Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Angie,

 

 From what I understand, the way to do it is to SIT two beats.  That is what I was taught, and I do hope that my mother didn't throw away lots of money on Horsemanship school.  I think that the sitting two beats is less noticeable, and in the show ring, they want the rider to not show any cues/movements to the horse.

 

Now, on to the diagonal issue.

First off the disclaimer:  I know that this is incorrect!!!   I have never spent much time in the *other* diagonal.  To tell you the truth, I would have to get on the horse and post to see which one it is.  I have been riding the same darn one for WAY too much time.(1979)

BUT, I can honestly say, that my horses (and I have ridden several to high mileage in this manner) have never been lame, had foot abnormalities, or been shaped assymetrical.  At the same time, none of these horses have shown me that they prefer one diagonal over the other,  I can switch diagonals, the horse doesn't "push or throw" off to the other, make funny faces, back her ears...nothing.  I am not as comfy, but we can both do it.  I do switch up some on rides, little more on 100's...but never had a problem.  So, what I am wondering, I understand that the horse is being forced to use the same muscles, but WHY isn't it showing up????  Why does my horse seem so balanced????  I have had massage people work on them prior to rides and after rides and they would comment on how balanced the rider must be on the horse, by what they are finding/feeling.   So what is going on here?????  I would LOVE to hear a good reason for it.

 

Jody and the girls (hopefully staying balanced)   :))))

"rides2far@xxxxxxxx" <rides2far@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

> >>The crooked rider can cause the horse to prefer a specific diagonal. 
>
> I know sometimes we blame the horse when it's really us. A friend of mine always said her horse preferred his right diagonal and made her ride it. She said he'd pop her over onto it. Then while she was sick I rode him for 6 months or so. Sure enough, *I* felt like he made me ride my left. It was obviously the *riders* who had a preference. 
>
> Kaboot would try to keep me on the left during the first half of an endurance ride, but the last half it was very easy to stay on the right. I guess his left was getting tired and he was more willing to have me on the right. I can ride either of his easily now. My problem with my new horse is the same I used to have with Kaboot...when I switch to my right, he breaks into a canter, then when I drop him back into the trot I'm back on the left. :-P
>
> New point. How many of you bounce twice
>  to change diagonals? I gave that up a long time ago...too many bounces! I stand an extra beat. Since I tend to ride this horse one handed (hackamore) I switch which hand has the reins too. I prefer two hands so I'll sit straighter. 
>
> Angie
>
>
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