Watching Your Trainer Ride

The last lesson of the month, my trainer, CG, rides Gryfon for me. I have been getting ready to go to the Donida show on March 11th and have issues. I let CG know where I am having issues and while she was riding, she let me know what she did to help Gryfon understand the "ask." 

First up is a smooth transition from trot to walk. Gryfon is fairly sensitive. When I ask for a walk from the trot, sometimes Gryfon will shoot his hind end out to the side, and he will drop his head trying to pull the reins from my hands. I explained my issues to CG, as she rode the Intro A test a few times to help me figure out what I can do to be more successful. (I love her 2-way communication headphones she uses. It allows us to have a conversation while riding. I'll share the link when I find out what she uses.)

Anyway, it turns out that most of the issues are mine... surprise, surprise. I use too much right rein and do not support him enough with my left side: leg AND rein. Although it was eye opening, I am not entirely surprised. My left leg has had such a difficult rehabilitation. Now that I know, I can take steps to correct it. I need to figure out some exercises I can do out of the saddle to strengthen me left side, and intentionally fine tune my movements. I need help with body awareness. In the meantime, I have 2-ish weeks to be as ready for the Donida show as possible. Any suggestions for things I can do would be much appreciated.

Next up is a square halt. Again, Gryfon kicks his hind end out to the side. The issues are the same I just don't support him enough on the left side and am too strong on the right. Yes, I need to keep him between my aids, but with that said, I need to keep my aids equal in strength and support. He also doesn't like to halt and stand for longer than a few seconds. He will try to walk off the instant his hind feet are planted. I need to practice halting and just standing while keeping a light contact. I tend to drop the contact after he halts, release pressure to reward the halt, but need to remember to keep a light contact. 

Finally, is the dreaded bend issue going to the left. Again, my left side issue. UGH! I need to control his shoulder and help him bend around my leg, and to stay off it! That is a combined issue.

Thank you to CG for helping me sort out my riding problems and finding ways for me to get better at communicating with Gryfon. 

On another note, H5 Fencing and Dirt Work will be out on March 6th to start leveling, removing rocks and hauling in sand for my arena! I'm super excited to have a safe place to ride!