We might, if we watch this video from my favorite equestrian video site, Horse Hero [unpaid endorsement which I'm happy to provide]. Fiona, the good-natured HH interviewer and event rider, takes a lesson on a big-moving dressage horse Walero with Nicola McGovern. Fiona is a hoot, and I love Nicola's teaching style. Watch the video to find out what "inside bottom to outside bottom" means.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The big sitting trot: do we stand a chance?
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LOVE everything about this. The horse, the rider the instructor, the jovial yet still informative tone of the lesson. Thank you and well done for putting it up.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic video. Very instructive in both the rider's and instructor's comments. And what a trot that big boy has!
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the concept of relaxing once the horse responds. So many trainers keep saying, "Keep your leg on, ride every stride!" But then, the horse never really gets to do it on his own. I like this philosophy and tend to ride that way myself...then again, mostly TB's. *G*
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the concept of relaxing once the horse responds. So many trainers keep saying, "Keep your leg on, ride every stride!" But then, the horse never really gets to do it on his own. I like this philosophy and tend to ride that way myself...then again, mostly TB's. *G*
ReplyDelete"now you're starting to look like a dressage rider."
ReplyDelete"Bloody hell!" ha-ha, love it!
When I rode today, I tried to remember a lot of this. I wish I had the audio and could listen while I ride. It's a classic dressage lesson.
I have to comment again. There are so many wonderful things that she says. I want to be writing them down. This is truly one of the best training videos I've seen. Leave it to the Brits!
ReplyDeleteWow. I want even TEN MINUTES just watching this horse and receiving tips from this instructor. I loved it. I could also watch it silent, just to enjoy the horse.
ReplyDeleteSo important to relax and let the horse do it. Nagging makes my mare shut down, same with most WBs *and* QHs I know. So hard for me, the neophyte, to actually stop nagging.
I love her take on not nagging.
ReplyDeleteI HATE nagging. I grew up in the QH world, and if you're nagging you're not making it look as if the horse does everything without you. Add to that, I had an EXTREMELY forward horse who would move from the feel of movement if I lifted my leg off his side, and I don't touch a horse's sides unless I'm asking something.
This video was helpful! I have found on the longe if I actually actively lift my legs off my big mover, I sit the trot perfectly. It's only when my legs are on his side that I have problems, so I'm gradually learning to strengthen the core enough to keep sitting... and eventually I imagine there will be some major abductor muscle action to keep my legs light - but such that I don't notice they're at work.
I liked the trainer's philosophy and the rider's sense of humor (she was funny!). There are many things in this lesson that I can take to my next ride.
ReplyDeleteAt the end, I wasn't sure if she wanted the rider to push with her legs or her seat. I appreciate that she posted this lesson so that all may learn from her experience!