I'm trying to be a better rider . . . but its so hard!
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- čas přidán 6. 05. 2023
- Just when I think I'm making progress and I've figured out how to solve a problem something else comes along. Dakota is finishing up his Lyme disease treatment and has been looking brighter and happier lately. I've also invested in a new saddle that I feel dramatically fits him better than my old saddle. WHY THEN are we still having some of the same problems we've been having and in fact they feel even worse right now. I'm not gonna lie, I'm frustrated.
I had set out to ride an exercise from the 101 Western Dressage Exercises book. As I was riding Dakota though I was constantly having to nag him with my leg to get moving. I even picked up a dressage whip and had to tap him a few times. Throughout most of the rider Dakota was behind my leg, on his forehand, unbalanced, and unconnected. Things did not go as planned and I should have regrouped and worked on what he needed in that moment - forward motion. The exercise required doing a series of smaller circles around the arena at the walk, jog, and lope. The exercise was meant to encourage the horse to bend, and push off the inside hind leg. Dakota was clearly not up for the exercise if you can tell by his expression. I should have given him the rein and let him just go long and low on the rail, then I could have tried the exercise again.
A few days later I rode again with the idea in mind that all I was going to work on was sensitizing his gas pedal. I rode on a loose rein and would apply my calves simultaneously on his sides to ask him to go forward. If he did not respond then I would give him a bump with my heels. If that still didn't work then I would tap him with the dressage whip. I never needed the whip. He happily walked and trotted around and by the end of the short session I could apply fairly light pressure with my calves and get a positive response.
So this has me thinking - why are we having such a hard time accepting the contact, meaning what am I doing wrong? And, is he in pain? As far as addressing my equitation, I think I need to give him more rein and get even lighter with my hands. When I look at the two photos in the thumbnail there is a clear difference in Dakota's expression and our harmony. While he is not on the vertical in the left-side photo he is uphill, forward, and has his poll elevated. The photo on the right is where I am trying to get him to be on the vertical, reach under with his hind legs, and bend. His ears are pinned back, his expression is sour, he's down on his forehand, and it doesn't look like either of us are having a good time. I am still figuring out my balance in the saddle so I know I am leaning too far forward, and my leg needs to come under my pelvis. As far as addressing any pain Dakota may be experiencing, he is due to get his teeth floated as soon as we can find someone to do it - the vet said they are too booked up! I'll be speaking with my farrier about foot pain concerns and front shoes. I can try treating for ulcers. I can offer him some time to rest, and I can look into massage and chiropractic work.
It's always something with horses, and as Dakota gets older I need to be aware of his needs as a senior horse, I just hope it's not time to quit riding just yet.
My friend has this concept of "1% days". Basically, if every single day you ride you improve 1%, in 100 days you'll be 100% better. It's something that I have to keep reminding myself.
Also, I have a ranch/reining guy who I'm "retraining" to do Western Dressage and I'm running into a lot of the same issues you are with Dakota (especially since my guy is older too). Just like you said, I've found the best success with letting him find the contact, even if he wants it on a looser rein. My guy either inverts and scootches off, or completely disengages and curls his head to his chest if I try for something he's not ready for. It's been slow going, but he's slowly getting better and better. And if he really is having an "off" day, I work on something that he knows how to do so we can both feel good haha. Usually it turns into walk pirouettes since he knows how to do them but they help him really get his hip under and over, which he struggles with.
The insight I had this week with my guy was that he can’t get round unless he’s going forward. The more forward he goes, the better everything gets. But sometimes it’s just exhausting and not a lot of fun. You make a great point about working on the basics. Amelia Newcomb talks about how she keeps the dressage scale in mind when she’s warming up. The first step is rhythm. Then it’s connection.
With Dakota’s annoyance with contact, could he have a cracked tooth or perhaps the bit is slipping side to side? I don’t know a thing about bits and bitting, but perhaps something to think about. Hang in there. You look good. We are all too hard on ourselves.
Thanks for the kind words, Katherine! I’ve been a fan of Amelia for a long time too. I definitely overlooked our warm up and felt like I needed to get straight into the exercise - lesson learned. Getting Dakota to be more forward has been such a struggle which makes me think there is something painful beyond the saddle for that is deterring him from being more forward. I am going to get his teeth floated and checked this Spring. I’m also going to talk with my farrier about foot pain and front shoes too. In the mean time I’ll be doing my homework to improve my position and to reconnect with the dressage training scale. I have a book from Lynn Palm I need to reread!
I think his trot is wonderful. He looks relaxed and he never breaks gait. Just found your vlog and am also an aspiring Western Dressage rider. Thank you for sharing .
Thanks, Jean! The ride in the indoor was great, I could tell he was enjoying himself that day. Welcome to western dressage, I’ve had a wonderful time learning and it has brought more purpose to my riding for sure. I haven’t heard from anyone whose tried western dressage that they didn’t like it!
Finally, after search for eternity I found your channel. I am just starting my journey in WD and your videos are real, honest and insightful. Thank you.
@sunnyd1715 thank you so much for the kind words! I feel so fortunate to have found western dressage. I have really transformed as a rider (still have lots to work on but I feel I have improved too) and I know this is a great discipline for every horse. I hope you enjoy the videos and good luck to you!
I have a friend who offers excellent advice. "Forward Fixes Everything" All the other stuff can't happen without forward. When I remember to focus on this at the beginning of our rides, the whole ride goes much better. Both of my horses can be really lazy so this can be quite a challenge. Sometimes all it takes is a couple of quick starts to remind them that my leg means something. Keep on keeping on, you are fabulous!
Thanks, Linda! That is great advice! I’ve had issues in the past with going forward, Ricky Bobby I am not. But, I’m learning that forward doesn’t necessarily mean fast and fast doesn’t necessarily mean out of control and really, it’s the out of control feeling I want to avoid at all costs. Another thing I have to work on is asking as lightly as possible first and then going to a stronger aid if needed, but leaving him alone if he tries to do what I’m asking. So, maybe this is just a hole I need to fill and our confidence and motivation will increase.
Love watching your videos…so incredibly relatable. I’m also starting my dressage journey and currently don’t have a professional trainer to work with regularly so it’s a lot of reading and watching videos and trying to piece things together. The more I’m learning the more I’m realizing the basics really are the most important things to work on (base levels of training scale). I think you guys are doing fantastic! Cheering you on! 🎉
Thanks, Mattie! It’s a weird feeling because it’s slightly frustrating but I also like the challenge when things aren’t perfect all the time. I’ve dug out all my Lynn Palm books and I was binge watching Warwick Schiller last night trying to decide what to do next. Warwick had a good video talking about motivation of the horse and I wonder if that could be part of our situation too . . . There are so many things to consider! Im glad you’re enjoying the videos and thanks for the positivity!