paul belasik clinic write up

[OlavS]

I think when it comes to this word grip it is easy to confuse mechanical grip (caused by friction between to surfaces) with grip from squeezing.
(This introduces another often misinterpreted word: friction. For simplicity let's just say that it is the force that prevents one thing from sliding against another thing (or surface). Once you surpass it you get slipping, which will produce heat.)

The grip Heather mentions is purely mechanical grip. This clinging wet cloth analogy. A clinging wet cloth does not squeeze, but it has a great deal of mechanical grip. And I think we can all agree that gripping as in a squeezing motion is something to be avoided when riding (At least if like me you ride an anglo lusitano )

I hope this clarification may help in the discussion, assuming of course that I am right (it has been a while since I studied physics, nor did I get very good grades )

[Heather]

I rather think that's the thing....unconsciously, you will, to a very minimal degree, where those of us who don't ride nearly as well, have a conscious grip, which consciousness will subside as our riding improves.

that was one of the examples given.  also, e.g., the airs above the ground ...

Yeah, a very conscious grip would be needed to keep the rider in place in the airs above the ground!! Olav, it is great to have you back posting- your engineers brain is a very useful addition to the conversations!!

[issywizz]

The thing is if you *think* about gripping you will be tight and blocking whereas if you concentrate on *not gripping* but instead relaxing the whole leg and letting it hang you will be about right.
So how is it useful to tell a rider to grip? 
Particularly with the thigh,if you need to grip atall ( when jumping for example) it is the calves which grip,if the thighs grip it pushes you up out of the saddle like an old fashioned clothes peg! 

[VR]

Just because I'm norty ...

Oxford English dictionary definition of 'bounce'.

To rebound, cause to rebound, bounce repeatedly, jump or spring energetically, an ejection.  

So how is this word conducive to producing quiet adhesion to the saddle? Surely it is the exact opposite?

Very interesting indeed! As is the Oxford English dictionary definition of to 'understand':

To perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker) or  to interpret or view (something).  


As in for instance:

I feel I kind of UNDERSTAND his theory on sitting trot/ "bouncing."

Some however may interpret 'understand' differently & may instead interpret 'understand' as the word 'agree' or 'support', for instance:

So would you say then, that I am teaching sitting trot incorrectly Mike ...?

Oh c'mon people lighten up, wasn't this thread just a kind clinic write up when it started? Now it seems to have degenerated into a battle of two camps ?! I can see why Clare is pee'ved, why Heather disputes some of Paul's theories & also why Mike doesn't usually post on the forum!!!

Right as his girlfriend & Heather's yard manager this little piggy doesn't want to play in the middle so I'm keeping well & truly out of it now I've had my fun & with that, not for the first time today, I'm off to sit on the naughty step!


P.s. If either of the latter two above mentioned people should take offence to this post then they are very silly!! xx

[Claire]

nice one VR  (and, as i said before, i did ASK him about that word in the context)

and nice one Olav