In my application for the Gifted Grant, I said that the concentrated training would give me tools to channel my pony's energy into productive movements and help me be clearer in my aids so he could better understand me. Little did I realize just how critical these tools would be for my riding success. Before beginning my training, and just prior to a show, Ty bolted with me. This set my confidence way back and I decided to drop back to Training Level for the show season.
I was very fortunate and honored to be able to ride with Seana Adamson, a USDF Gold Medalist, exceptional trainer, and all around wonderful person. Seana trains out of a lovely facility, Franktown Meadows, near Reno, Nevada. I live a couple of hours away, so my husband and I arranged to camp with Ty and my husband's horse at an equestrian campground located a few minutes from Franktown. We had a great time—my lessons during the day, evening trail rides, and a glass of wine as the sun went down behind the mountains. But I digress...
Day one of training Seana quickly eased my nervousness. She said that Ty was so cute she could spend my entire lesson hugging him! She asked me to warm Ty up a bit so she could evaluate our skills. Ty was fairly round and forward, though maybe a bit too forward. Seana suggested some changes in my position which almost immediately helped Ty's balance. Each time I passed the mirrors, I checked my position: hips forward, shoulders down and back, core engaged. The grin on my face reflected the joy!
Day two of training we warmed up with walk trot transitions and trot leg yielding. Ty was feeling good! Seana noticed that Ty tended to fall in a bit in his corners so we worked on exercises to balance and straighten him. Rode a little shoulder-in before and after the corners and then added some small circles. Also flexed and counter flexed when his shoulders bulged.
Day three of training we began by walking down the centerline a few strides and then leg yielding at the trot to capture Ty's attention. Silly pony was a bit too interested in a big mare twice his size. I think he had flashbacks of the old days of pasture breeding before he was gelded. Fortunately, lateral work always shifts Ty's attention back to me. Seana then had Ty and I do many transitions both between and within the gaits. I focused on keeping Ty round and soft in the bridle by vibrating my inside hand and fingers and of course trying to maintain a good position. Yay! Ty understood my new cues, though the canter still needed lots of work.
On day four of our training, we continued the canter work. It seemed that my position really failed me at the canter. As a result, Ty fell on his forehand and got pushy and heavy in the bridle. Seana gave me some exercises to sharpen the transitions and lift into the canter rather than fall in. One exercise was quick trot canter transitions with only a few strides of canter. Ty really got into this and only needed one trot stride for the canter transition. He felt more uphill and actually soft in the bridle. Wow, feeling good!
On day five, Seana got on Ty. She said that for such a little guy (12.3hh), he really has a big motor. She was also impressed that he was very responsive on both reins. Ty's biggest problem is his heaviness and lack of balance at the canter. Seana worked on half halts and softening and encouraged Ty to lift in the canter. When I got back in the saddle, she helped me with the same exercises, though I had trouble putting all the aids together. I learned another piece of the puzzle!
On day six, Seana got on Ty again for a few minutes to school half halts, which sure made it easier for me when I rode! We schooled half halts from trot to canter to trot and Ty was way more responsive than the day before. The little guy is so smart! We also spent a lot of time working on lengthening at trot and canter. Ty would get confused when I asked for lengthening. He thought trot lengthening meant canter and canter lengthening meant go fast. Seana said that Ty needed specific cues for each, so that he wouldn't guess. We ended the lesson with some decent lengthenings. What a rush!
The Gifted Grant allowed me to participate in a wonderful series of lessons that otherwise would not have been possible. After each session, I was so happy and excited I could hardly contain myself! Ty was round at the walk and trot and manageable at the canter. I learned so much that I will carry throughout my riding. Position, position, position is number one. Most other things will fall into place when my position is solid. Half halts done correctly are the glue that holds the riding and training together. I met and exceeded all of my goals for the training.
Thank you so much for selecting me for training. This experience has been one of my best times on Ty.
