EEK the habits I have developed are TERRIBLE

[Cochise]

Hello,
just had a flatwork lesson today with a new instructor. I had hit a bit of a plateau in my training of Cheeky, so I decided to go and get some help.
My goodness me I have developed some bad habits! I have pretty good hands, except for the terrible way that I let my hands drop as if pulling his head down. I am entirely dependent on the inside rein, and have almost nO contact on the outside. My seat and shoulders are good, yet he was being a lazy boy today and my legs were so tired! I had a huge awakening today. Here I thought we would jump straigh into improving him, yet we spent the whole hour working on me! I felt like a real novice again, but hey if thats what it takes, I have to bite the bullet and accept that! Cheeky has learnt to accommodate my mistakes and I his and the way that I have been riding him could lead to some bigger problems in the future. She said that he is a lovely horse. She had a little ride on him and liked him. My next lesson is next Tuesday, and I am looking forward to it!

[slh]

Ohh blimey, don't I just know how you feel!!

I find myself happily plodding along thinking all is well and we both (horse and I) go for a lesson and WHAM! staight back to earth....I keep saying to myself it's good for us....we will improve....! It certainly makes you feel like a novice!! but we always improve dramatically in our hacks just after having a lesson so it must work!!

keep at it!!!!

[Equitating]

Cochise, you are a REAL rider! Cheeky is one very lucky horse.

[tarkia]

The only time I get tired riding a horse is when Im on a really lazy one that won't move:rolleyes:

[virtuallyhorses]

Ha :) Cochise! Me too! But you know the great thing is that when you improve your horse improves with you!! :)

Changing teachers can be a fabulous way to kickstart you onto another level, I've never regretted any of the times I had to have a 'temp' teacher or change teachers (riding school changes - I don't think I was being passed around ;) ) because you learn something from all of them.

[Cochise]

Its so easy to slip into bad habits when you dont have someone on the ground correcting them! She said that we will fix me and the rest will come, which I wholeheartedly agree with! Cheeky seemed to enjoy himself and I could feel him becoming a lot freer and lighter in front, when I just left him alone!
I still have to go for a ride on him today to see how we go. Probably just a small hack. We have a big show this weekend, so I will have to keep him sweet and easy.

[FreedomStar]

oooooooohhhhhhh a show? Do tell afterwards :D

[Cochise]

Will do! photos included, when I get them!!

[Anja & clyde]

cochise are you doing BAILEYS????(grand national) im going to watch it ( I love watching the baileys show) good luck if it is my friend is going in novice grand nat pony on her little 14hh steel grey

[Cochise]

lol, Im not doing the "Bailey's " show.
The south island appaloosa show is on this weekend at McLeans Island. You should come out and watch that!! I am doing the english classes on Sunday.
There wont be as many there, as all the top horses go to the "Baileys" show

[Anja & clyde]

Ok I will talk to mum If im their I will be wearing a blue hat that has green binding and it says Australia then Roxy
I will probably been in jeans and a tee shirt ( just look for the punk type girl hahaha)
I will message you on sat night to make sure if im going :)
yep the baileys show is the most ponciest/poshest show round I heard that there is about 2000 entries in it
WELL GOTTA GO
Anja

[Cochise]

I will be at the show on Saturday night, I may be staying out there, if not, I will check my messages.

This is Cheeky: he stands out lol!

[Hels]

Aaahh cheeky's gorgeous!

[Anja & clyde]

Ok cheeky is pretty If im their ill make sure ill find him what classes are you doing?

[FreedomStar]

that's a wonderful picture, you two look so fancy together! you guys are a great match.

[Cochise]

He is still there.

I had to pull out of competing. read my other post on this, Im really upset.