I gave my friend her second lesson in learning how to tell if she is on the right leg when rising to the trot. This time spurs came off, halter only, in the round yard and Sam on the lunge. I put elastoplast down Sams shoulders so it would be easier for her to see them move. I tried to keep the session short and sweet for Sam so after a warm up we went straight into it.
First I got her to look at his shoulders moving and finally she got the feel of it at the trot. We did a lot of walk trot transitions so she could see, feel which leg she was on. She got it right 8 out of 10 times so I left it at that.
Then it was canter. I asked Sam to canter and I got her to really concentrate of what was happening. I only let Sam canter 3 times around the round yard on each rein. I ended the session there. I didn't want to put Sam off any more and he isn't used to a heavier rider that is unbalanced.
I will try and get her to ride other horses and practice on them. No more for Sam - I don't mind short sessions for him but I won't be letting people ride him out in the big paddock that aren't balanced and soft with their hands.
I think I will also try and get the video camera out and tape my friend so she can see just how much she moves around in the saddle - especially with her lower leg. Hopefully that will help convince her that she is not ready to wear spurs. Not that I think she needs them at all with any of the horses she rides.
2 comments:
Awkward problem... someone who thinks they're a better rider than they really are. Best of luck with that.
Sounds like she did much better this time. Good for you on your problem solving skills. Looks like you came up with good solutions to get this rider on track.
Post a Comment