I know I've mentioned before about the benefits of having new sets of eyes watch your riding. Everyone seems to pick up on or put an emphasis on slightly different things, which will overall make you a better rider. At least thats how I feel everytime my trainer has us ride with someone different. Its been a rare occassion where I didn't have at least one take away, even in a really crummy lesson.
So this week was our area's big Halloween show so Trainer was away. Most of the barn was away too, including the assistant that my trainer has been using the past couple of shows (she has her own small business, and also took some horses to the show). So the people left at the barn were split between S, the original assistant, and a new one, M.
Everyone loves S. She is a very kind and knowledgeable, and has a similar style to our regular training. So there was no problem getting her integrated into the program. Didn't try and reinvent the wheel, just tried to build on what trainer was already working on. She's the one who reminded me about outside rein, and helped me have some pretty fabulous lessons with Arwen in the last couple months.
Now M...well, what can I say other than she's very different. A little more brusque, definitely more straightforward, and not as quick to praise. Only a few of us have ridden with her so far, and I know one of my barnmates did not have a good time with her. So when it came time for me to lesson with her yesterday, I was a little nervous.
However, it went much better than I imagined and needless to say, I was pretty surprised! I told her that lately we had been focusing on rideability between fences. That Arwen will start to take over and just sometimes drag me around. So we worked a lot on using my upper body/seat/leg to slow her down. It was a nice reminder that my leg must be on at all times, and that when I'm using a lot of hand, I also need to back it up with A LOT of leg. Like...A LOT. Its something I think I had forgotten a little bit about, because on the whole, Arwen has been pretty soft lately. But within the past week. some of our old habits have been slowly creeping back in and I've been at a little bit of a loss regarding what I'm doing.
We also worked on feel. I told her I am never sure if I'm using too much hand, or too much leg. Basically, I want Arwen to feel like she is between my hand and leg at all time. Never squirting out in front of me, or sucking back. It should always feel like a nice, easy contact in my hands, you know, that whole concept of "elastic" feel. When it starts to feel like she's pulling, that means I don't have enough leg. When it feels loosey goosey, again, not enough leg.
I don't feel like anything new was presented to me. I just feel like I got a really good reminder on how I need to be riding her. In fact, M said that if I can figure this out, that I'll pretty much be set.
And slightly validating, but M really really liked Arwen. She kept saying what a nice horse she is, how she has a really good mind, etc etc. Which is very, very true. Not a bad bone in that horse's body and I think when/if I get my s**t together, it will be great.
My only frustration is I'm not sure if I'll ever figure it out. I feel like trainer, S and M have all basically been telling me the same thing and I'm still working on it. UGH! I think if I'm still in this same place in another year, it might be time to re-evaluate things. I'll keep working on this and everything else I set in my goals, but if I'm still stuck doing tiny little jumps trying to get my horse rideable for ME, it might be a sign that we are just not a good match. Don't get me wrong, I love her and will fight it out as long as I can. But if it ever stops being fun and I'm more upset about my ride than enlightened, I will probably want to consider other alternatives.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
WOD 10/24/2011
Good times with this one. Craziest part was one of the dudes did it as RX'd, in 2:53 minutes. For comparison's sake, I basically did half the prescribed weight for women in more than double that time. Yeah.
"Air Force"
start with 4 burpees. Then you do 4 burpees every minute on the minute.
20 thrusters
20 SDHP
20 push jerks
20 OH squats
20 front squats
Took me the longest 7:54 ever. RX'd for women was 65 lbs, I did 35lbs. I had to go light for the OH squats. I think the last workout I did with OHS I may have done 45 lbs, but I didn't feel like I could manage that in this particular workout. I just barely got out of doing another set of burpees, thank goodness!
"Air Force"
start with 4 burpees. Then you do 4 burpees every minute on the minute.
20 thrusters
20 SDHP
20 push jerks
20 OH squats
20 front squats
Took me the longest 7:54 ever. RX'd for women was 65 lbs, I did 35lbs. I had to go light for the OH squats. I think the last workout I did with OHS I may have done 45 lbs, but I didn't feel like I could manage that in this particular workout. I just barely got out of doing another set of burpees, thank goodness!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Yuck.
I had a total carb gorge fest this weekend, so now I feel like a water retaining oversized lump. Never again. Seriously, if only someone had told me to just put down the bread...
Honestly, I'm feeling a little disappointed in myself, especially since I was just starting to lose a little weight again after being pretty good last week in terms of diet. I think that I needed this because not only am I now kicking myself, but I feel like crap. Nothing like reminding me how much what I put in my mouth will affect my body/performance. Will have to suck it up at CrossFit tonight because I can pretty much guarantee after fueling my body with empty calories, the WOD is going to be brutal.
