EE Tips for an NN

[LittleD]

As you know from my previous posts, I have nerves of jelly when it comes to riding!

I dedided to try to improve my balance thereby giving me more confidence by having loads of lunge lessons and have now been allowed to ride with my reins off the lunge (just gone cold at the thought of it!!)like a proper horse person.

I intend to start off in walk and build up to greater things as my confidence and our trust in each other improve, what I could do with is some tips here as to how to do this whilst using Heathers E.E. techniques, I want to treat my horse with kindness and respect but also want her to do as I ask, I could ideally use some schooling exercises that won't bore her silly and leave me feeling a sense of achievement. Any suggestions welcome thanks

[joy70]

Liz

in one of the horsey mags (jan) edition, cant remember if it was your horse or horse & rider, there were some fab excercise using poles on the ground (not for jumping) merely as markers etc., there were several excercises involving bending etc., and can be done at any pace, or incorporating different paces wtih transistions! i wanted to try them with my boy but our school was too boggy last weekend! they also gave you the title of the book which would obviously have more ideas in. I find i get incrediby bored & so does my lad with figure 8's and serpentines etc.,

hope this helps :D

[kedwards]

Here are a few schooling ideas that can be done in any gait:

Classic figures such as circles, serpentines, and figure 8's. Focus on making the figures precise. You could even plan a pattern, like a dressage test, that includes figures and halts.

Dropping the reins (you can just rest them on his withers while still holding the buckle if it feels more comfortable) and trying to stop and turn with just your legs and seat.

Set up poles to walk over, through, and around.

Increasing and decreasing circles (Begin with a big circle and make it a little smaller with each pass, trying to maintain an even circle throughout. When you are making a small circle in the center, begin to slowly expand the circle).