Behind the motion??

[Ingrid W]

What does this mean. My instructor keeps yelling that I am "behind the motion" and I just can't figure out what she means. Does this mean I must post faster, lean forwards, sit more forwards. I am at my wits end. I know you'll all say I should ask my instructor but since I am still in need of my head, I'd rather not get it bitten off by her :-(

[Sharon H]

If you can't talk to your instructor and ask her what she means, how on earth are you ever going to learn anything? You are paying her to teach you, if you feel so intimidated by her that you can't ask her to explain things to you, I suggest you find yourself a better instructor! It's difficult to comment on your riding without seeing you in action, but what I expect she means is that you are not moving your body in time with the horses movements and you are getting slightly left behind.

[Medalia]

It would be best to ask your instructor what they mean by that exactly.

My guess from the way you say it, it sounds like you are getting too far behind. Do you know that feeling when you are trotting and the horse has a sudden burst of speed and you feel thrown backward (provided they are working off the hind end)? Maybe that's what your instructor means when they say that: that you are getting behind (the pulling away feeling).

[Heather]

It probably means that you are coming back to the saddle too upright, so that you are not in sync with the trot rhythm, and having to pull yourself up to catch up with the next beat, rather than letting the movement of the hrose proepl your pelvis forward again. I can guarantee that if this is the case, it is most likely to be the saddle that is causing it, by throwing you out of balance. Badly designed saddles, and by that I mean just about 95% of English design ones, are to blame for more riding faults than anything else.

Makes sure that you are floding slightly forward from the hip as you rise, and allow the pelvis to swing slightly forward and back as if on an arc. You should hardly touch down in the saddle, pelvis very slightly forward, as you allow the horse's movement to propel your pelvis forward again. Don't think up down, in rising trot, but forward and back. Your toes must be in line with your knee, is directly under them or you willnot be able to do it. Hope this helps-


Heather

[Gilly]

I quite agree. It is imperative that you build up a good relationship with your instructor. Just keep asking questions - no matter how silly you may think they are. If you think they need to be asked - then they are important to you. You are paying this person for their expertise - so use it. If the instructor intimidates you in any way - then move on and find another. Good luck!

[Wally]

Oh yes! you must ask questions, if they don't know the answer they should go and find out, that way even the instructor will improve as an instructor and you will improve as a rider. Everyone benefits, even the horse!