Video Critique Please!! (UPDATE #78; New video)

[AmarachAcres]

Honestly, I think you guys are a fantastic pair.

He is really trying to work with you and you ride him over those jumps with grace. Do you both have a lot to learn? Of course, but I think it is totally worth working for if this is what you love to do.

Talk to your grandmother about the break away muzzles. That is what our pony lives in all spring and summer. I recommend the ones by tough 1 that have the big nostril openings. They are super safe.

Keep at it, and keep enjoying it. You will learn more and more until you are the one giving advice! And even then, keep on learning.

[jumpingstarr]

[QUOTE=french fry;7410838]
Stoney447 and JenEM are giving you absolutely great advice. I would highly recommend considering what you want to focus on (show or fun - not that showing isn’t fun!) and if you want to show, get serious about your flatwork. It’s not dull, I promise; a supple, fit, light, responsive horse is a joy to ride![/QUOTE]

I do want to show! However, it’s not really my choice whether I show or not, it’s taken a year or so of constant asking if I can show to even go to this little local show. I know I really need some dressage lessons…and I want him to be more light and responsive. I just don’t know where to start.

[4THEHORSES]

OP, what I see in the video is that your horse is distracted by what’s going on ourside the ring and look a little uncomfortable in a show type environment.

I would actually try showing in some slightly more complex classes. Make him focus more on the junps by challengin him a little more. They can only concentrate on one thing at a time.

[AmarachAcres]

Honestly, I think you guys are a fantastic pair.

He is really trying to work with you and you ride him over those jumps with grace. Do you both have a lot to learn? Of course, but I think it is totally worth working for if this is what you love to do.

Talk to your grandmother about the break away muzzles. That is what our pony lives in all spring and summer. I recommend the ones by tough 1 that have the big nostril openings. They are super safe.

Keep at it, and keep enjoying it. You will learn more and more until you are the one giving advice! And even then, keep on learning.

I watch youtube videos all the time. Some channels out there are fantastic. Evention TV, Erica Posey, plenty of others. You’d be surprised what tips you can pick up.

[Stoney447]

[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7410835]
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m so glad you understand. I would love to learn more about basic flatwork and dressage. See when I say lesson I mean more of a supervised ride. My trainer isn’t really the vocal type. She basically sets up the jumps and tells us what order to do them in… of course she’ll help if there’s a problem, but for some reason she just doesn’t really focus on me. Probably because I’m definitely one of the more advanced riders in the group. And she’s my grandmother so its not like I’m paying for board or lessons or my horse or anything. So I really would love some dressage lessons, but i just don’t see it happening tbh. Plus, I’m fairly confident any dressage trainer would just laugh at me…[/QUOTE]

I do not think they will laugh at you at all. I think that you have a really good foundation on which to build off of. You have all the tools, you just need someone to help you figure out how and when to use them. If you cannot ride with a dressage trainer right now, there are other ways that you can identify these building blocks and to start to implement the basics on your own (obviously having a dressage trainer to help you would be the best option, but I know that you can also make improvements on your own if you know where to start and if you are vigilant about trying to get things right).

I know that others may have ideas they can chime in on about material you can use to help you get started as well, but the book that changed my entire perspective on how I rode was: Walter Zettl’s Dressage in Harmony. He really explains why you do certain movements as well as the how. I highly recommend it, and I think the first time I read it, I checked it out from the Public library, so they may have it at yours.

Other books that may be interesting to you are:
William Steinkraus’ Reflections on Riding and Jumping: Winning Techniques for Serious Riders
and
Reiner Klimke’s Cavaletti

If you are not one for reading books, there are several DVDs as a starting point. I prefer reading, so I have not used the DVDs personally, but one of my friends has Ingrid Klimke’s Cavaletti DVD and loves it.

You sound so discouraged right now, and that really makes me sad. I really think that you can do this, even if you cannot get a dressage trainer right now! The fact that you are trying to find ways to help strengthen your horse and make things easier on him tells a lot about your initiative and drive. Just believe in yourself and believe in your horse, make goals for you two together that you can accomplish and never give up doing what you love!

