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Back in the Saddle Again - quick notes

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After about 6 weeks out of the saddle due to a compression fracture and strained MCL to my right knee, I am finally back in the saddle! Gadget has been at Kristin's, so I drove up to Cleveland for a lesson. I rode Gadget on Saturday, watched Kristin ride Gadget on Sunday, and then took a lesson on Isaac on Sunday. Here are just the highlights to remember:

  • Ride with square, straight shoulders
    • I tend to put Gadget in shoulder-fore all the time and ride with my shoulders twisted to the inside, and I let him disengage his haunches. I need to almost think of turning my chest slightly to the outside. Through corners, I need to think of keeping my shoulders back and very square so as not to overturn. This is also crucial for the turn on to centerline.
  • Do less, expect more.
    • Isaac has a nice, strong collected canter. I was able to work on really holding my seat still while still maintaining the active canter. Need to do this with Gadget.
  • Be softer on the left rein in the right shoulder-in and half-pass. 
    • I unintentionally block the movement by being too restrictive on the outside rein. I need to put the rein down and allow it to move.
  • To keep him up, support with leg, upward half-halt with rein, and soften. 
    • The release portion of this sequence is probably the most important.
  • Do not rush, get power and balance up and back.
    • I am often tempted to run Gadget off of his feet to feel power. This only drops him on his forehand. I need to put the leg on, but think of keeping him on the spot. I also must continue to ask him to carry himself upward. This is so much harder than it sounds.
  • For the changes, ride with square, straight shoulders.
    • Gadget has to stay really up and between the reins to get a good series of nice changes. Otherwise, he dives onto one shoulder or another. 
As an aside, I had absolutely no pain when I rode and it felt like I never missed a beat. I am so glad that I sent Gadget to Kristin. She always make him feel like my "dream horse" instead of the tricky, sensitive guy that he is. Looking forward to show season now!!
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