Today, I rode a horse for the first time since August 2009. It felt like it was supposed to. Except for the fact that it was a style of riding I have never done before- Saddleseat.
I have always had a negative opinion about Saddleseat. Here's why: The horse's movement looks unnatural, the rider looks uncomfortable and I find most Saddleseat horses kind of ugly.
Since this ride was bought at a huge discount, I will try Saddleseat. I bought a Groupon for 3 riding lessons and 1 evaluation lesson at the Louisville Equestrian Center, it cost $84. Of course I bought it. I bought it early in the summer and have been putting them off for months. Now that I feel like my life is slightly in order, I finally feel free to use them. And, it's not so hot anymore.
They put me on their second easiest horse, Troubador. I told them I had a lot of riding experience, but I suppose they can never be too sure. He was a cute, slow, old pinto, only capable of cantering on the right lead.
We started out walking, and trotting. I want to say I felt rusty, but I can honestly say, I didn't. I never was good at picking up the correct diagonal but I know how to switch. He was a pleasant ride, really. We moved on to cantering. As I said, he only knew the right lead. I thought I would have some difficulty at the canter, but I did not and I was relieved.
The real difficulty I had was in keeping my knees tight to the saddle and my hands off his neck. Saddleseat is completely unlike English hunt seat and western. I had to squeeze my knees tight and turn my heels and calves away from his sides. It has been so ingrained in me to keep contact with the horse along my entire leg that this was very difficult. Additionally, I had to hold a crop and keep my hands up, elbows bent at a 90 degree angle. Totally opposite from western and hunt seat, where the elbow has only a slight bend and the hands are low over the withers.
But, I think I improved on this technique by the end of the lesson and will grow accustomed to this style over the next three lessons.
I don't think I will ever have an interest in riding saddleseat on a regular basis. I really enjoy the intricacy of a western horsemanship class or an English equitation class. Plus, I just don't have an interest in owning a horse suited for saddleseat. They are not as pretty to me, and pretty is pretty important in my horse obsession. I don't like how they hold their heads/have their heads held up.
Anyway, keep your eyes open for further developments on riding lessons and my day in Lexington tomorrow.
Love.
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