[french_fry]

I never had a relative train me growing up so I would assume that in some ways it’s easier than working with a professional, but I’m sure it could be more difficult as well!

I empathize with the feeling that everything is out of your control - how often you get to the barn, the horse you ride, the type of riding you do, how much you get to show, etc. It’s tough being dependent on other people when you’re a teenager! That being said, if you are really motivated and disciplined you can figure something out.

Can you have a sit down talk with your parents and grandmother explaining your goals (riding more consistently, focusing more on flatwork, showing), what kind of work you will put in to accomplish those goals (extra chores, part time job, helping your grandmother with less advanced students, ???) and what the benefits of your goals are (grandmother’s horse is more accomplished/valuable with show miles, potential for you to develop skills to ride on a college team, potential scholarships?)

If you come up with a plan and a clear path to accomplishing it other people are much more likely to take notice and do their part to help you.

[supershorty628]

french fry, just speaking from personal experience, it was much harder for me to work with my mother than with a 3rd party. It’s part of why I started riding with Kip - the dynamic between me and my mother was not working.

Other than that, agreed with your post and with Stoney447’s recommendations!

[GaMare]

OP- Check out George Morris’s Hunter Seat Equitation. It’s an oldie but you can still get used copies on Amazon. He has some solid exercises with great descriptions/pictures.

PS- You can absolutely get there if you set your mind to it! Back in the day, I went up to the 3’3" junior equ on an adorably, funny looking large pony with just a friend as an occasional trainer. Got her for $1 and ended up with a few ribbons from Old Salem. Pretty sure the ribbons cost more than the pony did.

[billiebob]

[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7410835]
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m so glad you understand. I would love to learn more about basic flatwork and dressage. See when I say lesson I mean more of a supervised ride. My trainer isn’t really the vocal type. She basically sets up the jumps and tells us what order to do them in… of course she’ll help if there’s a problem, but for some reason she just doesn’t really focus on me. Probably because I’m definitely one of the more advanced riders in the group. And she’s my grandmother so its not like I’m paying for board or lessons or my horse or anything. So I really would love some dressage lessons, but i just don’t see it happening tbh. Plus, I’m fairly confident any dressage trainer would just laugh at me…[/QUOTE]

No trainer worth riding with would laugh at you. I like the other poster’s suggested books if dressage lessons aren’t feasible due to finances and/or availability. Have you asked your grandmother specifically for flatwork exercises or lessons? Posting videos here for critique can be a great tool (I’m mentally working up to this myself, but it looks like you’re braver than me!).

It’s pretty realistic to get your guy more fit only riding 3-4 times a week. Get out on the trails and do flatwork on hills. Do trot sets. I understand that you feel kind of powerless and maybe a little discouraged, but you have more tools than you realize to make your situation better.

[soarhigher]

Oh wow! I agree with almost everyone that you are super talented. It is hard to take lessons from a relative, yet, they can be our toughest critic. Keep showing, you need the exposure and your adorable pony needs the exposure. Don’t give up on that. As far as the size/weight issue. The more you show and have the opportunity to be at a show, the less time he can graze but do not focus too much on that. Some horses are easy keepers and you are not out there hammering on him. We forget sometimes that horses can go for days and days in extreme circumstances. So he is fine for what you appear to be doing. Sure, they need to used to riding but it looks like he is rode plenty…I do not like the mussle thing mentioned previously, how sad (sorry guys, I just keep picturing my horse in the field with his head hung low thinking , what did I do wrong?). Keep at it…

[jumpingstarr]

[QUOTE=billiebob;7411111]
No trainer worth riding with would laugh at you. I like the other poster’s suggested books if dressage lessons aren’t feasible due to finances and/or availability. Have you asked your grandmother specifically for flatwork exercises or lessons? Posting videos here for critique can be a great tool (I’m mentally working up to this myself, but it looks like you’re braver than me!).

