I got the pics that Gigi took of Heather and me riding yesterday -- and, wow, she's a great photographer! As you can see, I'm using draw reins on Salem right now. I'm still a bit on the fence about using them, but I do see that they're an effective tool in showing Salem what I want from him. I just don't want them to become a crutch. Oh, and yes, I am riding in the lovely $8000 Devoucoux saddle. OK, enough blithering -- on to the pics! (Please disregard my horrid equitation and hunchback-ness!)
It looks like Salem is biting Sid here, but I assure you
that he is not quite so ill-mannered
Gah! The dreaded Hunter Perch!
(Just focus on Salem's bulging muscles and shiny coat :-P )
This one is my personal fave -- love it!
11 comments:
You guys look great - thanks for the pictures!
Great photos! I LOVE pics of me riding. I have so few since I haven't been competing since the digital age began and I obviously can't photograph myself in the saddle!
You guys look awesome! What a handsome boy you've got there.
Don't be so hard on yourself! As a photographer, sometimes the camera catches you at awkward moments when you are transitioning at the posting trot. This has nothing to do with your form! Just the moment the shutter of the camera catches you.
You guys look great and Salem is gorgeous. The saddle is to drool over!
Your position looks pretty good to me, though I am not familiar with what is current in the hunter equitation world. I have the horrible habit of slouching, It is great to get pictures of yourself so you can set goals on what to work on for yourself. You boy is so handsome and looks like he was enjoying his hack :)
I love that you are wearing pink! And I am very jealous that you are able to be outside without a coat on. Are those little sprouts of green grass in those photos? Yes, I think so!
Yegads you have a good looking horse.
That is interesting -- I don't think I have ever seen draw reins set up as balancing reins like that. I am intruiged. Solo is having a few draw reins sessions right now to work on canter transitions. Sometimes we need our tools because I don't know about you, but I'm NOT Reiner Klimke and I'm ok with that!
Lol, Solo -- nope, I'm nowhere near Reiner Klimke and I never will be!
The draw reins set up like that are much, much less severe than putting them between the front legs. It doesn't use as much force, which is one of the reasons that I'm okay with using them. They help keep Salem straighter.
How is it that I do NOT feel like I'm leaning forward wth my hands low when I ride -- but then I see the pics and it's very clear that I need to sit WAY back and lift my hands waaaaaaay up?!
And thanks for all the compliments, guys -- although, I have to point out that Salem is actually not "my" boy. I realize that the way I write may seem like he is (and I certainly treat him like he is!). Guess I'll have to do a post to clear up the confusion.
Wendy, I like your reasoning for the weird-position photos. I'll go with that!
I don't like using the word severe for a tool -- it's only severe if you use it as such. I would say that different situations require different types of pressure. I see the main pressure the way you are using them as a straightening one, directing the energy of the head and neck straight out from the shoulder. This is very different from what I am trying to accomplish with Solo, so I think that merits a different set up. :-)
Puh, you guys look great! Happy healthy boy and I'm glad he is responding so well! How about that ticket for a saddle, holy Sh*t!!!
Well, if you figure you will use it everyday..break out the cost per day isn't so bad? LOVE the pics!!!! Keep em coming! xo
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