Re: RC: unbalanced at the trot

[Abby Bloxsom <goneriding@snet.net>]

> My worry is that I'll ride Tanna while not being balanced and mess up *his* balance. And destroy those lovely gaits.

It's possible.  Besides, developing balance will make the whole bareback
thing much easier for you both.
> 
> And next, does anybody know of exercises to do (on or off my horse) that I can regain or improve my balance specifically at the trot?  
I can give you some stuff to do, but it will take a while for me to get
back to you on this ... be patient.

> Also, I don't really have any help here that I can draw on besides my husband.  He might be willing to help me do some stuff, but he's no trainer.  We do have a video camera.  I shudder to think of watching myself, but he can tape me and then we can critique that if I can figure out how to fix the problems.

Does he ski or skate or do anything that requires good balance?  He may
be more helpful than you think.
> 
> I was thinking about getting the book Centered Riding.  Anybody have anything to comment on that?
> 
It's a great book, but more about the entirety of riding than about
balance specifically.  You can try that, and also check out stuff by
Mary Wanless.  I have THE NATURAL RIDER and RIDE WITH YOUR MIND - I find
her approach excellent with regard to explaining How.  It's especially
useful if you also keep the Sally Swift (Centered Riding) stuff in mind
as you go ...

> Anyway, thanks so much for your help.  Please stay on topic with this and don't try to convince me to go saddle.  I don't mind doing that if I have to (and I'm getting older, so might go saddle route for competition), but I don't want to let the saddle be a crutch.  I want to learn to ride better, not start buying all kinds of equipment to mask my faults.

An admirable goal, April.

-Abby B
-- 
* * *
Abby Bloxsom
ARICP Certified Instructor
Level III Recreational and Distance Riding
Colebrook, CT USA
goneriding@snet.net