It’s pretty realistic to get your guy more fit only riding 3-4 times a week. Get out on the trails and do flatwork on hills. Do trot sets. I understand that you feel kind of powerless and maybe a little discouraged, but you have more tools than you realize to make your situation better.[/QUOTE]

hahaha I NEVER would have posted this if I’d have known what I was getting myself into. But I suppose it’s been helpful. I’ll definitely take some of y’alls advice and try to do less jumping, more flatwork, and more fitness work…

[jumpingstarr]

[QUOTE=soarhigher;7411136]
Oh wow! I agree with almost everyone that you are super talented. It is hard to take lessons from a relative, yet, they can be our toughest critic. Keep showing, you need the exposure and your adorable pony needs the exposure. Don’t give up on that. As far as the size/weight issue. The more you show and have the opportunity to be at a show, the less time he can graze but do not focus too much on that. Some horses are easy keepers and you are not out there hammering on him. We forget sometimes that horses can go for days and days in extreme circumstances. So he is fine for what you appear to be doing. Sure, they need to used to riding but it looks like he is rode plenty…I do not like the mussle thing mentioned previously, how sad (sorry guys, I just keep picturing my horse in the field with his head hung low thinking , what did I do wrong?). Keep at it…[/QUOTE]

thanks & I know it would make me sad! I just want him to be happy, and if he has to be fat to be happy then that’s ok with me

[SillyHorse]

[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7411155]
hahaha I NEVER would have posted this if I’d have known what I was getting myself into. But I suppose it’s been helpful. I’ll definitely take some of y’alls advice and try to do less jumping, more flatwork, and more fitness work…[/QUOTE]

Not just more flatwork, but if you can, be sure it’s correct flatwork. Stoney’s story tells it all. The first thing I noticed in the video is that your horse is always counterbent in the corners, and that is because he doesn’t have the foundation on the flat that would give him the strength to be balanced instead of “motorcycling.” If you can find a proper dressage trainer - and I guarantee no REAL dressage trainer would laugh at you - you will be amazed at how much more adjustable and balanced your horse will become. That will make riding to and over the jumps so much easier.

[alterhorse]

[QUOTE=jumpingstarr;7411155]
hahaha I NEVER would have posted this if I’d have known what I was getting myself into. But I suppose it’s been helpful. I’ll definitely take some of y’alls advice and try to do less jumping, more flatwork, and more fitness work…[/QUOTE]

OP,

I’d suggest watching the 2014 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Sessions archived on the USEF Network.

Start with the video: “Day 1 Flat Work - Group 1 Mounted session with George Morris. December 31, 2013.” Starting at about the 3 minute mark of this video, Mr. Morris provides what I conceder an excellent description of the relationship between Dressage and the Hunter Jumper world.

Hope this link works!

http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2014GMHTS/

[AmarachAcres]

[QUOTE=alterhorse;7411424]
OP,

I’d suggest watching the 2014 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Sessions archived on the USEF Network.

Start with the video: “Day 1 Flat Work - Group 1 Mounted session with George Morris. December 31, 2013.” Starting at about the 3 minute mark of this video, Mr. Morris provides what I conceder an excellent description of the relationship between Dressage and the Hunter Jumper world.

Hope this link works!

http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2014GMHTS/

:)[/QUOTE]

You just made my week. These are fantastic!!

[Dewey]

OP, I think your horse is adorable and talented. I would love to ride him. :winkgrin:

You look like a good pair. You’ve been given a lot of great advice. I also recommend getting him out and around. Ride trails if you can. Put him on the trailer and take him places even if you are not showing. Expose him to new sights and experiences.

If there is a Pony Club near you, I recommend looking into it. Good luck.

[BeatriceLBD]

THANK YOU!! Good advice!

Thank you for being a voice of reason and kindness! Sometimes this forum is very cold and harsh, but there are people with some REALLY AWESOME ADVICE and years and years worth of knowledge.

