[anrz]

Well, I had my last ride on Thumper before I go to my grandma's house for Christmas, and it went relatively well. Thumper was pretty hyped up, and I was getting tense, so we opted for a little bareback so I would end on a good note for the week. Things that I see: I'm pumping with my upper body a little at the canter, and I didn't use enough leg around the corners and too much rein. So what do you guys see? I tried to relax a bit, as MIEventer suggested last time .
Thanks in advance!

 

[ridergirl23]

toes forward, not so out
try to slow down your posting in the trot, and push her forward, then maybe she will lengthen her stride cute horse!

 

[PaintingMissy]

I agree with the above post. Remember heels down and out. And slow down the post. I struggle with the same exact thing. You just need to slow down your post. I also would recommend that when you come out of the corners to sit, squeeze, and hold the reins for about three strides to get your horse pushing out more. If you feel Thumper's gait is fine then keep it the way it is. I am just throwing out my opinion. You also have a very nice seat during your bare back ride. Good job.

Hope it Helps
PM

 

[anrz]

thanks! I'll definitely try that with the corners, PaintingMissy. I do think that his gaits really could be improved, and I'll try that. I'll also work on toes in, and slowing down my post as you guys suggested .

 

[horses4life43]

I see that you need to get your hands up I have a big issue with that! heels down and out. Shorten your reins they were really loose.

 

[anrz]

Thanks! I'll work on that, too . I had the reins so loose because for a while now we've had problems with him tensing up with short reins. He's getting better, but my mom only taped me riding with loose reins at the trot. He's a lesson horse, and on the rare occasion that he is ridden by a slightly less experienced, 'non-regular Thumper Rider', the person is usually pretty hard-handed with him because they don't really know how to handle him :S. Anyway, my point is that it helps him to relax more . If you were talking about the OTHER parts of the video, I'll definitely work on that . Thanks!