Jump Refusal

It's one of those bad riding days. Wait, did I ever have a good one...like ever?

I'm not going to dwell or rant (much) but just when you think you're doing well, something always has to go wrong. Now that I have no issues with recovery after a jump nor feel the need to lean way back after the jump, in fear of Trojan taking off (as she did in the past since she gets excited over jumps), the opposite happens. She refuses the jump nearly making me topple over. Of course everything that goes wrong is my fault, which can be really frustrating. Worse was when I was asked what I really wanted to do, jump or do dressage. Clearly it means I'm hopeless when it comes to jumping.

I approach the jump, not gripping too much on the reins, looking straight ahead and lightly lift my butt off the saddle. I no longer cluck nor nudge her with my heels as I am told to sit quietly and let her  go over the jump. But she started refusing, and it's because I'm not being aggressive and encouraging. Honestly, I'm confused. This is the disadvantage of riding only once a week. I don't know the horse I ride well enough and perhaps we don't have that connection and getting mixed signals from each other.

Anyhow, it's good that Dennis was there and was able to video it. Here it is. I welcome feedback :o)

Horse Jumping Clinic

Oh my! It’s been that long since my last entry. I’ve been very busy and will do my best to post some of the activities during the gap. It’s all been good, I must say. I did go through a difficult phase during my seemingly hiatus status but will write about it when I’m ready.

So many exciting happenings! I attended my first jumping clinic with Penny Stevenson and her granddaughter, Samantha Mcintosh. Obviously, I’ve started riding again. After my 1st week, succeeding lessons focused on jumping. Rusty from the break, affected the confidence of my riding. I wasn't able to shake off the fear of falling. It didn’t help that Trojan wasn’t being very helpful. I don’t think anyone’s jumped her after I stopped riding because she was way too excited to jump one jump after the other. I had to hold her back because she just wanted to take off. My hand had calluses after that lesson. Nevertheless, I was still determined to join the clinic and was fortunate enough that the schedule was just perfect.

Violet couldn’t go with me so I was more nervous. I didn’t really know anyone there and I’ve had bad experiences from the past with some female riders (in Lusaka during my time) – snobs, weren’t too nice and territorial. I was pleasantly surprised because the organizer of the clinic, Karen Concepcion, was very nice and friendly. And you know who else talked to me? Mikee Cojuangco :o) With so many people she meets everyday, riders riding in MPC, she remembered me from last year’s Jump Club from Pook Ligaya. I had just entered the bullring to warm up with another rider when she rode towards me and said hello and just started chatting with me. Silly as it may sound but I was star struck and in a state of disbelief. Genuinely a nice person.

I have always wanted to join a horse clinic to hone my riding skills. The opportunity to see other riders will help me learn and pick up technics here and there. It was also a good way of seeing others style.

I had a good time. I'm feeling more confident with my jumping and landing on the right lead. So when's the next clinic? :o)

gawd! i look so stiff with my arms that way

Horse Jumping

the best part of horse riding is jumping! the feeling is absolutely exhilarating! it's an excitement i can't describe. for one, it's truly a partnership between the horse and the rider. anyone can go over a jump on a bike, motorbike, etc. you have better control handling an object compared to an animal that thinks on its own with moods. it is dangerous. remember what happened to superman? so it's a must that the flatwork is close to perfect before jumping.

my problem then...and sadly it has returned...is my recovery. after a jump, i seem to be having problems leaning/sitting back to avoid falling over the horse. it has been my biggest dread and after i have been doing so well and was told that i am 90% close to perfecting my recovery from a jump...i fell off the horse just this sunday. i'm fine but sore on the side where i first hit the ground. i was honestly shaken, and still am. as much as i dream about entering a competition, i'm not quite sure i have the guts any more. falling off is inevitable but i don't know how many falls i can take (2 falls so far and it wasn't a good feeling at all).

indeed, practice is very important. just before the new year, i had 3 lessons in one week and ended my last lesson jumping 3 poles - 1 bar, 1 bar and oxer. it went very well and my instructor seemed very pleased. however, january started off very busy in the office leaving me physically and mentally exhausted plus activities left and right. i was only able to go back to riding this sunday - missing 2 weeks or 4 lessons. i think that's why i didn't do too well.