Sunday, 28 October 2007

How does Dressage relate to Step?



Today RI suggested that it could be beneficial for my riding performance to practice “coordination exercises” and after I asked “like what?” he said “like Step aerobics”!

Today we reviewed one more time (after the many other times) all the Half-Pass set of aids and it seems that my left leg doesn’t work properly, and in exercises when the outside leg really has an important role, like in HP, it becomes really noticeable.

The truth is that many years ago I gave up aerobics and never was a great fan of Step because I found really hard to keep up with quick and complex choreographies, and I was always also very bad in all social dances that involve a pair. So he may have a point there!

This leaves me extremely disappointed. Never thought I would have with a Horse the same problems like when dancing with a Human… but maybe that’s what Dressage is all about… a dance between two animals of different species where we have to take the leading role!

... Really left me thinking today … should I keep having Dressage lessons? Should I try another equestrian discipline? Should I start having dance classes as well? Should I stop worrying too much and try to enjoy my classes as much as possible?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

We all have weaknesses like that, and that is what dressage is about. Improving the horses weaknesses and also the riders weaknesses. Making both horse and rider straighter and more symetrical, stronger and fitter...

Perhaps the fact that your weakness now effecting your riding will give you more motivation to work on it?

There would also be lots of other options other than step that would help to strengthen you.

Muriel said...

I think you are trying too hard ..Putting my NLP coach hat on ^-^
You have been working in a fail/success state of mind ... he does a smooth HP or he does not.

You need to work in curious/play state of mind. For example when he does not respond from you leg aid, just think "oh! how interesting" ( idea by Linda Parelli). Then concentrate on what is happening, how much leg presuure to get this reaction or none ...

I have had BIG blocking state of mind. I used to get BORED and frustrated .. I still do but less and less. because I work on staying in curious frame of mind ...

Slowly I am unblocking myself.

Good luck!

So when is you next latin ballroom lesson? ;-p

ae said...

Thank you so much for your support!

I know that I don’t sound very positive, but is not that bad… I think I’m dramatizing a bit!

Probably I can’t ask for much more just riding two hours a week where I try very hard to do my best and follow the RI advice!

I don’t get the chance to try again afterwards… when we have all the time in the world to ride our horse is very different… I know… I’ve been there!

If I could I would have more riding classes… not dance! Riding only gets better with more riding!

:)

paulakiev said...

My dearest Ana,

I think that you need all. Not only keeping the Dressage that is one of most beautiful horse discipline, but as well you should go and have another kind of work and fun. Like Dance why not?

As well sometimes you worry too much and maybe because of that you don’t get the fun that things have even when we are not getting everything perfect.

Sometimes when I can’t get something perfect I think on it on my dreams, so my suggestion: Dance with your preferred horse in your dreams and make it with fun so the next day you know how to do it in real!

A big kiss,
Paula

Anonymous said...

Hi Ana!
You've found a new challenge! You learn more and more, just look back were you started, and see what you have achieved now, it's only getting better. It keeps your mind bizzy, and if it was for me; I would love to take these danceclasses!
A&B
Yvonne