I spent this past weekend going to horse shows. Not riding in them, but going to watch others ride. I went to the Arabians In Motion Back to Basics dressage show at Devonwood on Saturday, and I went to the ODS Adult Team competition dressage show down at the Salem fairgrounds on Sunday. The thought of riding in a show pretty much makes me sick to my stomach with nerves. Still I find value in going to watch others. I posted in an earlier post that I have been having some trouble with Boo. I got some good advice from another blogger and from my old trainer. I used their advice this morning and had the best ride I've had in weeks. I also think that watching others ride all weekend long helped me. I knew that I wanted my guy to work in balance. To make balanced transitions and to listen to my seat and legs. I knew from watching this weekend what that looked like and what it didn't look like. I visualized in my ride today looking the way I thought we should look when we made our transitions and it really did help me. I didn't always get it right, but when I did I knew it and when I didn't I tried again. We ended on a very good note. Can't wait for my ride tomorrow.
Lucky you for having shows nearby to watch! That's great that you were able to learn from them and apply it to yourself and your horse.
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