I had a real 'aha' moment this past week, during my lesson with my coach of the past four years, Karen Pyra (Centered Riding certified coach par excellence). It emphasized to me the ongoing need to be acutely aware of our own body's position 'in space', that is balance in all directions, while riding. Karen plans her lessons in advance, tailoring instruction to the specific needs of the rider which she has observed in past lessons. What a fantastic advantage to the student! This time it was about my tendency to lean to the right, on the right rein, and collapse my ribcage to the right (sigh, desk jobs and bad posture...). She brought a mat, big exercise ball, bosus, (those half moon, squishy things you stand on that have raised dots so you don't slip off) and we used a chair.
The exercises on the ground were all about finding my centre of balance via sitting on my upturned hands on the exercise ball, feeling the lift in my seat bones (a.k.a ischial tuberosities for those of you medically minded folk), and later, on the mat, using my curled arm to lift my head from the mat and then lifting my leg, then both... the combination of exercises translated to a minor miracle when I mounted up and Karen used the lunge line to free me to experiment with balance. Later in the lesson (off the lunge line) I achieved the best right rein trot and canter I have ever had on Lucera. I know she (Lucera) must be relieved that her human is 'getting it'... Lucera herself is amazingly balanced at all paces - thanks to her training by Karen as her first owner. Imagine being able to be coached by the person who knows not only your riding history/progress but every quirk and ability of your horse? Wow! But I digress...
Now you may be thinking.... an AHA after four years of lessons? Yes, Karen (and Johanna Beattie Bastista, but more on that in another posting) has been coaching me on this issue in the past... but sometimes it is repeated coaching and then actually feeling it on the ground that provides the AHA for a go forward 'retention' of the sensation and information. Not to mention I am 'older than dirt' and not a teenager any more...
The next evening (last night) my ride in Leland's mown meadow felt so balanced and 'at one' that I wanted to shout with pure joy... THAT'S what it feels like! Lynn and Paris were so gracious to introduce me to the spot - and already in the three weeks I have been at Tidal Treasures, Lynn has provided coaching for Lucera and I to feel brave and confident outdoors on the trails and beach. I am soaking up Lynn's encouragement and expertise, like a sponge... so grateful!
The human body/muscles/posture has a memory... and to be a good rider (part of which is being a sympathetic, easy and balanced weight for our horse to carry) practice in forging permanent 'memory paths' is my best way to achieve that oneness. It surely helps, too, when a hot blooded mare might have a little spook at some perceived danger... a balanced seat is a lifesaver - just go with the flow, ha ha!
Suffice it to say I am very, very excited to continue to receive Karen's expert coaching and Lynn's guidance, and all the practice possible both with flatwork in the fabulously sited outdoor riding arena and the soul satisfying venues of beach and trail rides. The moments of enlightenment continue to flow and encourage me to 'keep on' with my pursuit to be the best partner for Lucera I can be. Lynn and the Tidal Treasure riders all are mentors in being great riders too, they are beautiful to watch in their discipline and love for the horses....
A beautiful balance!
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