I had a friend call earlier in the week that a friend of their child had been going through a rough period with their trainer and horse. The trainer told the little girl her horse was “a bad horse” and that she was a “bad rider and it was her fault the horse was naughty” after the mare kicked out when someone in a lesson ran up her butt. Um now what does that accomplish??? (Besides crushing a pre-teens feelings and self esteem…)

How about some more constructive criticism and advice knowing we don’t live in a perfect world…

[QUOTE=TheJenners;7410608]
OK guys, I think this might be a glimpse into how unforgiving COTH can be. This OP, who is obviously younger, has asked a question and acknowledged some issues with her horse (nervous, overweight). She has been rigidly told over and over that she shouldn’t be showing and that she needs to muzzle her fat old horse. And that she needs to be riding five days a week in a program or else she is wasting her time.

How nice is that?

OP, he’s adorable. I recommend going to shows :yes:. Buuuuut…do flat classes for now. Even if he doesn’t fit in or they aren’t the right class, put him in flat classes and who cares about a $0.18 ribbon. I took my WB to a show and did two flat hunter classes…even though he is NOT a hunter and looked like he was churning butter with his knee and hock action compared to everyone else’s hunter horses. But he needed the experience. And he was challenged and worried, but not overfaced and scared.

Challenge is good. A little worry is good. Fear is not. You want the showing to be a good experience, for you both. Obviously you are also tense, so you showing him in flat classes and everyone “surviving” and having a good experience is great for you both.

PS I think that big white marking over his belly makes him look fatter than he is.

PPS: I can’t ride five days a week either OP, and my horses are ripped :winkgrin:[/QUOTE]

[BeatriceLBD]

PS your horse is adorable!!!

[LittleSpeedy]

Just a few thoughts from a non-judgemental place you obviously care about your horse and desire to do more or you wouldn’t take the time to post and respond. I say stick with it and take steps to push yourself and your horse towards the goal you desire. Don’t put up roadblocks, figure a way to show more, tell your family your goals and get them on board to help you get there.
First, record all your rides in a journal and be honest about what you do each ride. Each week evaluate the quality of the work you have done and change accordingly for the next week. Wear a stopwatch, a fit jumper team can trot and gallop for at least fifteen minutes straight. Build up to this in three to five minute intervals twice a week for a month-6 weeks until you can go fifteen minutes straight at each speed. You will be surprised at how long fifteen minutes of straight galloping is, I was and I’m still working on it
Second, don’t discount the concerns about the weight of your horse. It doesn’t matter if you are not showing, showing at a local show or traveling to Wellington; you can maintain the health and fitness of your horse to the same level as a top level horse. But you have to be consistent and take hard steps. There is a disturbing trend in the horse world; equating an overweight horse with good care and a thin horse with bad care. To add to that, associating a happy horse with being fat. I’m sorry no matter what anyone says or if you have never had any problems before this is not the case and I promise one day one overweight horse will have problems. Just like we wouldn’t expect a human athlete to have a “beer belly”, an equine athlete shouldn’t have a hay belly. Limit his turnout if you can to half a day or less if you cannot keep him in a dry stall. Explain to the barn owner you are concerned about his health and believe me they will help you. No barn owner wants to be responsible if your horse does have a problem and they did not help you when you asked. An overweight horse can develop not only lameness issues but also non-sweating issues, metabolic diseases, laminitis, and respiratory problems. Weight is not the only cause of these health problems but is a mitigating factor in all of them. Good luck! Stick with it. If you can’t get to a lot of shows , look into clinics in your area.

[jumpingstarr]

I’m a bit terrified to post this, but I was fairly happy with my ride today…so I thought I would post this video and ask if y’all see any improvements from my perviously posted video(s)? I’ve been focusing on opening my hip angle without getting left behind the motion. However, I notice something weird about my elbows in this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeIqI9gfDFI

Also, please don’t comment on my horse’s weight (or the 2nd horse, my sister’s horse.) I’m really not asking for advice on my horse’s care.

ETA: I know there were also some rough spots in here with the leads. this arena is kind of skinny so sometimes it gets really awkward. Also, keep in mind that I only ride the 2nd horse occasionally.