Horses. There’s a lot you can say about them. But, at some point you’re just going to be repeating yourself. And also, some topics that are around horses are super controversial, and I personally don’t feel like putting my opinion out there. I have all this freedom to write about what I want to write about regarding the sport, the animal and equipment, and honestly, I’m at a loss. I’ve been riding since I was 10, but I didn’t really start riding until about July of 2017. Being a horseback rider with disabilities, a lot of barns and facilities have been hesitant to let me train because of the liability. And while that’s fine, I definitely don’t have 10 years of experience with riding. Before coming to NTEC, I rode at a Morgan show barn in KS. I learned a lot, and it’s also how I got introduced to the Para world of riding (I was previously involved in the para world of volleyball). So, while I’ve been given the privilege of taking over this blog, I can’t tell you much that you wouldn’t already know or can’t find out on the internet. All I can talk about is my experience here at NTEC and as a para rider.
So, buckle up (or saddle up?), cause I’m basically learning everything from scratch again (at least it feels like it).
The thing I’m going to talk about today is roundness, suppleness, getting the horse on the bit.. whatever you want to call it. I’ve been struggling with this since I first started riding with Kai. My arms have no movement to them, they’re very stiff and rigid while I’m riding unless they’re flapping like I’m a bird. I don’t have a lot of fluidity in my arms and that tends to make me have a harder grip on the reins while I’m riding. Now, in a double bridle, I know I have to be super careful and soft, but it’s also a lot easier since the horse is SO MUCH more responsive (gee, I wonder why). When the horse how is in the snaffle or bouche, I find it more difficult to get them properly on the bit and then STAY on the bit. I’m trying to concentrate on keeping my leg back, seat forward, leaning to the left cause I over compensate and actually lean to the right, put pressure on the side when I’m going into a corner, look out for other horses, keep a steady pace and so and so on. I’m also one of those people that kind of spaces out when I’m doing activities and my mind just wanders off thinking about god knows what. With all these other things that are happening within me and around me that I have to be aware of, my fingers are of little concern, and yet the most important! I’ve felt my horse be on the bit (not counting the double bridle), only a handful of times. It feels AMAZING. The horse is looking for the bit and looking for you to make the next move. It makes the horse so easy and comfortable to ride, like for once you’re both in sync with each other. So, how on earth do you get your horse that way and keep it that way? I HAVE NO IDEA. Every time I go to focus on that, I lose consciousness of something else I’m supposed to be doing. WHAT DO I DO
Here’s the solution: PRACTICE
And OMG I hate when people tell me that. “it takes time, you’ll get there”. I’m definitely one of those people that turns into a snappy turtle when I’m working at something and it doesn’t go right
immediately (sorry trainers). But, everyone that has told me that is right, it does take time! Lots of time! And even though I started riding when I was 10, I don’t feel like I’ve been riding for 10 years cause I’ve never ridden a horse with so much intensity, movement and ability. I just always slapped a saddle on and hoped for the best. Now, to be riding at this level with THESE horses, I have so much to learn from them. So, practice, practice, practice! I know I will be!
