Ok in general, I would say I'm a cheesy, inspired dork who can go from feeling extremely happy to extremely sad in one sitting. I am sometimes pushed to take risks (or what some would consider a risk) out of sheer stupid silly emotion. This has been advantageous at times and embarrassing/painful at others.
Most of the time I just feel ridiculous and somehow get over it. Constantly.
As of late I have been removed from my comfort zone on a whole bunch of levels. (I'm now watching Alice in Wonderland. "Oh Dinah, it's just a silly rabbit with a waistcoat...and a watch!") I live in a new place. I'm hanging out with new people. I have new clients and co-workers. I stay cleaner than my horse. Hm, definitely new developments...
This past weekend I attended the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington. Rachel was kind enough to drive and let me share her hotel room. It was horse overload but I enjoyed every minute. I'm amazed that human beings and horses have the courage, stamina and desire to conquer such feats. Together. (My fat cat snores contently next to me.)
What did I learn?
For one, I'm thankful to be alive. (And that I'm not a walrus.) Oliver Townend's injury had a big effect on me, and the spills others took put things in perspective. If I develop an effective and strong seat I can survive a lot but not everything. Stayed focused and think 3-5 steps ahead at all times. Not that you shouldn't focus on the present, but the present should be in the past in your mind and you should be plotting the next thing.
I need to work harder.
At riding, that is. Winter was a non-productive time for riding, so we're stepping it up now that it's spring and my trainer is back from Florida. Today I applied these mental elements and images to work:
-solid, straight upper spine/back
-shoulders not overly back and not too rigid
-flexible yet strong jelly circulating in my hip angle and lower back
-back inner calf on, contact with knees off
-light ball weights in my elbows
-finally sorting out my own interpretation of "float and push" (as Erin says)
-OUTSIDE LEG. OUTSIDE SHOULDER
-forward first. forward first.
Alfred likes the new bridle I bought us, so he is happy. The SmartPak event bridles are nice quality for the price range ($120). It was nice to visit their booth to see and feel these bridles in person since they are an online-only shop. The design and leather quality is great, and the company is responsive to customer feedback. I bought a full size for my 16.2h Thoroughbred gelding and it's a bit large, but with everything on the smallest hole it fits great. If you have a more typey TB with a smaller head I would suggest a cob size. I had to punch 3 more holes in the flash.
VTO Saddlery also had a great selection of products at good prices. Being in the indoor tradeshow they had quite the setup. I got 2 pairs of breeches for $40. Insane. For non-horsey people, usually 1 pair of medium-high quality breeches costs $100-$150USD.
Over and out for now. Tomorrow is another day.
