Did you know that we have abnormal, mutant bodies? At least that's what I would conclude after trying to buy some English riding clothes for E.
I must admit to spending inordinate amounts of time recently, trying to find the best bargains in breeches, show shirts and show jackets. I am blown away by the high prices for everything! I felt overjoyed to find a jacket for $40 and breeches for $30 - and immediately ordered what I thought would be the correct size. I even went so far as to measure E and compared that to the sizing charts; should'a been accurate, right?
Guess again! Sleeves on the jacket are inches above her wrist and the breeches look small enough to fit R! ARRRGGGGGHHH!
So now it is a race with time to send it all back, get better sizes and hope it all arrives before fair....
Friday, July 24, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Lesson #1: Relax
E had her first lesson with Ruben on Friday. It was hotter than heck out there (about 100) and she wasn't too motivated to ride in the blazing sun, but the anticipation of riding with Ruben and the occasional little breeze got her out into the dusty round pen with her horse.
Immediately Ruben could tell that Monte has lost some of his softness and responsiveness; the horse was taking advantage of his inexperienced rider and backtracking in his training. First off, E was shown how to make Monte lower his head and tuck his nose - a feat that Ruben made look easy but proved to be a bit more difficult for E.
The main lesson that she walked away with was to be more relaxed. E holds herself somewhat rigid and tight, which is communicated through her hands. The horse is less likely to want to work with her because of this. Several minutes were spent showing her how loosely to she should hold herself and then also how quickly she needs to react and release. Simple ideas - hard to put into practice.
At the end of the lesson, Monte no longer looked like a white horse. He was a muddy mess! Ruben invited E to hose him off before we left - which is where we discovered a new type of super scrubby. It was a plastic thing with soft bristles, attached to the hose. And it worked wonderfully! Gotta get one of these:
(and they're cheap too....Yeah!)
Immediately Ruben could tell that Monte has lost some of his softness and responsiveness; the horse was taking advantage of his inexperienced rider and backtracking in his training. First off, E was shown how to make Monte lower his head and tuck his nose - a feat that Ruben made look easy but proved to be a bit more difficult for E.
The main lesson that she walked away with was to be more relaxed. E holds herself somewhat rigid and tight, which is communicated through her hands. The horse is less likely to want to work with her because of this. Several minutes were spent showing her how loosely to she should hold herself and then also how quickly she needs to react and release. Simple ideas - hard to put into practice.
At the end of the lesson, Monte no longer looked like a white horse. He was a muddy mess! Ruben invited E to hose him off before we left - which is where we discovered a new type of super scrubby. It was a plastic thing with soft bristles, attached to the hose. And it worked wonderfully! Gotta get one of these:
(and they're cheap too....Yeah!)
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