Recent Lessons

I've been having some great lessons with Rogo lately. He's forward and has developed a great work ethic. He's also learning not to get too anxious when learning something new. Here are some things I want to remember from my last couple of lessons :
- When I want to walk from canter, relax my seat and breath out. Also it helps to think canter halt, and then walk not halt.
- If he trots instead of walks in an attempted canter walk transition then leg yield into walk, go back to canter, and try again.
- Don't do the same thing each time it doesn't work. I can also ask for one step back if he trots instead of walk.
- If he gets anxious about trying something new repeatedly then take a break from it, ie in the above scenarios go for a nice big trot to relax the mind and body.
- Remember to keep my equitation throughout transitions. Nothing should change except the quiet aid for the transition.
- Half halting on the outside during half pass can get the hind quarters more engaged, and counter intuitively it leads to a better bend in the direction of travel.
- Riding in a half seat helps me get my heels down and legs quieter (I need lots more!). Rogo likes it too.
I wish I had some magic tips to write for shoulder in. Rogo and I struggle with lateral work. It doesn't come naturally. He's slowly getting it, but it will be a matter of lots of practise. I need to stay relaxed and keep the angle shallow to achieve three tracks.
Arthur Kottas comes back October 17 so I'm busy getting ready for that.

Comments

Sounds like you and Rogo are really progressing. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with Arthur Kottas. He's one of the best.