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[Toaster]

Hi all!
First time posting!
I’ve been riding for a year and got my 6yo OTTB few months ago. We are working with an amazing dressage trainer. I am always looking for advice on how I can improve. I feel like I’m flopping in the saddle and I never know how to properly hold my arms, they are very rigid…
Any advice would be appreciated!

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[diplomaticandtactful]

I think you are too hard on yourself. A six year old OTTB has been trained to do a different job and work in a different way. I like the fact that he is going on a looser rein and is doing his best. He is trying for you and you have to understand that he will find this hard work as he is mainly used to going in straight lines.

 

[carthorse]

First of all there's a lot there to like - you aren't hanging onto his mouth to balance yourself, he's moving forward in a relaxed manner, you certainly aren't flopping about al over the place and in fact a lot of your position is nice.

You need some bend in your elbows so that your upper arm is by your side, hanging softly from the shoulder rather than clamped there. I suspect that will straight away make you feel less floppy as it will alter your balance. There' an old saying "knees close to your horse's side, elbows close to your own" which may he;p you remember, on a plus note you're certainly managing the first part

How much schooling has your boy had off the track? The long flat outline he's in can take a lot of strength to ride in balance, though if he hasn't had much reschooling it may be all he's capable of at the moment. Maybe something to discuss with your trainer? I think if he could learn to be more connected and come up a little bit you'd feel a lot more with him and less floppy, but it's something he has to be taught and isn't always easy for race bred tbs because of their conformation.

 

[LadyStetson]

There's a lot of good things going on there. You don't appear to be nagging him with your hands or forcing him into a frame - both big wins. Your position is tight in your elbows and knees because you're trying to do all of the work. His stride isn't "dressage" at this point, but he will learn. Give him time to learn to really move forward in a dressage frame and use his power. At this stage, my advice is be aware of overriding him. He's in a new career and he needs to learn his new job without being chased into it, if that makes sense. Losen up your joints a little and try to flow with him, encouraging him to find his stride.

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

My RI always says to me, "keep your elbows to yourself," and I do find it helps my position when I do. I'm afraid it will make my hands tight but it really doesn't.