It Isn't (Lesson) Wednesday

3/8/2012

Not bad news ... but I am skipping my lessons for the next two weeks, yesterday's and the next.

You're quitting/giving up/caving?

No, no, no. I am just taking a very well-thought out break. I think I am on to something with Sydney, and I want to continue the work I am doing without interrupting the routine. When I finished riding Sydney on Monday, he and I were both happy and relaxed. I had done the long-lining followed by a short and pleasant under saddle session. It was all good, Baby!

And then ... I gave a heavy sigh when I realized Wednesday was only two days away. What would happen then? How could I long-line before the lesson? Would I have time? Would there be an explosion back in JL's arena if I didn't? What if she directed to me to shorten his reins and I got tense because shortening is when he gets tense? Crud. Said with a thud.

I got that bad taste in my mouth. You know the one? It happens when I have to do something I don't want to do. Right there, on the spot, I decided I had to tell JL I needed a few weeks off. Not to quit riding. Not to ride with someone else. But just a another week or so to work through this issue with Sydney.

I have found through earlier experiences that if I quit trusting my gut, things go to sh*t. My intuition is very good. When I really listen to my instincts, good things usually result. I can only improve my riding by improving my feel. And that's what's happening with Sydney right now. We're feeling each other out in a kind of dance. He's deciding whether or not to trust me, and I am learning his moves. What does he like? What makes him nervous?

Eyes on the ground are a GREAT thing, but sometimes we need to almost close our own eyes and really listen to our horses. That's where I am am right at this moment. I am listening very hard to what Sydney is trying to tell me. And I feel that if it gets quiet enough, I'll be able to hear him and move forward.

By the way, Wednesday's (non-lesson) schooling work turned out to be very successful! More about that tomorrow.

Judy

3/7/2012 10:05:38 pm

Instincts are good! You ride him girl!! xoxo

Karen

3/8/2012 07:48:16 am

Thanks, Judy! :0)

Kelly link

3/7/2012 11:09:41 pm

I 100% agree - when I don't go with my instincts, never turns out well.

3/8/2012 07:48:47 am

Very true!

Sarah link

3/8/2012 02:06:48 am

Good for you! Takes guts to say that to a trainer, but you're right on by listening to your gut!

3/8/2012 07:49:30 am

I was a little nervous about it, but I knew it was the right thing to do. She was fine with it too.

Val

3/8/2012 09:09:35 am

Only Sydney can teach you the feel that he wants. I agree with your instincts. :)

3/8/2012 09:32:41 pm

Thank, Val!

Mia link

3/8/2012 07:14:52 pm

I took three months off from lessons last summer with Ava, just so we could get to know each other better without outside pressure. It was great. I learned a lot about who Ava is, and how she thinks. And when I started back with lessons, my trainer said that she was impressed with how well we worked together. Ava no longer scared the crap outta me, so it was a lot easier to ride her the way she needed to be ridden to help her learn how to use herself.

Not directed at you, but to the riding public who may read your blog.... I think that if anyone taking lessons has concerns about safety then it's very important to voice them to the trainer as soon as possible, and discuss plans on how to resolve the issue in the safest manner possible. Some riders (like me) aren't equipped with the tools necessary to correct a dangerous behavior like rearing. Always speak up and voice concerns or fears. Trainers should have their students safety as their main priority. If it's not, then find a new trainer, because eventually you will get hurt (speaking from experience).

3/8/2012 09:32:00 pm

Thanks, Mia. We haven't had any issues over this last week and a half. I haven't asked for anything more than trot work, but even that has been done with more softness. I may not be doing it "right," but I know he is happier with me right now.

When I went to JL and talked to her about it, she thought it was a fine idea. She also pointed out that it wasn't her idea that we canter since whatever problems exist in the trot will only be magnified at the canter. Since Sydney and I had started cantering, she went with it in the lesson. I am not being critical of her her at all, she just thought we were maybe further along that we were. I must have thought the same thing.

Now that the pressure of the canter work is gone, Sydney is much more relaxed. I guess my job will be to figure out what in the canter is so stressful for him. JL loved the long lining and encouraged me to do more of it, especially at the canter. She said this way he can work it out himself without me on his back.

Thanks for sharing!

Karen

Melinda link

3/20/2012 06:31:19 am

Good good good for you. listen to your gut. Do you what you think is right. I'm so proud of you for doing what you think you need to do!

3/20/2012 10:54:15 am

Thank you. I am not a quitter, so "quitting," even for a few weeks was hard to do, but it has been a great decision!

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage