Went for my first ride since the course, and was feeling quite nervous that I wouldn't be able to feel the back / leg movement that we practised on the equisimulator, but I could!
Clearly!
Even on a normal saddle!!
So feeling very chuffed.
The interesting thing was that I was on a hack with 2 others, me on a 13.2, my instructor on her 12.2 :lol: , and another student on a 16 hander, and I kept having to hold back as I was getting too far ahead. It really felt as if my going with his back movement really allowed my pony to walk through and lengthen his stride.
I had a little practice with the rein contact (not sure if I was gettin desired response :unsure: ), but he normally shakes his head as he gets hot and bothered and he did it much less.
I thought about weighting the lower legs as Della was teaching me, and wrapping them around more and thought about when I would rise if I were going for a specific trot diagonal.
And the interesting thing is that I felt much more CONFIDENT
- even on the roads which normally freak me out.
In fact the only really crap bits were my canter transitions which were dreadful! :P But hey, you can't get it all in one go!
I realise this is only my first go, and with riding it is always steps forward and steps back, but all in all I'm feeling very happy and feel that the course has had a positive effect on my riding, which is what I hoped for.
Thank you Heather and Della!!
And to anyone wondering about whether to do the course, I'd recommend it. Just try not to be a bunch of gasbags like we were other wise the time goes too quickly!
:lol:
