Game changer, frame changer

A few years ago, there was an article in the Chronicle about a dressage rider who, at Grand Prix level, was told that she needed to go back to the basics and fix some things before she could go further. She found herself at Square One, fixing those things. It had to be disheartening.

 For me it is not back to basics so much as "still the basics." In order Riley to do consistent First and Second Level work for me, I need to be strong enough in my position to help him stay balanced. I have been working on my upper body and hands. In the footage below I am making a concerted effort to keep my hands in front of me and not to give away the reins. A longer rein actually makes me collapse my upper body.

I think the footage here is some of our strongest work in that Riley has a consistent place to work. We do stall a few times but overall I like the more accordion-like feel that I had and his more upright shoulder. And the canter. I like this canter work. Yeah!