Back in the Saddle Again

Back in the Saddle Again - quick notes

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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