Before I get started I'm going to say this, not all the horses below will be Red. :O Whaaaat, you ask? Because I'm going to talk a little about my horrid EQ. So ya know, don't be all mad when you see a dun colored horse and your all, "that's not even a boy pony" (PS: Someone asked if Red was a boy pony. NO HE'S A STINKING GELDING AND NOT A STINKING PONY)
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| Top photo from the photoshoot in August'ish: Reins are too tight, clutching to my saddle, Red looks uncomfortable as do I, back is slouched. Bottom photo: From past Satuday, more relaxed. Feet need to be in a better position. Reins are MUCH better, back is straighter. Going faster. |
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| First off, EQ. On the top photo, from December, I was at a slow. walk. Yeah, a walk. Yet my EQ is horrid, on the bottom, I'm in a faster paced trot. Top photo: Back is slouched, reins are uneven, legs are awkward, feet are..ugh. Bottom photo: Reins are a bit high, but more even and comfortable, back is straighter, resting my hand on my saddle as opposed to grabbing onto it for dear life like I used to, feet still need work but I can blame it on my too long stirrups right now, lol. |
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| Another EQ thingy. Top photo: Riding Redhead, feet are horrid, reins are tight and I'm holding him back while he's attempting to trot, back is better than it was in December. Bottom photo: Riding Riley, a cousin's horse, working into a canter. Feet are MUCH better considering those stirrups were too long, reins are amazing, nooootttt tight, comfortable, posture is good. Proud of my EQ here, lol. |
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| Top photo: From August, back is more even, neck is filled out more, butt has more muscle, chest is out more. Color and coat is healthier. Bottom photo: Needs work on flank area, withers are showing a *bit* but not bad. That photo is from May'ish, I believe. |
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| Photo on left; From this past Saturday. Reins are looser and more comfortable, working into a trot up hill. Need to sit straighter and fix my stupid stirrups, let go of the saddle and be more comfortable. Photo on right: Photo from December, I believe, feet are a little better but still bad, reins are too tight, not letting him move, need to sit straighter. |
Anyone have any tips?? I'm happy to hear them, seriously. :)
The only way eq can be fixed is to work on it :)
ReplyDeleteNot sure where the proper placement of the stirrup is in western but it looks like in most of your photos the stirrup is in the "home" position all the way by your boot heel. You might find your foot staying in a more "proper" position if you try to keep the stirrup on the ball of your foot. But again this may be an english/western difference of which I'm unaware.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise just keep riding and practicing. You will continue to see improvement. :)
It's about the same as English riding. Heels down, stirrups on the balls of your feet. :) Thanks!!
DeleteNo stirrups! Forever!
ReplyDeleteLol!! I've actually tried no stirrup work...HOLY MOLY I thought I was gonna DIE!!!! My legs were so. sore. the next day, but honestly, it would be good for me!
DeleteDefinitely yank those stirrups up a couple of holes, girl! Good for you for trying to improve!
ReplyDeleteYep! Doing it next time I'm at the barn, after vacation.
DeleteYou probably already know all this but......
ReplyDeletehold your reins down by his withers. You should feel a very, very, slight tug when Red bobs his head while in motion. If Red isn't pulling the reins out of your hand on purpose they should not be tugged out of place just bye his usual head bobbing, that means they are too tight. Yet again you don't want to not feel anything, that means they are too loose.
Also practice riding with an English saddle so you no longer feel the urge to hold on to the cantle and/or horn.
Stirrups need shortening. BAD. :)
Well Hope It Helps!
BRENNA
Yeah, I knew that! :) I've gotten a little better but it still needs work..
DeleteI don't have access to an English saddle, however holding the horn isn't too bad anymore. I've gotten better at it! :)
Yep, shortening them ASAP! :)
It has been said already, I would shorten your stirrups. Pick up a leather hole punch for like 10 bucks and yank them higher! When your reaching for your stirrups you can't feel comfortable. I am also mostly English so I say NO STIRRUPS. If it hurts your doing it right!
ReplyDeleteYep! Gonna shorten them ASAP!! I've been riding bareback and working a lot on that and it's helped me a ton!
DeleteYou have improved heaps :) I also agree on shortening your stirrups.
ReplyDelete