Friday 24 February 2017

Breakthroughs

So, funny thing I am noticing so far with my lessons with a new coach. She is super young, just starting out with the whole coaching thing so I wasn't expecting much, but that was fine because I just wanted access to the jumps. But now we have had two breakthroughs, the first being how to ride Savvy out of her evading behind the bit and now yesterday she got us through a real proper haunches-in! Savvy and I have never been able to do it and she had us getting it on the second try! wtf?

"Carry me mom." or possibly "Why do you do these things to me?!" - Savvy
AND she had me cantering like no big deal (I haven't cantered on her since last October) half way through a lesson and here's the best/weirdest part: When I first asked Savvy to canter she blew up and bucked all over the place, but Coach had zero reaction, like no big deal and just asked me to canter again. I think because she was all 'whatever' about it, then I was too and just tried again and got it and it was great.

Could this mean I am actually coachable? I don't know. It's early days and all...

Funny, that corner was super spooky to her when we were riding, but on her own it is a lovely spot to hang out...hm.
Yesterday's lesson was #3 of this year. It had been postponed a week because wonderpony had picked up a bit of a viral infection the week before. Her symptoms all quickly improved but she was left with a bit of a cough. I gave her a bit of lunging to see how bad the cough was before deciding to take her to the lesson and she seemed fine. Unfortunately once we got riding at the lesson, her cough was pretty bad and after the little bit of canter it was obvious we would have to just keep at a walk for the remainder of the lesson, hence the quiet, slow work of my nemesis, haunches-in!

It was our first proper ride in the new-to-me Thorowgood all-purpose. What a comfortable saddle! I love how it holds me in the right spot with a lot less effort than my previous saddle. No jumping practise this time but well worth the trailer ride over. Now that I have heard her cough with work, I think she is going to need more time off. Hopefully it will be resolved in a couple of weeks and we can get back to training!

8 comments:

  1. I'm glad the new saddle is working out! Your coach sounds great, sometimes people who are new to the industry bring more ideas and enthusiasm than those who have been around the block. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right! It can't be an easy job teaching people. I am glad I am on the other side of it and will happily remain student for life.

      Delete
  2. yay for being coachable!! finding a trainer who fits your attitude and learning / working style is so so so important bc once you've got that right fit, it's amazing how quickly things can start to click together! for me, when i find a trainer with that kind of 'fit', it's really easy for me to just give myself entirely to them. complete trust. i just do whatever they say and see what happens. it's a great feeling!

    hopefully Savvy feels better soon bc i love reading about these lessons!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think maybe because there is no pressure like I have sometimes felt with more experienced/serious coaches? I don't know. She is smart about horse training as well as laid back and so friendly it just makes me less stressed. Plus I have been really trying to shut up and do what I am told (#Overthinking problems).

      Delete
  3. You both are coachable and that's a great thing. Mine is young as well but still very good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really do struggle with doing what I am told, but so far so good, lol!

      Delete
  4. That's great you have found a coach that works for you. Very cool!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am having so much fun so far--I just hope Savvy's cough resolves quickly.

      Delete