Concentrating on Position

These past couple days have been all about position...how to achieve it, how to maintain it, and how to use it. This has become such an important part of my lessons. Having the right position in the movements really does get you the extra points. Not just because it looks nice, but also because when the rider is balanced and riding from the core, the horse is balanced and can maintain collection and swing. In the half passes today, I really focused on sitting in the middle of the saddle, and simply turning my head and shoulders in the direction of the half pass. This way, I am balanced in the saddle but my shoulders are following the motion of the half pass. There was a lot more swing, collection, and balance in the half pass this way, and it really helps for horses who like to fall into the half pass with the inside shoulder.

Things have been really nice here. The weather is a little cold and rainy now, but it's nice to have a break from the heat. The horses have been loving the cool weather. The only bad part is that Guffy rolled in the mud the other day out in the field, and it's too cold to give him a bath! Even though I brushed him for an hour, he is still dirty! Of course he had to roll directly in the pit of mud, right!? Oh well, that's Guffy!

Off to night check now. The boys will want their hay!