Change of Topic!

Well, ooh la la! Speedy and I made the March edition of Dressage Today.

Yep, that's us!

We're on page 26 of the March issue in case you have it handy. Several months ago I submitted a photo for "The Clinic: Photo Critiques" column. I love this part of the magazine and usually flip there first. Whoever the critic is, they are always kind to the riders while still being helpful.

Susanne von Dietze, the current critic, said some lovely things:

• My first impression is one of harmonious forward-flowing movement.
• For Training Level, Ima Starr [that's Speedy's registered name, G Ima Starr FA] is working nicely.
• Karen's seat shows some riding experience, and I do like her natural, correct leg position.

And then of course, the rest of the comments are of the Try This variety. But that's okay; that's why I sent in the photo. I was eager to hear an unbiased opinion of where we are and where we should be headed.

Unfortunately, Speedy and I won't get to work on any of this any time soon, but here is the essence of what she said:

• It will be a goal to teach him [Speedy, of course] to take more weight onto his his hind legs and lower his haunches a bit more.
• In her upper body she [that would be me] shows a slight forward tendency. 
• The impression I get is that she [again, me] is not sitting deep and keeps supporting her weight with her thigh on the horse's side.
• In her hands [me again] I notice a slight asymmetry. There is visible tension in her right hand. Her left hand is turned downward at the wrist and her fingers are slightly open.

The rest of the column focuses on exercises to correct asymmetry as well as how to deepen one's seat, mine in particular. I am really excited by what Susanne von Dietze said. That she could find more than one positive thing to say makes my day.  And the criticisms are all things that I am quite aware of; my hand position has been my Kryptonite all along. And the slight forward tendency is thanks to many years of riding endurance where we get off our horses' backs.  Lots to work on, but lots of time in which to do it!

By the way, this is great timing as I am heading to the Christian Schacht clinic over in Moorpark on Saturday morning. I ride at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Come on out, or better yet, bring your own horse for a ride; there are still spots (805) 603-0309!

See you on Monday!