Tuesday 7 March 2017

Testing, Testing

Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts on yesterday's post. I will be sure to pass them along.

Yesterday brought us an opportunity to test out how Bridget is feeling after some time off, and a whole new set of tack.

I was told my lesson was still on the schedule. I won't lie, I felt awkward and selfish about it, because my riding problems are so not important in the grand scheme of things.

However, it's not all about me, so I decided to not overthink it and just take things at face value. If the lady wants to teach, I'll show up for my lesson and give her all the teaching opportunities she can handle ;)

And so we had a really great ride. Maybe even the best ever. Bridget likes her new saddle, I was able to use what I had learned on Audrey, and we had some fantastic canter work. As always, there is much fine tuning necessary...the saddle isn't sitting quite level and makes my life a bit difficult. (Also, my habit of not letting my legs hang makes my life difficult ;). But still, B offered up some really nice work where she was straight in her neck and stepping under in her body, pushing right up into the contact. Like cantering up a hill, only in the ring. A tricky thing indeed for my wiggly, behind the leg pony.

EC suggested she ride B 1x a week temporarily to really confirm our new expectations for the canter work and transitions. The idea is there, but quite frankly B really makes you work for it, and while I luckily have the timing and feel to make it happen, as the ride progresses I wouldn't say I have the fitness, patience, or discipline to insist on perfectly correct every time and things can get progressively sloppy. I feel conflicted about adding to EC'S workload. I feel conflicted about not being the only regular rider of the pony. But, I know this a good thing that will be a positive for everyone.




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5 comments

  1. It can be so difficult to know how to support someone who is grieving. Rolling with whatever EC seems to want to do seems like a good plan. And I'm so excited you had a great ride!! Things are looking bright for the Bad Pony Club. :)

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  2. It is hard to know how to support her but I think you did the right thing. There is comfort in returning to the schedule.

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  3. That would be very tough but I agree that she's probably finding comfort in the routine and if she says it's ok it makes sense to go with it.

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  4. I'm glad it was a good ride tho totally understand your concerns about being supportive of EC right now. I'm sure she will let you know if she needs help or space!

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  5. That sounds like a great lesson, and a good plan moving forward. I love the wheel haha

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