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Lucyad
24th Jun 2006, 11:31 PM
Lesson 7 was this morning. I was really pleased with him hacking to the yard - he is starting to come nicely on to the bit in walk when warmed up. Actually was early for a change (kept in stable last night), so walked around on loose rein wating for RI. He got us to to walk trot and canter on each rein to start off - it had got quite hot in the mean time and Oscar was quite sleepy, and not on the bit at all:( . So evil RI decided that Oscar could wing it for the rest of the lesson and he would concentrate on ME!:eek:

Started doing exersizes at halt, moving to trotting with no stirrups waving arms around:eek: Poor Oscar trotted perfectly in a circle for the whole 3/4hour, though did make a dash for the gate whenever we went past (don't blame him!). I was reminded of years of riding my pony bareback in a swimsuit to get tanned legs about 25 summers ago....told RI - he stipulated that swimsuits were not allowed at next weeks lesson!

It was very good at bringing my legs back and extending them, though I am so stiff!!! RI recommends that if I do no stirrup work say 5-10 min 2 - 3 times a week I will see a difference in 2 - 3 weeks. OK - I will add this to my 'strange behaviour' very quiet road while hacking, that we currently leg yield zig zags! Might pluck up courage to ride bare back, as I seem to remember it is easier than just no stirrups, but will have to feed Oscar up first, as he has a boney spine, despite begining to fill out nicely elsewhere.

All in today the new improved feed regeime of molassed sugar beet and competition mix hasnt done much, but during last week i definately felt more energy so will keep monitoring - have enough feed for next week anyway.

Might try and get to Royal Highland Show tomorrow - like the idea of shopping - am selling a bridle in yellow paper that I bought on e-bay and is too small, so would like to look at bigger ones - I got first call tonight from someone who also has a CD X TB just a few miles down the road and I said I would measure it tomorrow (her horse might be finer) - I thought it was quite funny as you dont hear of that many of them......

Anyway going to bed now! Will let you know how we get on next week, of not before...Lucy and Oscar xx

NoviceNic
24th Jun 2006, 11:41 PM
Lovely update Lucy. Not sure about bareback being easier than stiruppless. Have the bruises to prove it this week. :p My cob has a boney back. :eek: As round as he is. Apparntly the arabs back at our yard is comfier than my Captains. :confused:

BeachRiding
25th Jun 2006, 12:02 AM
Actually I always have found bareback easier, although it could be that I ride in a western saddle.

Whatanejit
25th Jun 2006, 06:59 AM
Mmm riding in a swimsuit - Ouch!!!!:eek:

:D :D

Gosh aren't you both doing well.

I think riding without stirrups has been the making of my riding - especially way back in the early days.

Although I dread it - especially if it is endless trot with lots of serpentines you just know that you ride better with your stirrups afterwards. Massive achievement when you canter without stirrups too.

Am pretty sure it has saved my life on several occasions when I've been tanked off with and lost one or both stirrups en route.

He sounds like an absolute sweety. I take it he has a comfy trot if you are able to sit to it?


thanks for the update but, you know, with the lack of pics I'm beginning to forget what he looks like - come on Lucyad - you know the score;)

xx

Dee

VickiGG
30th Jun 2006, 10:54 AM
You know Lucyad and Dee - you have just inspired me to take the plunge and try no stirrups tomorrow when I ride. Since I have had my horse (nearly a year) I have not yet tried it - yet at the old riding school I used to go to they always made us do it.... and my leg position has become less stable.... :rolleyes:

Lucyad
30th Jun 2006, 12:35 PM
I have been practicing no stirrups this week while hacking, and can definately feel my legs growing longer (no they arent stretching, my thighs are opening up more I think). I have to confess I have been doing it at walk more than trot, or very slow jog - no Oscar hasnt got a comfy trot at all - you go up.......and then come down (with a crash bang wallop). he also porbably has a bruised back! I dont do it for long at all for this reason. Hopefully it will get easier!!!

A good thing to think about it trying to get your feet to meet under the horses belly, as far back as possible - it stretches your muscles down and opens your thighs to get your lower leg flexible so it can operate behind the girth....or so said RI.

Will try and get photos this weekend!