Hi Bryan

I just wanted to say that it's nice that you are getting a feel for the partnership between horse and rider. It's important, I think, to be able to ride well, that we develop an understanding of and a respect for the animal that is our partner.

Reiner Klimke, german dressage rider and olympic gold medalist, once said this about his horses: My horses are not my slaves, they are my friends.

Ok Had a 1.5 hour lesson today and making progress. Still lots to work on and probably my biggest problem is still letting my hands come up so next lesson I'm going to be really strict on my hands and heels

I said I would put up some pics so here are some links!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5 ... 644&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5 ... 644&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5 ... 644&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5 ... 644&ref=mf

Yep got lots to work on but making progress.

Luke... roll on Knights School... Bryan.

Hands still too high, heels not low enough. Loosing posture at times but feeling more comfortable, relaxed and more in control.

It is not a proper arena at the moment just a paddock so I have to learn to cope with slopes and uneven ground which I think is good for my skills.

Bryan.

Doesn't look too bad, Bryan!
What I would want you to do is to sit a bit further forwards in the saddle, as you get to far behind the center of gravity and that gives the wrong preassure on the horses back. Your pelvis is in the correct position, but try and get your shoulders back and close your hands around the reins.

If you look at the 2nd link you'll see what I mean

Keep working, Bryan, It's getting better

Henrikke

Thanks Henrikke,

I had two months with not being able to ride with the closing of Welcome but am pleased that I'm still making progress and didn't loose too much of what I had learnt during the break.

It is slow baby steps for me as i don't learn very fast but I can now trot and canter on my own now and on uneven ground etc. I will continue slow and steady hoping my skills will be at a stage that I will be able to start Skill of Arms training by Knights School - some passes of the Quintain at Canter too I hope.

Looking forward to seeing you and Luke in a few months.

Hope you are having a great time.

Bryan.