Today I pulled out the dressage saddle for the first time in a while. I also put spurs on. I've never ridden her in them, but Stephanie has and had good results.
It felt weird to have them on and I was -very- careful with how I used my leg because I didn't want to apply them unnecessarily. That said, I had some of the best lateral work I've ever gotten out of Izzy. She was nicely forward (more on that another day) and just a light touch with the spur reminded her to move over instead of just fighting me about it constantly.
I'm a big fan of the horse learning to do something because I SAID SO not because of my equipment, but I'm also a big fan of Ms Mare actually using her backend. I'm thinking it may be time to invest in my own pair.
Good on you for using spurs as intended =)
ReplyDeleteWith care, and for refinement of the lateral aids ;-)
Spurs actually refine the leg aids when used correctly. You can be really light with them and get maximum response.
ReplyDeleteGlad Izzy accepted the aids and worked so well for you. When you get to FEI, you will need to ride with spurs, so you might as well start now. *S*
I can relate to this. I've taken my spurs off for the moment because my leg isn't steady and I'm 'nagging' the horse with the spur. Last thing I want to do is create a horse that is dead to the spur. And I agree, ideally, I'd like to get to the point where the horse is responding to the lightest aid. But getting there requires consistency and precise aids - both of which are still challenging for me. BTW you look awesome in the hat and vest in the prior post. You're getting some amazing experience! :)
ReplyDeleteI had a very similar experience with Tucker and his lateral work. It was so-so for a long time, and then one day in the heat of summer after he had been particularly lazy all week, I put on a set of spurs. When I asked for a leg yield the response I got was, "OH! That's what you wanted? Why didn't you say so?" Glad Izzy was good :)
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