From essentialequestrian.wordpress.com:

I’ll admit, I haven’t been feeling ready for show season. Between my struggles to find a saddle (stay tuned for a saddle fit post coming soon!), the looming financial toll, and the fact that the test movements were not confirmed to where I want them, I could use another few months!

I have been fortunate to meet many great people while competing in USDF Region 2. I’ve found that, even when competing for placings, this is really a tight-knit community ready to support one another, during both the ups and the downs. Oftentimes, it is a few simple words that can give you the bump necessary to move past a slump.

I got some of this much-needed support over the weekend, from an unlikely source. It was that vote of confidence, however, that made me go out and ride the movements as if they were confirmed, and, lo and behold, my gelding gave me exactly what I asked for. (I’ll pause here to say that my coach has been stressing this “ride as if” mentality with me for some time now, but, hey, sometimes it takes a while to sink in!)

The whole ride went extremely well, and, honestly, it was because my approach had changed. I’m reading through Solo Schooling by Wendy Jago, and she stresses a state of “relaxed awareness” where riders play, experiment, and listen. I entered into the ride in this tuned-in state of mind, thinking things like:

“Ok, he is a little geared up starting out, maybe I’ll go to trot sooner and not give him a chance to get agitated in the walk work.”

“Wow, this is a nice balanced canter, let’s see if I can throw in a change right at X.”

“This corner seems a little unbalanced; let me use my seat a bit more to prepare to turn down the centerline.”

This ride was really an “aha” moment and definitely helped to improve overall communication between my horse and I. I’m now feeling excited for show season and for the possibilities riding with this approach will bring.

Has anyone experienced a similar slump? What helped you moved past it?

Views: 59

Comment

You need to be a member of Barnmice Equestrian Social Community to add comments!

Join Barnmice Equestrian Social Community

The Rider Marketplace

International Horse News

Click Here for Barnmice Horse News

© 2024   Created by Barnmice Admin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service