Better Bareback?

[~alison~*]

OK, Roman (my horse) and I had been working pretty intensly on dressage lately. Basic stuff, but a hard concept for him to learn nonetheless. Anyway, we were both getting a little fed up and tired of struggling with each other (which is the last thing I wanted), so I decided that we would take a couple weeks off and just mess around and enjoy being together. So I have been riding bareback for a few (3) days, and Roman is doing sooo awesome!! Coming through his back, accepting the bit, and coming under himself through the transitions beautifully. So what made the difference? Is it because I have to have a better seat whilst riding bareback and therefore use it more effectively? I was just curious and wanted your opinions on the subject.

[*sparkle*]

it could be that you have a better position, your seat is more effective etc but could also be that your horse was getting sick of being worked hard in the arena and just needed a change.
I often find if i am having trouble with a particular movement or whatever if we go do something fun like a bacreback hack and come back to it, it is much easier!
just my 2 cents...

[Lgd]

Another thought Alison - get your saddle checked for fit. Often if they go better without like this it may be that his saddle is pinching somewhere. Horses can change their shape very rapidly with dressage training and saddles may need adjusting within as little as three months. I often hear people discount the sadle because it was checked a year ago, Peri was working at Prix St george level when I bought her a very expensive saddle thinking no major shape changes were on the cards once she had reached this level - wrong! - she needed a new saddle within 9 months of it arriving and it had been reflocked after 6 months when it still fitted her! Needless to say I am pretty paranoid about saddle fit now.