On July 11 & 12 we had another opportunity to lesson with Eddo Hoekstra. I can hardly believe that it's been about a year since our last time together. Ludi was relaxed and willing to try all the exercises, and with Eddo's prompting, I even rode bareback for a few minutes to check my balance and seat, something I hadn't done with Ludi since we were in TImmins and I was starting him under saddle.
Eddo dug deep into our positions again, specifically the rider's shoulders and hips, so that we could explore doing less with our hands and lower legs. I thought hard about this, and remembered how Gina Smith would tell me 'Your shoulders match the horses shoulders, your hips match his hips'. The rider must turn their shoulders slightly into the turns, centering the outside hand and opening the inside rein. The rider's hips point to the outside of the turn, solidifying the inside leg on the horse, The First Aid. I have also seen this called The Spiral Seat.
Some riders leave the sessions baffled by it all, and it occurred to me that there's another lesson there: How do you react when you're a little confused, not fully versed in the lesson, perhaps a little outside your comfort zone? I've observed riders melt down, 'leave' the lesson with their attention, even become disrespectful to the teacher. What kind of rider do you want to be?
Eddo dug deep into our positions again, specifically the rider's shoulders and hips, so that we could explore doing less with our hands and lower legs. I thought hard about this, and remembered how Gina Smith would tell me 'Your shoulders match the horses shoulders, your hips match his hips'. The rider must turn their shoulders slightly into the turns, centering the outside hand and opening the inside rein. The rider's hips point to the outside of the turn, solidifying the inside leg on the horse, The First Aid. I have also seen this called The Spiral Seat.
Some riders leave the sessions baffled by it all, and it occurred to me that there's another lesson there: How do you react when you're a little confused, not fully versed in the lesson, perhaps a little outside your comfort zone? I've observed riders melt down, 'leave' the lesson with their attention, even become disrespectful to the teacher. What kind of rider do you want to be?
These are some more of my notes:
Horsemanship: the horse must be calm in order to learn the training. The rider can 'make it happen' with loud aids, but if the horse reacts in fear, it is not learning. Every horse has vast potential. Don't drill the horse and give frequent breaks to reinforce the training.
Biomechanics: be aware of your core and alignment. Your horse will notice small changes and respond. Give him the space you want him to move into.
Mindfulness: emotional management is key to good training. Practice the technique and observe the outcome without judgement. The horse will respond to the rider's intensity.
Equitation: hands up and together, let the horse find his neck rather than manufacturing a frame. Rest the knees, straighten the torso, look up.
Discipline: Eddo himself is a lesson in discipline. Having survived a stroke 7 years ago that profoundly affects his mobility, he stays on his feet all day and gives every rider equal intense focus.
Horsemanship: the horse must be calm in order to learn the training. The rider can 'make it happen' with loud aids, but if the horse reacts in fear, it is not learning. Every horse has vast potential. Don't drill the horse and give frequent breaks to reinforce the training.
Biomechanics: be aware of your core and alignment. Your horse will notice small changes and respond. Give him the space you want him to move into.
Mindfulness: emotional management is key to good training. Practice the technique and observe the outcome without judgement. The horse will respond to the rider's intensity.
Equitation: hands up and together, let the horse find his neck rather than manufacturing a frame. Rest the knees, straighten the torso, look up.
Discipline: Eddo himself is a lesson in discipline. Having survived a stroke 7 years ago that profoundly affects his mobility, he stays on his feet all day and gives every rider equal intense focus.
Teaching Frida & her Gracie off-site
It's been a busier year for teaching, and I've heard other coaches say the same thing. Is it because of the pandemic? I don't know!
Another good, long, hot ride in Calabogie with Ehren
Young First by Fabriano finished his second month of training and I handed the reins to his owner for the first time to go on a little hack. Good boy!
RSS Feed