It's October and riding has become more enjoyable for me.
However, my riding experience today was far from pleasant.
I had to ride on a track that wasn’t the usual one. Probably because it rained in the morning, the track was muddy.
Also, there were no cones set up, making it hard to focus.
I find myself making a lot of excuses. (laughs)
I couldn't make a clean 20-meter circle. Especially when turning left, it was pointed out that the horse's line of sight and mine
were misaligned. I should fix my gaze far beyond the horse’s ears to determine the size of the circle,
but it seems I'm just looking past its left ear.
I should shorten the inside rein slightly, holding it closer and just about 5 centimeters apart, while pushing with the outside rein.
Turning right seems to be better; both the horse's and rider's line of sights match, and I'm able to form a 20-meter circle.
(My confidence is waning.)
Apparently, there's an issue with my "guidance." Also, I'm not grasping how much the horse changes depending on the tension of the reins and the pressure of the legs during "propulsion." Sometimes, I need to subtly open the reins (keeping my arms close) or
slightly release them forward. Even if the horse changes its pace, my "seat" isn't stable.
To achieve beautiful dressage, one must master "seat," "guidance," and "propulsion" all at once.
Rubens adjusted to my somewhat lax riding style and cantered along. "This horse is so accommodating! Amazing!" I was oddly praised and finished my lesson.
It's good that Rubens can canter with a single command. But this isn’t the level of practice I should be at...
That’s the feedback I received..