English lesson #3

[MyHorseBiggs]

Here's some pictures of my lesson last week. If you can critque by these pictures feel free to critque!

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=393

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=393

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=395

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=393

[HeartofSteel]

Thanks for the pictures! Are you enjoying your lessons? Cute horse by the way

[Gypsy Rose]

Nice pics! How are the lessons going?

Is this only your third English lesson ever?

If so, you're doing great!

The only thing I see is a possibility of an arched back- and that's only because I have that bad habit myself!

[MyHorseBiggs]

half_passing_halfie - Yes I am enjoying my lessons a lot! And the horse isn't mine, but his name is Sport and he's a gelding. :D

Gypsy_Rose - The lessons are going great! So much fun! And yes It is my third English lesson ever. I think the arched back may be because I was trying to balance my weight while I was posting but thanks for telling me so I can try to fix it before it becomes a habit! :)

[outriding01]

Wow, third lesson? You look good. Be careful though, you're using a chair seat and that can become a bad habit. Work on getting your leg under you and stretching up taller, not sitting back with it out in front of you. You should be able to draw a line running from the top of your head, through your ear, shoulder and down through your heel. You should be able to stay standing if the horse were to suddenly disappear out from under you.

I tried to find a pic with the line already drawn, or a really good eq pic to draw on myself but I didn't have any luck. This is a pic of me, and it's not really ideal but it will give you a rough idea of what I'm talking about. I was demoing for the equestrian team on a horse I'd ridden twice who was very strong, in a saddle 1 1/2" too big for me. My wrists are broken, my shoulders should be pulled back a little more, and ideally the horse shouldn't be so heavy on the forehand, but that's not the issue here. Just don't use me as a model of good equitation and focus on the line, lol!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Teapot01/eqline.jpg

[MyHorseBiggs]

Ok lol! Thanks though! :)

[JackieB]

Darn! I was just getting ready to say everying that outriding did, complete with a picture and all. She stole my suggestions. :mad: Ha! Just kidding!

I don't know much about equitation, but your riding looks great to me. Good job!

[cloedoll]

Psh, outriding, you always look amazing! =P

MyHorseBiggs - I'm glad you are enjoying your lessons! Cool pics! :D

[Mandzanita]

You look great! Especially for just your third lesson! I think Outriding has great advice about the heal/hip/shoulder line...I do want to point out and (insert clapping and bravo) that your line from bit to elbow is supurb!!

[MyHorseBiggs]

JackieB - Lol! Thanks!

cloedoll - Thanks! It is really fun! :)

Oh and I have a video that I was trying to put on youtube but it is still processing, and has been for about a week now... anyone know what's going on?

[MyHorseBiggs]

Mandzanita - Thanks! I just had my 4th lesson yesterday actually, but haven't gotten the pictures off the camera yet. I'll try doing that tomorrow or Thursday. :)

[Palogal]

very impressive for a third lesson!
I would also add to be careful not to let your toe turn out, keep your thigh flat against the saddle. YOu look really good!