Things I've Learned This Spring

How is it almost summer?! I can't believe it's Memorial Day next weekend!

However we ended up here, this spring has been a huge time of learning for me in my riding, despite not having had any lessons so far this season. Before my brain gets overloaded with information from our two (!!) lessons coming up, I wanted to share all of the lightbulb moments I've had so far in April and May. 

I've talked about this before, but the biggest thing I've learned this season has been that my seatbones precisely control the placement of Dino's hind legs. It's mind-blowing. It also takes a lot more body control than I have most of the time, but wow, has it completely changed the way I approach how I sit during lateral work. In shoulder-in and haunches-in especially, I've finally figured out that how deeply I sit on either seatbone and how far back each seatbone is positioned determines whether or not I have a well-positioned movement, or if my pony's entire body just drifts slowly off the rail entirely. It's a work in progress, but being aware of how my seat influences Dino's alignment has been a huge breakthrough! 

Speaking of my seat, as touched on in a previous post, my seat bones need to be "in gear" to allow and encourage impulsion. If my hip angle closes and my seat becomes disengaged from the saddle, I have a lot less influence on how much energy Dino brings to the work. 

When it comes to adding energy, I've also had a few moments lately where I was able to use JUST my core (No leg. None. On Mr. Lazypants.) to increase impulsion. The first time it worked, I couldn't believe it! It was like actual magic. The more I pay attention to these small details of the tension and position of my own body, the more Dino pays attention to them, and the more he gives me from much smaller and more subtle aids. It is just The. Coolest. Not that the aid or response are in any way consistent, but the fact that this is even ever an option is so exciting! 

Next, let's talk about the outside rein and how I have not been using it well or enough in the shoulder-in or collected canter until now. Riding with a stronger connection in the outside rein helps Dino's whole body connect better from back to front, making for a straighter shoulder-in and a MUCH better-connected canter, making the canter-walk SO. MUCH. EASIER. Like everything else, the canter-walk isn't confirmed yet, but WOW does more outside rein make such a huge difference in having the walk feel like it's so much more accessible from the canter!

While we're talking about the canter, let's talk about how I've also figured out a way better way to half-halt in the canter. Well, at least on the right lead. This doesn't seem to work well to the left yet, but to the right, If I half-halt by lifting my breastbone up through/between my shoulders and adding energy with my upper calf (the area right below the knee), Dino responds by sitting behind and lifting his wither and it feels MAGICAL. Getting the canter here before asking for the medium is a game-changer. 

I've also been focusing on keeping Dino upright through his shoulder on both sides, which has made a big difference in the quality of his work. When I take the time to be sure his shoulders are aligned correctly, everything that follows is just better in every way. 

Management-wise, I've also noticed that regular massage days make a big difference for Dino. He feels like a million bucks when I take an hour or so to go through all of his favorite Masterson Method releases, and that makes it absolutely worth the time. I've also decided with input from my vet to give him a dose of Legend prior to lessons and shows this year to make sure he feels his absolute best when I ask him to work hard, so we'll put that to the test during our first lessons this year. 

Despite having so much time off over the winter and needing to slowly build back Dino's fitness, I feel like I've still made SO much progress over the last month or two, even though the movements themselves might not be that much better. My understanding of how my body influences my pony has expanded in leaps and bounds, and I can't wait to get some help with these new ideas from Ashley and, hopefully, take this progress with us to the show ring.