Beautiful photos from recent BB clinic (EDA Vid clip too)

[crdodgeon]

There is an operation for it, apparently... costs thousands, excruciatingly painful, and you might, if you're lucky, stretch your legs about an inch...
So I think I'll just be living with my short legs for now!!

[Heather]

That is the one thing I dont like about BB's riding, Trudi. Riders prior to De La Gueriniere rode with a very straight and forward set leg, but Gueriniere shortened the gallery that held the riders leg that way, affording the bent knee position. As he rides according to Gueriniere and also Pluvinel, he sits more as the old German manege saddle positioned the rider.

I would find my weight too much on the back of the saddle sitting in such a way, which can stop the horse from lifting his back. I was taught by my Oliveira trained mentor, Desi Lorent, to sit as close to the pommel as possible, over the strongest part of the horse, and still strive to sit that way. I dont feel that BB sits heavily at all, maybe it would just be me, but then I am nothing like as good a rider as he is in the first place!

But having said that, I would rather watch this work, than any amount of GP tests! I feel that BB is the purest upholder of  true lightness and collection, and his work is exactly what I wish to emulate!  This is Art.

[SueC]

Always seems so calm. Looking at BB one would expect the occasional histrionics, twirling of moustaches and waving of kerchiefs, but he appears so cool, calm and collected.  Love it.

A couple of the horses do appear to be a bit hollow on occasion tbh, although he does sit beautifully lightly I feel.  Without a saddle, the horse's backs do look very strong though.  I love the work and would kill to be that good. One of my favourites.   

[whisper's mum]

I'm hoping to get some video Helen. Chris is coming down next week too, to take the book pics weather permitting, so hopefully we will have some. I think I am going to have to write a new chapter on the hackamore!!

  Fabulous! 

[Heather]

Sue, unless the last two days have been a fluke, I think you will love the way Sudi is working. He is a dream to ride- today the calmest piaffe I have ever had from him, on reins in loops and straight out to walk on a long rein. It has been worth all the trials and tribulations to have him like this! He is how I always knew he could be!

[Mandeigh]

OOOh loved the bit of him riding Fidge 

 

[SueC]

Sue, unless the last two days have been a fluke, I think you will love the way Sudi is working.

 

Someone probably told him I was coming to see him, so he thought he'd better behave himself. 

[Heather]

Haha!! I just hope it continues, because this is the horse I always dreamt he could be. Remains to be seen how he develops in the canter now, when it comes to doing things like pirouettes etc, canter hp is no problem, and he finds changes much easier than Rei, but we havent worked on them as getting a true canter without him boiling over has been hard enough, so need to establish counter canter first! Fingers crossed!

[shoveltrash]

Heather how fantastic that Sudi is going so well - i had no idea you were working him in hackamore now! 

great photos.........i wish BB would come visit the Southeastern US.  i'd like to see him in person.

[shoveltrash]

ps- just watched the vid, and love the brief side-saddle footage!  certainly a *show* , with the costumes, the hawk, the sabers, etc!

is it me, or does some of the canter work look a bit disconnected/hollow? 

[winnieandben]

Great to hear about Sudi , would love to see some new pics of him  I think that I will try Jinx back in the English Hackamore once she is more established in the pelham as she went very nicely in it.

[SueC]

is it me, or does some of the canter work look a bit disconnected/hollow?

A couple of the horses do appear to be a bit hollow on occasion tbh...snip....  Without a saddle, the horse's backs do look very strong though

So I'd have to think that most of the time the horses aren't hollow and the work is good for them. 

[Woody]

... costs thousands, excruciatingly painful, and you might, if you're lucky, stretch your legs about an inch...

sounds like a normal riding clinic with an overseas instructor then

[Heather]

Haha Debbie