It suddenly became February before I knew it.
Today, there was no wind, the coldness had eased, and it was in very good condition for riding.
It was another lesson focused on thorough lateral aids.
Turning the horse's face inward so that I could see its eyelashes,
creating an inward posture.
It seems that my ability to trot to the right has improved because my right seat bone is soft, allowing for better propulsion.
The power on the right is caught with the left rein. It's the epitome of lateral aids.
On the other hand, my left trot feels somewhat awkward because my left seat bone is stiff. Therefore, it seems necessary to ride slightly to the left in the saddle and place the left leg forward to propel.
The seat. The seat bones. It's all about how much I can feel and use them skillfully.
When shifting from canter to walk, I was also minutely corrected for not achieving a complete walk.
I had wondered why, when I thought the horse had settled into a walk and I loosened the reins, it would speed up instead,
Loosening the reins gradually,
the area from the seat bones to the thighs must stay closely connected to the saddle, and the rider must not lean forward but use
the abdominal and back muscles to keep the force downward.
Moreover, from the knees to the heels should be kept away from the horse's body.
Essentially, by making the seat and thighs heavy and slowly loosening the reins, the horse will accurately understand the rider's commands.
It seems the horse continues to run because I merely loosen the reins. I stop cantering, but it keeps running,
misunderstanding the command.
Ultimately, it's my mistake in giving instructions.
Oh well.
It seems it will take time to master this.