Balance

Until I started riding bareback this week, I had no idea of just how bad my balance is. Tom Dorrance said the three most important things are feel, timing, and balance. Well, over the last few years, I've developed feel, and I've been working hard on my timing, but never realised how my balance was affecting my horse until today. Of course, I know that balance affects your horse's performance, but what I'm saying is how it affects the way your horse responds to you. The slightest bit off balance, and Beamer's ears turn back to me; Whatcha doin' up there? And then I can feel him trying to get back underneath me, which, under saddle, would feel like just a hitch in his way of going, but bareback it's magnified and turns into a hitch in my way of going- like going to hit the ground if I don't get back in balance! I have the greatest respect for those who can ride confidently bareback, and my hat's off to Stacy Westfall and all those others who can perform a reining pattern, or a jumping course, or even gymkhana events, bareback. I've been doing a lot of trotting, spins and rollbacks, but don't have the balance yet to try the lope. Another thing I've noticed is how I use my legs. I find it's easier to hold my legs in the correct position bareback- mostly because I'm more aware of them. What a difference it makes in my ability to keep in balance when I use my legs correctly. I hope this improves my riding when I'm back in the saddle, it sure has given me a lot to think about and practise.

Thanks Beamer, my teacher!

No problem; I'll keep an eye on you!