My lesson tonight was with the fabulous Martini. We worked on completing an entire dressage test at the proper gaits – so there was a lot of trotting.
Something you all might not know about me…when I’m concentrating really hard when I ride, well, I tend to forget to breathe. Yeah, I actually hold my breathe – I’ve never passed out before but my trainer on more than one occasion actually has had to tell me to breathe lol.
Tonight’s lesson focused on the dressage test, which has more trot than walk. You enter the arena at a trot, than you walk, pick up trot, continue trotting in a 20 meter circle, keep on trotting while you head to the other side of the arena, even more trotting while you complete another 20 meter circle and FINALLY you get to walk. 🤪
My first attempt at this test I lost steam during the first 20 meter circle, and then lost the steam again when we were changing directions. After a few laps of walking, I caught my breath and tried again. This time, I managed to get through the first 20 meter circle without stopping, and then came the direction change. As I’m getting ready to enter the 2nd circle, I lose steam. As if I’m willing my body to keep going, I say out loud “come on Judy BREATHE”! I swear Martini was laughing at me. But I managed to get through almost all of that circle at a trot.
Having a strong foundation before you start to advance in anything you do is super important. By working on these exercises at a walk and a trot, my body is building the muscle and stamina it’s going to need for getting really comfortable at the canter.
I love this horse so much. I love the little moments we share together. Tonight, I discovered he likes my singing – much like Alfie. We shared some special quiet moments while I was grooming him. At one point he gave me a little nuzzle with his nose. Martini showing affection is rare. Martini showing affection when there isn’t a cookie, mint or carrot is even rarer. It really makes me happy that he enjoys our time together. ❤️🐴
Confessions of an Equestrianoholic 