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I use that term kinda 'loosely'. We're piddling around with Training Level. So, not like we're going to be hitting Grand Prix and I'm freaking out about being able to piaffe in a snaffle, here. BUT, I feel the need to make a distinction between what happens in competition dressage, and the more traditional/old skool/classical approach. To me, that is an important distinction. We are not dealing with a super talented rider and an imported wow mover of a horse. I am average, the horse is average (in current competitive dressage terms, at least). And the traditional approach can make us both into more than we are right now. I DON'T want to fall into the false frame/big front end/nothing behind/too much hand trap. WHY don't I want to fall into that? Because I have a natural tendency to move there. So, this is an exercise for ME to really be aware of staying within the tenants of what I consider to be classical in nature. We're talking basic basics. But then, that is the joy of dressage. It is ALL basic basics. *grins*
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Also, I am feeling the need to make something very clear here: I am not perfect. I do not profess to be perfect. I make mistakes. I am constantly striving to improve my riding and my understanding of the horse. I do NOT claim to know it all, or have all of the answers. I am not a world class rider, and will never be. I am just a chic working diligently to become a better rider. I love the journey that I am on. I try very hard to learn from the mistakes I make.
Wow, that is so aweswome, Shelby! I bet tj is thrilled too. I have to tell you that I have really enjoyed following your project blog, because I learn new things every time. Thank you for providing this for us. I've tried to comment before, but for some reason was not able to. Looks like I can now!
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Vic-
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I decided to be so public about this process was to share my experiences with others so they could learn from it. I'm glad you are enjoying it!
- Shelby
It just seems like dressage is zen with a horse. I mean, all horseback riding is like that, I suppose, but from what you are showing and telling us (and I've never read a dressage book or any horseback riding technique book - yet), it just seems like dressage is a way to make sure that you and the horse are in total communication. On a wilderness trail there are myriad obsticles to navagate and exterior things to grasp your attention, like the wind and birds and sky, but with dressage there is just you and the horse completely focused on eachother, just to see if you can do it. Is that true? And the thrill must be amazing. I know nothing about this kind of experience, but I think you are helping me imagine it - imagine how it could be.
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YES! The thing that originally attracted me to dressage was the level of communication, understanding, and 'empathy' the horse and rider obviously shared. To refine my aids to the point where it looks like I am thinking, and the horse responds. Horses are such amazing animals, they can respond to such minute changes in our body. Most people have no idea how greatly they truly effect their horse when they handle or ride them. But to be a student of this type of riding requires that the rider admit to themselves that the horse is rarely the problem. the RIDER is the source of the problem 99% of the time.
ReplyDeletePoint in case: Sully has demonstrated some confusion on this whole 'moving freely forward' topic. There have been moments of grinchiness. I accept full responsibility for that, because I have failed to communicate in a manner he can easily undestand what it is I want him to do. Yes, there is an element of 'I've never done that before, why should I work so hard now?' to it as well. But as I improve, I am able to explain more clearly to the horse what it is I am asking for. And when there is an absence of confusion, there is, ideally, an absence of resistance. A lofty goal, and one I continually fall short of. But it is my goal, none the less.
Also wanted to add that I often find myself being a much 'noisier' rider than I want to be. I am still a work in progress. *grins*
ReplyDeleteVic-my evolution to dressage has been a long one, really. As a teenager I thought it was "boring" and could not understand the appeal, never mind the finesse required.
ReplyDeleteIn my 20s and 30s, I took a few lessons here and there, but was basically a recreational rider. What started me on my journey was an inability to communicate effetively with a horse I had owned since a yearling, and started myself. I eventually came to realize that the fault laid with me, not the horse, and sold him on to someone else. Very good decision on my part!
But I never forgot that I was a failure, and it bothered me. Enter the internet and it's ever expanding horizens. One day, I was refered to Dr Deb Bennett's website, and read about skeletal development, the birdie theory, and Woody.
Wow, what an eye opener. Since then, I have read a lot, asked a lot of questions, and watched video's galore. I had the beginnings of the idea, but not the experience of seeing it first hand. I watched locals ride, and I began to develop an eye for impulsion and what the rider was really telling the horse. It has been a rewarding journey and I hope to continue to learn for many years to come.
It is even better when I watch my own horse, under Shelby's expert guidance, make such good progress. It sounds like a silly thing, but the correct halt was marvelous to see. I have seen him truly engaged (albeit for only a few stride before falling apart again) and again, this is an amazing thing. It has been perfectly delightful to watch my conclusions come true, right before my eyes.
And bless TBM's heart, he just tries and tries. As pleasant a ride as he has always been (and he has, just not "educated") he is truly blossoming before my eyes. And, we are united in where to go, and how to get there for TBM.
That's wonderful, tj. And I do appreciate what it must be like to see a correct halt - with the pole bent and the chin tucked. Did I get it right? (lol) I'd love to feel it too. I'm very happy for you and Sully and Shelby. The Pony Project is truly a win-win-win (lol) scenario.
ReplyDeleteShelby, I liked your reference to making aids look merely like thinking. Like telepathy!
I have a question for both of you. What is the dressage go button? Is it repeatedly tapping the horse's ribs with your heal? I noticed this in a dressage video (the only one I've ever seen). It was done when riding a young Fjord for the very first time by a professional (German, I think) dressage trainer. Is that how the go button is developed? Or is the continual heal tapping a part of all dressage? ...as a way to move the horse forward into your hands? Or is it just done in the very beginning? I watched a whole group of imported Fjords being ridden in dressage for their first rides. Most accepted the heal tapping very well, but a few twisted their tail and were annoyed by it. Probably not understanding it. The video I saw had very little talking, so that's why I have the questions.
Vic