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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Independence

1/11/2014

 
I have had a week filled with AHA moments. That's unusual for me; I get AHAs on occasion, but never so many so close together. It all started on Sunday …

You know that Sydney and I have been struggling with developing a balanced, right lead canter. Way back when, his work to the right involved a serious, inside barrel roll with no inside bend. Over time, JL was able to help me to pick him up so that he wasn't tipping over. Little by little, I've also helped him develop some inside bend so that he now carries weight on his outside hind and can actually yield from my inside leg.

I finally have him balanced on both hind legs and both front legs with a correct inside bend. We were so put together on Sunday that he repeatedly volunteered the right lead canter. In fact, I started to worry about whether he would quit cantering to the right so we could trot.

And that's when it hit me that I had finally developed my aids sufficiently to cue my horse and then help him through the transition. At my lesson the next day, JL helped me work on trot/canter transitions. What a difference from even three months ago.

JL remarked several times that I was more effective because I no longer pull back and "hold" the reins; I move and support. That's when I realized that I've also developed an independent seat. I don't think I truly understood what that meant until this week.

I don't need my reins for balance. I think JL was trying to show me that recently while also teaching me a way to release and reward Sydney. When he lets go, even at the canter, she has me reach forward and pat, pat, pat his neck to the rhythm of the gait. I don't fall over, I don't lose my balance, and I can even keep riding while I am in two point. My seat has become independent of my hands. That was a huge AHA moment.

It's funny, but I was watching another rider a few days ago, and I thought to myself, oh … she's really balancing on his mouth. I could actually see that her seat wasn't as independent as she'd like (and no, I am not talking about you).

When I rode Speedy on Wednesday, I had one of the best rides I've ever had. With my new realization about my independent seat, I focused on riding from my core and seat. I could really sit tall because I wasn't letting him go with my arms. When he pulled, I resisted, but I didn't pull back. Instead, I added leg and thought about pushing with my seat and belly. My seat felt plugged into the saddle. It was an amazing experience.

Of course, both boys were stinkers by the end of the week, but it didn't bother me as you can't unknow what you know. 

Besides taking regular lessons and riding the heck out of my boys, I know my improved fitness has really contributed to my developing seat. I've lost 15 or 16 pounds AND strengthened the heck out of my core. For months I've been doing planks and push ups in the morning, and at the advice of a friend, I've added several other core strengthening exercises to my routine; one I do while brushing my teeth!

Don't get me wrong. I am not a perfect rider, but I am going to give myself some credit here. My riding has improved dramatically over the last year, and I am really excited about where I can go from here.

Now if the sun would just get up, I could head out to the barn!
Jessica @ The Georgia Horse link
1/11/2014 12:16:45 am

Aren't AHA moments great? Congrats on all the hard work paying off! Give yourself credit for all that work!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/11/2014 10:26:22 pm

Thanks, Jessica. I do work very hard, but sometimes it doesn't seem to help. :0)

Amanda link
1/11/2014 10:51:38 am

I love those moments! Isn't it amazing how we can have revelations like those in stages, so we keep unveiling more and more? It's one of the things I love most about horses and riding. There's always more over the horizon.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/11/2014 10:27:44 pm

The AHA moments are why I ride. When I get one, I KNOW my horses are relieved!

Austen link
1/12/2014 08:07:27 pm

Wow, what an awesome realization! I think you deserve a TON of credit. It's one thing to develop those aids, and totally another one to realize your progress and have faith in your ability even though your horse isn't cooperating. Awesome job!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/13/2014 09:14:00 pm

Thanks, Austen. I actually shared with my trainer last night how I was feeling and she agreed completely that what I was feeling (an independent seat) was right. :0)

Tori link
1/13/2014 10:55:12 am

Have you tried hot yoga? Great to counter balance dressage rider muscles...

sounds like things are going well!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/13/2014 09:16:05 pm

My "fitness consultant" would love for me to be on on a more structure work out schedule, but with my early work day and 7 day a week barn visits, my workouts have to be done at home when I can squeeze them in. And I don't know if I could do hot yoga. I REALLY hate to be hot! :0)

Hannah link
1/14/2014 01:44:13 am

Woohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

That's all. :)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home