Thursday, July 26, 2012

These pics will NOT be submitted to the George Morris jumping clinic

I got the proofs from the show this weekend. They are... erm... rather embarrassing, actually.

Here's what I like:
  • My horse is tidy, shiny, and relaxed. He also has great form with his front end, knees up and square.
  • It's clear that we are taking off from good spots and are not charging at the fences.
  • My leg hasn't slipped back.
  • I'm looking up.
Otherwise,  my position is pretty atrocious. Please don't laugh too hard, mmmmkay?

 Ye gods, I look like a chicken trying to take off with those elbows. And WTF am I doing with my hands?

 With the way I'm arching my back at such an extreme, I've clearly completely relaxed all of my core muscles. Yikes. I really need to engage them and KEEP THEM ENGAGED all the way up and over the fence.

 Way to ask for a lead change over the top of the fence, eh? Just leeeeeaaaaan in the direction you want to go! NOT. Uhm... at least my elbows are in a little more in this picture?

 I actually like this one. He's relaxed and balanced, and I don't look too awful. I do wonder if my stirrup is a bit long though.

So. I liked our round, it was steady and balanced. That in itself is a huge step in the right direction. As for my form, I definitely have a lot to work on. At least these pictures are helpful in showing where the problem areas are, even if they're not they prettiest thing ever.

Although, I admit, I'm thinking about getting a print of the first one. It's the only pic I have of Saga and I jumping at a show.

12 comments:

  1. I guarantee you that you look better than you think. Although, nothing like some show proofs to rewrite our perception of our riding skills, eh?

    Argh, hate the truth of show photos... part of my just hopes that my show-gremlin comes out and causes my hands to twist, my back to clench and my eyes to stare. straight. down.... I'm sure I don't do that EVERYday.... right?? :)

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    1. Thanks, that's nice of you to say! I guess we're our own worst critics, but even so, there's a lot to be improved on.

      Show-gremlins, eh? What an excellent thing to blame the... uh, creative... position on! I may need to use that excuse a few (dozen) times.

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  2. You and Saga look great together. Love that first shot.
    As someone who has an aversion to facing the truth about my riding that appears in photos + videos, I hear you. Also thinking you're being pretty hard on yourself. Your perfect position moments happened in between the shutter clicks!

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    1. LOL, CFS, I like your way of thinking that the perfect moment happened when the camera wasn't pointing at us!

      It's interesting that my instructor has told me to keep the core engaged, and I do try (although it was not in the list of things going through my head on course), but to really see in a picture how NOT engaging the core affects things... I totally get it now. Definitely a lightbulb moment. Still not sure what my elbows/hands are doing though!

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  3. You have excellent riding conformation. Even your first pic, which is maybe not your best, you still look solid with that nice, long leg and heels down.

    Your stirrup does look long to me, but I have leprechaun legs, so anything beyond the saddle flap seems almost unreachable. ;-)

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    1. Aw, thanks. I have really been working hard on the lower body/leg, so I'm glad you think that I'm looking solid. We just haven't focused on anything higher than the hip yet.

      As for the long stirrup, Saga was acting up in warmup, and as an eventer I feel more comfortable with a longer stirrup. I should probably go up a hole though, you're right. Next time!

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  4. I think you and Saga look awesome! No matter what your training level is, I think everyone has room to improve, and the pictures always highlight those areas so don't be too hard on yourself. Your leg looks amazing, and for me that's always the hardest part. I also agree that your stirrups look a bit long, which is another reason your leg position is so awesome!

    Definitely buy a couple of those! :)

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    1. in2paints, thanks! Yes, we definitely have room for improvement, but at least these pics help me more clearly define the parts that need the most attention.

      I think I'm going to get the first one... after all, the prints are 20% off if I get one before the end of the week. ;)

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  5. Solid leg and neat knees are the two most important parts of jumping and you've nailed those. You've got it right where it counts. I quite enjoyed these photos :)

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    1. Dom, I have really been focusing on getting my heel down and my leg under me all the way up to the fence, and not jumping ahead, so I'm glad it shows!

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  6. You and Saga look great! I love his style and his look. He is a really handsome horse.

    Your leg definitely looks solid! I envy your stirrup length. ;)

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  7. I agree with the secure leg :)

    Looks like you both had a good time!

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