Feeling Good

This is about Marti's and my progression and experiences. Today when I hauled to the barn where I jump, I found out that my usual instructor wasn't there. Thankfully, there are three jumping instructors there, so I was able to ride with another. At first, yes, I was skeptical because I have an event this coming week and I'd never ridden with this person before. As it turns out, all things happen for a reason. It started out on shaky ground and my own riding was a bit weak, but when I pulled it together, Marti and I did fabulous! I have always had a problem with being too forward and doing what this instructor called "torpedoing" over the jumps where my position is virtually in front of the saddle. She worked hard on my maintaining a light seat and even had me sit the last few strides before jumps so I could really get my legs around Marti and hold myself as well. She also told me to "land in my heels." I'd always been taught the idea, but never grasped it until it was worded this way. I posted a couple youtube videos of our riding on my channel: DowntheBridlePath. You can hear the instructors speaking, so it might be helpful to you! Look at the pictures from a couple months after I bought her and jumped her for the first time compared to now:

First time ever. I know it's a dressage saddle. That isn't the point.

Today.

Also today.