SESSION 20 – CONTROLLING THE SPEED OF THE LEGS

In this session, Claire wanted to work on shoulder in in trot. However, it became clear that due to Savannah being a bit unsettled and on her toes, Claire did not have control of the speed of Savannah's legs in trot!

Claire has to remember to 'stay in her bubble' and not join in with Savannah being distracted. Claire has to stay 'down' even if Savannah's ears come up!

In trot, Claire needs to work on controlling the speed of Savannah's legs by pausing at the top and bottom of the rise and not getting into a pulling battle with the reins! She needs to focus on 'sling shoting' and keeping short without leaning forward.

Claire tries to do leg yield in trot but again loses control of of the speed of Savannah's legs. Claire goes back to leg yield in walk where she can control the speed. In leg yield in walk to the left, Claire needs to keep Savannah's head straight and herself in the middle of the saddle. Eventually Claire gets control of the speed of Savannah's legs in trot and they do some nice leg yield.

In shoulder in, Claire needs to steer Savannah's withers not her nose, particularly on the right rein. By thinking 'little' trot Claire manages to slow Savannah and finally gets some nice shoulder-in in trot!

This session showed that lessons don't always go to plan but these are often the ones where you learn the most!