It’s all about me… March 24, 2008
Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse)
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I had a great lesson today on Tigs — he was very well-behaved and it was our first mellow ride in about 3 weeks. It was nice just to let go and relax. My trainer took this opportunity to work on my position and to start re-thinking how I use the reins with him. Tigger is under the impression that a release means “go”, where I want a release to mean “stay as you are”. There will be a little bit of re-training there. It was really weird to have the lesson be all about me…
I’m pretty sore after my last two runs. Tomorrow I will be heading to the gym to try and loosen up a bit.
And now, a bit of horse eye-candy:
(This is Tigger at the clinic, just before we went in to ride. See how calm he looks? Yay!)
Comments
Your clinic sounded very fruitful. I understand about the rein issue–I grew up riding Western (I was a rodeo cowgirl as a youngster) so reins were used as the main form of stop/go instead of a place for the horse to go to and recycle the energy back. I had to retrain myself as you are. My trainer took a bucking strap and hooked it on the two loops in the front of the english saddle and I had to hold onto that along with my reins. The strap was of the perfect length to keep my hands in position no matter what the horse was doing. I couldn’t move them forward or back except for a tiny bit. I used it mostly when riding on my own since no one was watching and it helped me retrain my brain to keep my hands in one place and use my body to talk to my mare. Good luck and what a gorgeous pic.
Hi Kim,
I just discovered your blog - finally someone who rides AND runs. I know lots of runners, and lots of riders, but I was feeling a little lonesome on my own doing both. And given both of our geeky backgrounds (I’m a biochem major) it’s nice to “meet” you!
I had a great ride like yourself yesterday, we too are working on what rein contact means and when it’s ok to go and when it’s not too. I’m training for the TC10K at the end of April so running and riding are high on my agenda these days. Good luck with your training and I really enjoy reading your blog
Amanda: Nice to meet you too! Keep me posted on your riding and running! I’d love to hear more!
What a pretty boy, posing for the camera. Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear you’re back on track. Its been a while since I’ve read, and things sound so much better. Spring, even if it is snowing, helps!