My man came across the street and got some pics and video of me riding Mara.
It makes me realize how I wish I had more of these from 6 months ago.
It's kind of humiliating to show you the videos (what the heck am I doing with my hands and feet?), but I think it also shows that Mara has rhythm and relaxation, when she's not finding things to be scared of, the base of our dressage pyramid.
She really doesn't know where her head is supposed to be, but I'm glad to see she's not dropping behind the vertical all too much. That is my priority, keep her in front of the bit.
I have this feeling we're on the cusp of moving to the next level, and really could use professional help to get there.
She's doing the exercises willingly, not expressing resistance, only screwing with me from time to time by pretending to be afraid of that bale that is still missing, and a metal pipe on the ground. I regretted that my man was taping during those moments at first, but then I was glad because I resolve Mara's big big fake fake lies by asking for bend/leg yield, which worked perfectly.
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| The composition of this photo is just perfect! It makes the arena look huge. Too bad she's evading/dropping behind the bit. |
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| THE BALE IS STILL MISSING!!!??? I am taken completely by surprise here. |
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| Still looking at the scary scaries. |
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| I circle her in a Volte and ask her to go by the missing bale again. |
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| She's like, crap, my plan to avoid this part of the arena failed. I'm like "NOW YOU WORK." |
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| I'm better now! |
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| I think this is an odd photo, it looks like we're going backwards. |
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| Oops, ducking again. I think you can see how buff she's becoming, certainly not what I'd call fat anymore. And her color, oh my, I am in love with this color. |
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| Windy day on the hill. |
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| Connection |
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| Nice leg yield, she's got it: ) Maybe someday we'll even trot it! |
Ready for videos?
Distractions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONh68-UzoqY
Crooked, unorganized:
http://youtu.be/rLJHPvd7Gow
Trotting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKP26t9A9Cw
Leg yield and backing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkY0D80lVw8
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7 comments:
She is so gorgeous! You guys look great and it is so easy to see the progress :-)
Yea, you guys are getting there! I have a friend who trains, and she can get on about any horse and make them do the right things in about 10 minutes (where it would take me a year!). But from the videos, you can see you two are progressing well!
- The Equestrian Vagabond
Piccolo, Why thank you, that's so nice to hear.
Merri, really? Thanks. I wonder what your friend would say about a horse who trembles in fear in the woods. That is not the faking thing, and it really concerns me.
Very nice. You two are communicating more clearly, her rhythm is lovely.
And yes. She's getting even prettier!
She is looking great! Really smooth trotting, she must be nice to ride! She looks like she is trying very hard to be good and do the right thing!
Aarene, she has veins now, and not just on her chest! Woo! Now to just make her sweat...
Colliefarm, I guess she's smooth, I'm not a good judge of that after riding a "two-bra mare" for 6 years! I'm always concerned because she has so little energy in the arena. But with her temperament, I guess a lazy trot is better than the alternative. She does seem to be trying, I'm glad you can see that in her expression.
You both look great! She is such a pretty mover! :D I love her! Your saddle looks so comfortable. I'm jealous of your solid core. I bounce all over the place when Chrome trots hehe. It would be so much easier with a dressage saddle I think. The breeches did help some though. Thanks for sharing the videos. It's so fun to see how much progress you guys have made. She's really getting the hang of the leg yields. :)
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