Yesterday, I rode for the first time in ten days.
While doing so, I silently told myself, "Mount immediately, dismount immediately."
Upon mounting, I reminded myself of "guidance," "propulsion," and "riding posture" internally
The instructor, dissatisfied with the last time's trotting, seemed more motivated today.
"You have the skills; you won’t fall off. Do whatever it takes to increase the horse's speed, be it by applying pressure, kicking, using a whip, or using vocal cues," I was instructed.
"Let’s make it a powerful run since it is a descendant of King Kamehameha," they said. Improving this aspect seems to make other
technical instructions much easier.
After starting the lesson and walking around the arena, I was directed to immediately begin a brisk trot. Despite my best efforts, the speed decreased at the corners, reverting to a slower pace.
The instructor's voice grew louder, showing their determination. They commented, "You raise your hips well, but lower them slowly.
Lower them faster. A strong core is essential..."
I wonder how many rounds I made. This seems to be my current limit. The instructor wasn’t satisfied but advised,
"If you can maintain a stable riding posture while increasing the speed by about 20%, there’s nothing to fear."
"Since you are riding with such a good saddle, let’s bring out its best," they said. To commemorate becoming a senior,
a new saddle was ordered with a horse friend. A handmade saddle was delivered from France after waiting a year.
Let’s make full use of this new saddle. It was expensive, but considering the uncertainty of how many more years I can ride, it was the right time to purchase.
"Sit firmly in the saddle," the instructor advised.
When I felt the momentum, I tried to canter. The right lead canter wasn’t successful. "Move your right sit bone slightly back, pull your right shoulder back, and keep the right leg a bit behind," were the adjustments suggested. Somehow, it seemed to harmonize better.
Then, the left lead canter went smoothly.
"It’s crucial to feel even the small changes, such as how the horse’s movement changes due to the position of the sit bones,"
they emphasized. "Please notice how a one or two-millimeter difference in holding the reins affects the horse."
Previously, I practiced "shoulder-in," "diagonal steps," and "foreleg rotations."
Now, the focus seems to be on mastering beautiful riding postures before proceeding to L class lessons.
The basics are vital. I have seen many riders hit a plateau in higher classes due to lack of fundamentals.
What is essential for me now is to execute the basics faithfully, accurately, and beautifully at every moment.