| 16301 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20905 301-421-9156 woodland16301@verizon.net |
Learning Tips
I can't stress enough the importance of observing riders who know how to
post. In my experience, students who watch other lessons or go to
competitions to watch more experienced riders learn twice as fast. It
motivates them. Talk to other riders. Tell them about any problems you
have. They're likely to be helpful and encouraging, and you may just find a
very valuable friend, but like many others, horse people won't offer advice
unless asked. Except for your instructor, of course.
Posting to the trot involves subtlety and rhythm; following motion, not
resisting motion.
Remember, as you post, the pivot point is your knee. Now you're beginning
to move in harmony with the horse. Unless you're an engineer, forget trying
to figure out the mechanics of the trot and your movements, and feel the
trot instead.
I can't stress enough the importance of observing riders who know how to
post. In my experience, students who watch other lessons or go to
competitions to watch more experienced riders learn twice as fast. It
motivates them. Talk to other riders. Tell them about any problems you
have. They're likely to be helpful and encouraging, and you may just find a
very valuable friend, but like many others, horse people won't offer advice
unless asked. Except for your instructor, of course.
Posting to the trot involves subtlety and rhythm; following motion, not
resisting motion.
Remember, as you post, the pivot point is your knee. Now you're beginning
to move in harmony with the horse. Unless you're an engineer, forget trying
to figure out the mechanics of the trot and your movements, and feel the
trot instead.
Toby
Toby is a Draft Cross -- a cross between a Draft (a large horse bred to pull
heavy loads) and another, smaller breed. Although of average height, he's
big boned and bulky, and his feet are twice the usual size. He has a long,
full black mane and tail, giving him a playful appearance, and playful he is.
In the field, he's silly. He likes to take the halters off other horses with his
teeth. You'll also find him rubbing his neck on trees a lot.
Especially sweet and docile with people, Toby provides a calm and steady
mount. He proves that you can't judge a horse's temperament by his size.
He's patient with beginners and won't do anything crazy, even if you make
mistakes. But like many Draft Crosses, he has a well-deserved reputation
for laziness, which can present a challenge for riders. Toby can be
stubborn and refuse to go.
Toby is a Draft Cross -- a cross between a Draft (a large horse bred to pull
heavy loads) and another, smaller breed. Although of average height, he's
big boned and bulky, and his feet are twice the usual size. He has a long,
full black mane and tail, giving him a playful appearance, and playful he is.
In the field, he's silly. He likes to take the halters off other horses with his
teeth. You'll also find him rubbing his neck on trees a lot.
Especially sweet and docile with people, Toby provides a calm and steady
mount. He proves that you can't judge a horse's temperament by his size.
He's patient with beginners and won't do anything crazy, even if you make
mistakes. But like many Draft Crosses, he has a well-deserved reputation
for laziness, which can present a challenge for riders. Toby can be
stubborn and refuse to go.
| LEARNING TIPS |
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| WOODLAND UNIVERSITY |
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