Post by Raelynn on Aug 1, 2006 20:23:56 GMT -5
I lead the leopard appaloosa into the arena, this was my first task. I had to exercise Belle, Echo and Monk. I had decided to exercise Belle first. She was a beautiful mare, hopefully she was a responsive and obediant mount also. I turned her towards the rail, checking her girth and tack before I mounted. I settled gently in the saddle, having to re-adjust the stirrups to a proper length. I placed the helmet on my head, snapping the buckle under my chin. My hand stroked her neck before gently nudging her sides and turnig her to walk along the rail. My back was straight, heels down, toes slightly out. My gaze focused straight ahead.
The mare was responsive and a quiet mount. I worked her in tight and large circles, serpentines and figure eights, loosening her up, I then guided her to walk along the rail. After she had made a complete lap around the arena I nudged her sides again, asking her to jog. Her transition was smooth and even, I wanted to post since I had ridden english for the past couple years. But Iremained seated, my gaze shifted down to her legs briefly to check her gait for any faults. I found none, my gaze now focused straight ahead. We continued at that pace for a few minutes more before I nudged her sides again, asking for her to lope. Her transition was once again smooth and even. I moved with the movement, the ride gentle and smooth. Belle was sensitive on the bit, reacting to even the slightest commands.
The mare was responsive and a quiet mount. I worked her in tight and large circles, serpentines and figure eights, loosening her up, I then guided her to walk along the rail. After she had made a complete lap around the arena I nudged her sides again, asking her to jog. Her transition was smooth and even, I wanted to post since I had ridden english for the past couple years. But Iremained seated, my gaze shifted down to her legs briefly to check her gait for any faults. I found none, my gaze now focused straight ahead. We continued at that pace for a few minutes more before I nudged her sides again, asking for her to lope. Her transition was once again smooth and even. I moved with the movement, the ride gentle and smooth. Belle was sensitive on the bit, reacting to even the slightest commands.
