It is no secret that I have a spicy ginger dragon mare. Annie jumps like an absolute freak and she is so much fun on the cross country course but on the flat it is a different story. She can actually move pretty well but unfortunately most of the time we are in a battle to go around in a civilized manor. Sometimes it can be hard for me to tell if something is bothering Annie because she is so opinionated. It can get pretty ugly.
One of the reasons we struggle is usually me.
I changed after having a baby. Some people can come back from a baby and be back to their bad ass ways (looking at you Jonelle Price) however if you were already a bit of a ninny before you might be an even bigger ninny on the back side. Annie is a smart cookie and totally has my number. She has basically ended up tricking the new me into riding her in more of a “hover – don’t poke the bear” style.
Sometimes I can recognize that I am the problem. Other times I can get caught trying to find another reason for why we struggle with a concept though. This my friends is why lessons are so crucial. Or even just a capable set of eyes on the ground.
I was convinced Annie was broken on Thursday night and ran through about a million possibilities for what was causing our problems undersaddle. We had lost the right lead canter. Cue panic on my part. It didn’t really occur to me at that point that maybe I was the problem.
On Saturday I had a lesson… Guess what? I had the same problem. I did what I was told though and suddenly my horse knew what I was asking… Turns out the way I was riding was the problem afterall.
Here’s hoping I can apply myself outside of lessons too, stay patient, and stop being a ninny.
I’m getting back into lessons too, and boy do I need them! No babies for me, but a lengthy time off has really caused some problems.
I’m sure you and Annie will get back in the groove soon!
One lesson at a time!
omg i know that feeling. It is always a me thing (mostly).
And love all the Friends gifs. 😉 and ha ha spicy ginger red mare 😉
Friends is my jam. 🙂
99% of the time, I’m definitely the problem, lol
Feels. The ammie struggle is real.
I am all too familiar with this lol
Two years re learning how to ride and how to ride Penny changed it for me. Its a long road but you will get there!
Baby steps!
Hoping it all gets better quick! Personally, I found as a mom, sleep deprivation plays a massive role in my riding ability. If I’m (relatively) rested I can ride like a million bucks, if I’m on the struggle bus from a bad night, its amazing how quick my effectiveness/skill tanks! It’s so frustrating!
Not sleeping definitely doesn’t make me a better rider lol.
Ugh- I hear you (even without the baby thing 😉 ). It’s so hard just to get out of our own way!
My life struggle.