever.

Thought everyone would like an update! (By the way, this is Dreaming of Goats but I changed my email so I couldn't retrieve my old password )