Yes, two. I started the lesson by working on my two point while on a circle at the walk. Then I tried it at the trot, staying up for half of a 20 meter circle instead of posting. I was working on my jumping position even though I'm not jumping yet so I know how to do it.
Holding two-point |
Two point over pole. |
Next, Meghan added ground poles in between each set of standards to imitate the poles in jumps. Like the time before, I held my two-point in between. The first time I rode it this way, Chester was coming towards them a little fast, and when I didn't adjust his speed cantered over them. He was excited to be doing fun stuff. Thankfully, I managed to maintained my seat.
I made him slow down and stay in the trot for the next times. Later on however, he became excited about something a few strides after the set of poles. It ended with the two of us parting ways for the first time. I wasn't hurt, so I led him back to the step. Before I got on, Meghan adjusted his fitted black half pad, which had slipped back and likely caused the fall. I got back on and continued riding.
A few minutes later Chester spooked a second time when he saw a bee, but I stayed on an continued riding.
The next element of the course was for me to sit and post in between each set of standards and two point over them, as you would do when riding a jump course, except at the trot. Finally, I rose out the saddle, leaning over Chester's neck as he crossed the poles, then sat and posted in between. I did this a few times each direction. Now that I now the basic position, I can later on add the cantering and the jumps, though will be for another time.
I was going to end the lesson with a few steps of cantering, but Chester was acting more and more on edge. His pad that helps fit the saddle to him was slipping which may be the cause. Just before the canter depart to the left, he acted up again, leaning forward and unseating me. I managed to hold on to his neck for a few moments but ended up eating dirt...again! Must be a record ha ha.
I once more remounted but Meghan decided it was best not to canter with how irritated Chester, so I just circled in the walk and trot and dismounted. Meghan got on after to see if maybe she could figure what was wrong, riding him in the walk and trot for a few moments. His slipping pad could be the problem. I'm going to start using a jumping pad on him to see if that helps. As you might noticed from the pictures I use a dressage pad, the only he has. Hopefully it helps with his slipping fitted pad!
Yikes! So far I haven't fallen off, western saddles are nice because I have a horn to grab onto. ;) Haha! Hope you find out what was bugging him! Some horses just have off days :)
ReplyDeleteGood that you keep the horse between you and the ground. :) Either it was just an off day, or his pad that helps fit the saddle was slipping. Thanks.
Deletegood job sticking it out. getting back on after a fall can be especially intimidating...
ReplyDeleteThank you! It can be tough but it's part of riding.
DeleteYou're tough!
ReplyDeleteWell there's an old saying that you're not a real horseperson till you've fallen off 3 times. So congrats! ;) You have a great attitude, and hopefully some billet straps can help prevent saddle pad slippage.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I guess I'm a "real" rider now. :)
DeleteGood for you for getting back on! It's just part of the learning process and you're going to fall off. It will happen less and less as you become more experienced so hang in there :) One tip that helped me was, when you think you're really close to coming off, look up. That helps shift your weight back to where it needs to be. It sounds simple, but isn't easy to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! My trainer always says to sit straight up but this is another way to learn it. I should try this.
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