My instructor wants me to use both hands. I trust her, she's good at what she does, so I'll stick with what she wants me to do. I know she's explained to me once why she wants me to use 2 hands, but I'll ask again at the next lesson.hold them with one hand. Your doing it the english way by holding the reins like your riding english
Its okay to do that but I suggest holding with one hand and one hand behind your back.. I know what you mean about the leg issue I have that problem with it going way to far back just place it underneath you in front of the leg... Anyways you look good for your 4th lesson
More lessons will help you with your leg issue.
Agreed 100%. What size saddle is that? To measure yourself for a western saddle, the rule of thumb that I was taught that you should be able to fit 2-3 fingers flat on the set between your thigh and the pommel. FWIW, I am a larger rider and feel most comfortable in a 17 inch saddle, although I have ridden in many 16 inch saddles and find that my seat size can change with the brand. Judging on the photo alone, I would definitely ask your instructor for a larger saddle. And a word of advice? I assume that the horse in the photo isn't yours? If that's correct, don't buy a saddle to just fit yourself - wait till you have a horse to fit it toI think the biggest issue right now is that the saddle does not fit you. This unfortunately compromises your position quite a bit, which otherwise would be naturally quite good.
My instructor wants me to use both hands. I trust her, she's good at what she does, so I'll stick with what she wants me to do. I know she's explained to me once why she wants me to use 2 hands, but I'll ask again at the next lesson.
There's plenty of things to work on...:wink:...the issue is, if and until you're in a saddle that fits you, they can't be fixed.I appreciate the feedback. I was expecting more things wrong. I sure have fun riding that horse.
This bit is an Argentine snaffle (I think that's what it's called). It has the joint like a snaffle but the shanks too. Truthfully, you don't need anything with this horse because he's very responsive to cues. The word Whoa and a heavy seat and he's planting his feet. I can tell today that the stirrups were too short because I really feel it in my legs. I'll experiment next lesson with the length.judging by your photos and i will take into consideration you are a new rider. i think you are doing great. it's nice to see a smile as well =)
one thing that does get me though is the bit. i would much prefer to see a new rider with a snaffle until they and keep a steady hand. i agree with your instructor about using both hands to begin with. and again this would be better learnt in a snaffle bit. always remember thumbs on top this will also help you to keep your elbows in.
the saddle is small for you, if the bigger saddles don't fit this horse maybe ask to ride a horse that it does fit. as for your stirrup length. once you are a little more comfortable, take then down 1 hole. then then when that is comfortable, down another. this will make putting your heals down a lot easier.
This bit is an Argentine snaffle (I think that's what it's called). It has the joint like a snaffle but the shanks too. Truthfully, you don't need anything with this horse because he's very responsive to cues. The word Whoa and a heavy seat and he's planting his feet. I can tell today that the stirrups were too short because I really feel it in my legs. I'll experiment next lesson with the length.