The elusive art of riding

And finally...we have got snow!

It is just a thin layer, but together with some cold, clear weather and a lovely FULL MOON - I am a happy girl!

Sometimes I dream of living in a more southern part of Europe, but when I get all the rain like we have had lately, I change my mind.

I want a real winter.

With snow that lights up in the dark.

Frozen, nice hard ground, not mud where your boots get stuck.

Ok.

Maybe the Alps then.

A nice, white winter, but a shorter one, and closer to the Mediterranean.

Wouldn't hurt.

I think I might have found the reason for Fame's antelopiness.

If so, it is embarrassingly simple.

It has been so muddy lately that they probably stand still most of the day when outside.

Hence, too much energy when ridden.

*headdesk*

I did not think of it until today when one of the girls remarked that Fame and Othello had been playing around a lot when she was to take Othello in. (The ground is now frozen.)

Oh, well.
We'll see.

After riding her half an hour down to the new riding hall on Sunday, working her over an hour and riding back again she still was bursting with energy.
Taking moose-length steps when walking, pretending to get scared and jogging, and when I let her canter up a small slope she just took off, jumping left and right and playing around like a two year old.

Stupid thing.
But she did concentrate a bit better in the work, TG.

Riding is an elusive art.

This autumn I have learnt a lot, but it has also been frustrating at times.

Fame has become stronger but also tenser, which has forced me to evaluate my riding.

The horse I had this spring, is not the same I have been riding this autumn.

Conclusion is: I have been fiddling too much with my hands, and too little with my legs when trying to get her to relax.

I feel that I am still out on an exploring trip, but we are closing in on the riddle. I had a good session on Monday when training for Annie.

I also have to be quicker to give the rein. It is so easy to tense up yourself when your horse is tense.

I had another good session on Sunday, with another trainer, AK.

I liked her too.

My tool box is always ready for a refill.

AK wanted me to take another approach when Fame tensed up. She asked me to collect and then ride forward and soften on the hand.
While Annie wants me to ride through it, keep the leg on until Fame softens.

I do not find the contradiction frustrating.

No horse is alike, no situation is either.

We just have to find out what works best on that horse, at that particular time.

I suppose that is why riding is so intriguing.

"Ever changing, each horse is different, each day, each hour, and each moment. Few activities can be so full of surprises as riding. Nothing can be less predictable than a horse.(...)
We never reach our goals in riding. Riding is like shooting a moving target, and if, and when, we hit the bull's-eye the thrills are incredible"

Dressage Principles Illuminated, Charles de Kunffy