Yes, it's true; I took an English riding lesson on Beamer. I hope to go once a week when I can. Whether or not I continue with it remains to be seen, but I am learning some really good techniques that can be used riding western too. And AQHA does have Dressage classes in their shows now. I'm thinking that Velvet, who is going to be a tall girl, not short and chunky like her daddy, would make a good English show horse. By the time she is old enough, I just may have it figured out! If only I didn't have to wear those funny pants that show all your cellulite and lumps and jiggly areas, that is! I rode in a helmet for the first time ever, a Troxel Sierra ML, apparently, and I hardly noticed it was there- quite comfortable. I may just invest in one. I'm getting old and brittle you know, maybe I should get Kevlar for the rest of me too.....
Here is a photo of the young lady that rode Beamer after my lesson.
She rode him really well and looks better on him than I do. Making Beamer work is going to be really good for him, the boy is getting lazy and evasive; he worked really hard at not taking his right lead! Have to put the spurs back on next ride. Now don't get all uppity about spurs, I only apply them as needed, and with this horse, who is so strong and lazy, some equalizers sometimes help to get the message across.
This is more his style...
We had a thunderstorm roll through around 5 AM; I tried to get some lightning shots but was always a split second too slow.
It was rather a beautiful morning though, watching the lightning flash from cloud to cloud, then sometimes to the ground. There is another thunderstorm brewing right now, so I'm off to try for some good cloud photos for Sunday Stills- and comfort my scardey cat border collies.
15 comments:
Enjoy your lessons , and I too have to invest in a helmet. As to the riding pants , I hear you , all I can suggest is they make them in black , it hides more
Course I am not sure you could show in black.Oh well just smile big and ride brilliantly and no one will notice.
He's a beautiful boy! If the saddle fits you properly, riding in a balanced seat English should feel pretty much the same as Western, although you're right that there are differences in technique. Get the helmet - they aren't uncomfortable anymore and can make a real difference if you fall.
Woo hoo! Way to go for thinking about a helmet. The more people who wear them the more awareness there is.
Have fun with your lessons.
I'd love to join you.....I haven't rode english in years and I always rather like it. I just about always wear spurs......nothing wrong with them if they're used correctly.
I really enjoyed riding english, so when I bought my stalls and got the english saddle for only 75 bucks it was nice to now have my own! I haven't used it on the horses yet though. I was thinking of using it this weekend if I can get time away from the gardening for a few. You enjoy!
I've been reading books on Dressage over the last 6 months or so and have learned so much just by looking at the pictures, diagrams and reading the instructional sections. Riding English seems like something that all riders, and horses, could benefit from to help their technique and balance, too. Also gives you something to do while in an arena. Have a great time with the lessons!
And good for you wearing a helmet. You really should consider getting your own, too. Like you said, they are so comfie that you can even forget you're wearing one. I can;t tell you the number of times I've come back in the house still wearing my helmet when I forgot to leave it in the barn. lol!
~Lisa
Oh! And when you buy some riding breeches or tights, just make sure they are heavy weight material. They are about as thick as a pair of jeans and will hide the jigglies and lumpities. I rarely ever wear jeans now to ride because my riding tights and breeches are just so much more comfie.
~Lisa
Woo Hoo! Look at him! Awesome. Very neat, the rounding you are giving yourself. It all counts.
Glad that you are considering a helmet...we actully were up at the lake last weekend camping..and some campers yelled out, as we rode by, "Helmet wearer's ROCK!" It was unusual..but edifying.
Yea..you'd probably like jean pants or breaches..they are comfy and not thin, at all!
Good on you Shirley! Can't wait to hear more!
KK
PS
Gorgeous shot..even without the lightning strike.
Loved the storm picture. I love dressage too. You know when someone looks like they aren't doing anything that they are doing it really well.
I don't see the difference between English and western. A good moving horse is a good moving horse, and a good rider is a good rider, regardless of equipment or technique. I like riding English, even though I haven't done so for years, because with English saddles because it's much easier to feel the horse and there's much more direct contact.
ooh nice storm cloud picture... especially if you are watching it from indoors!
- The Equestrian Vagabond
Actually, Merri, I was standing outside. The storm didn't hit us, it was across the valley.
Good on you Shirley for thinking "helmet". I had a fall a couple of years ago that split my helmet open, I was unconscious with several cracked ribs, torn muscles etc, and hate to think who or what I would be now without the helmet! English or Western - your head is what keeps you who you are!
The more you study dressage, the more you will realize that it is a great foundation for any kind of riding. Stick with it! That Beamer is one hunk.
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