[naturalhorsegrl]

So I had a lesson today for the first time since mid-January. Needless to say, I was just a bit rusty

Anyway, I was horrible when we were doing the groundwork- my legs were going everywhere- I felt so bad for the horse I was riding. I couldn't really help it though because my legs have gotten really weak in the spot to hold on, since all I've been doing is running.

Anyway we got to jumping, and it seemed like everything just "clicked" (me and Spot just started feeling really "together" and my leg fell into place). I think I actually did almost as well on the courses and jumping exercises as in January. But the problem is, I was soooo tense! It was almost like I was scared to let him go faster than a really slow canter (same speed as a mid-trot about). Everytime he started to get faster, to actually the regualar pace of a canter, I would pull him back so that no impulsion canter- I felt afraid to let him go over the jumps at that speed. It's not that I'm scared of jumping or that I'll fall off- I just really tense up my whole shoulder and back area.

My instructor kept telling me I needed to loosen up and keep my shoulders and lower arms relaxed and everything, but I couldn't figure out how to do that! When I used to tense up when I was taking regular lessons, I would take deep breaths to calm down and relax, but that didn't help today for some reason! Does anyone have any suggestions? It is just really depressing to have been improving so much and then have to take so long off because of soccer and then come back and have my flat work be almost like when I just started.

Thanks in advance!

[Ureventer]

I have the same problem with feeling tense, although mine is more an "intensity". I think too hard...lol, and my horse picks it up and goes nuts on me..lol. My instructor literally tells me to breathe and I take a big breathe in and then realise it. As soon as I do it, my horse slows down and is calm.

Glad to hear things are starting to "click" for you though! That's wonderful

[naturalhorsegrl]

Originally Posted by ureventer89

I have the same problem with feeling tense, although mine is more an "intensity". I think too hard...lol, and my horse picks it up and goes nuts on me..lol. My instructor literally tells me to breathe and I take a big breathe in and then realise it. As soon as I do it, my horse slows down and is calm.

Glad to hear things are starting to "click" for you though! That's wonderful

Thanks! It's so nice to finally connect with him! When I used to take lessons regularly, it would be a constant struggle between him and me. He is stubborn has ****, green, and also young (5 years now). Not a good combination considering I'm also really stubborn, so we kind of rubbed the wrong way. He is a really sweet horse though- always loves to be worked and runs up to me and pretty much puts the halter on himself- and it was nice to just get along and not fight about every little thing. I have learned a ton from him though- I wouldn't be close to where I am now if I had been riding one of her other lesson horses. Maybe I needed a break or something... Anyway, it would just be really nice to know how to relax a little and get over my fear or whatever it is.

Usually, I do exactly what you just said with the same results as you get. He calms down and lengthens his stride a little while I become looser and more relaxed. Today it just wasn't working. Maybe I wasn't breathing right? I really don't know...

Any other suggestions?

[juxtposdbologna]

Remember to breath!! I do it too. Holding your breath makes you tense, in turn making your horse tense. Sing a song if you have to, that will make you breath. Relax and breath, trust me on this.