On the riding front, had a pretty decent ride on Saturday. Nothing like the previous Saturday, but I knew that was going to happen. Arwen started out super quiet, and we did a few courses like a hunter. On the last jump though (again, curses on me and my last jump-itis) I let her make the decision on a tiny bit of a long spot, and it was kind of downhill from there. She decided to tune me out, both on the approach and on the landing side. We ended on an okay note, but it was still a little bit of a downer since she started out so well. I know its me though-I really need STOP RELAXING, or at least relax but still ride her. I was trying a new bit on her that I didn't love. Let her get low (which we want, because she does need to work on the bit more) but that also meant she was able to grab on and pull down when she was trying to avoid listening to me. She doesn't do that in the controller or the gag, I think because those are both broken mouthpieces. I was using a hackabit, which had a mullen mouth. So, the next up to try is the flash with the three ring. I rode her in it yesterday, but we didn't do anything serious for me to really try out how it felt.
And on yesterday, it was totally amazeballs! I'm a little bit of a wuss to try things but last week I saw the resident 70 year old at our barn riding her horse barebake. I was like dang, if she can do it, I can do it! The juniors have actually been bugging me forever about riding her bareback (I think because I'm the youngest adult there, they kind of think of me as one of them, lol). So yesterday, I finally sucked it up and did it! I did put a pad on her because there was no way I was facing Mt Witherest in my crotch without some padding. But, I took her into the arena, walked around, did a little sitting trot and even...wait for it...cantered! I know, so silly that it seems like a big deal, but it was. When I was leasing the trail horse I was SO petrified to ride him bareback, let alone canter. I did try it once on him for like 5 steps, but that was it. Arwen has such a nice canter though, it was super easy. Seriously, I could just sit on her and canter around for days. She was such a good girl about it too. Didn't even bat an eye having mom up there with no saddle. Since I was feeling so brave after that, I took her out on the trail too. Again, she was so good!
It was interesting too to be able to feel her back muscles moving under my legs. I think I'll try and ride her bareback once a month or so, and maybe we'll work up to doing our pole work and small crossbars. This is, of course, assuming that she stays nice and calm through the winter. I'm guessing that this is something I'll pick back up come spring.
I really do love my pony. She has such a great brain. She'll spook at things occassionally, but its never bad (except in the indoor. In the winter) and she doesn't run away or do anything stupid. She's just very sensible and kind.
Honestly, I'm feeling a little disappointed in myself, especially since I was just starting to lose a little weight again after being pretty good last week in terms of diet. I think that I needed this because not only am I now kicking myself, but I feel like crap. Nothing like reminding me how much what I put in my mouth will affect my body/performance. Will have to suck it up at CrossFit tonight because I can pretty much guarantee after fueling my body with empty calories, the WOD is going to be brutal.
On the riding front, had a pretty decent ride on Saturday. Nothing like the previous Saturday, but I knew that was going to happen. Arwen started out super quiet, and we did a few courses like a hunter. On the last jump though (again, curses on me and my last jump-itis) I let her make the decision on a tiny bit of a long spot, and it was kind of downhill from there. She decided to tune me out, both on the approach and on the landing side. We ended on an okay note, but it was still a little bit of a downer since she started out so well. I know its me though-I really need STOP RELAXING, or at least relax but still ride her. I was trying a new bit on her that I didn't love. Let her get low (which we want, because she does need to work on the bit more) but that also meant she was able to grab on and pull down when she was trying to avoid listening to me. She doesn't do that in the controller or the gag, I think because those are both broken mouthpieces. I was using a hackabit, which had a mullen mouth. So, the next up to try is the flash with the three ring. I rode her in it yesterday, but we didn't do anything serious for me to really try out how it felt.
And on yesterday, it was totally amazeballs! I'm a little bit of a wuss to try things but last week I saw the resident 70 year old at our barn riding her horse barebake. I was like dang, if she can do it, I can do it! The juniors have actually been bugging me forever about riding her bareback (I think because I'm the youngest adult there, they kind of think of me as one of them, lol). So yesterday, I finally sucked it up and did it! I did put a pad on her because there was no way I was facing Mt Witherest in my crotch without some padding. But, I took her into the arena, walked around, did a little sitting trot and even...wait for it...cantered! I know, so silly that it seems like a big deal, but it was. When I was leasing the trail horse I was SO petrified to ride him bareback, let alone canter. I did try it once on him for like 5 steps, but that was it. Arwen has such a nice canter though, it was super easy. Seriously, I could just sit on her and canter around for days. She was such a good girl about it too. Didn't even bat an eye having mom up there with no saddle. Since I was feeling so brave after that, I took her out on the trail too. Again, she was so good!
It was interesting too to be able to feel her back muscles moving under my legs. I think I'll try and ride her bareback once a month or so, and maybe we'll work up to doing our pole work and small crossbars. This is, of course, assuming that she stays nice and calm through the winter. I'm guessing that this is something I'll pick back up come spring.
I really do love my pony. She has such a great brain. She'll spook at things occassionally, but its never bad (except in the indoor. In the winter) and she doesn't run away or do anything stupid. She's just very sensible and kind.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Lesson 10/20/11
Well, I think this was my first challenging lesson in a couple weeks. Arwen wasn't really being "bad", she was just in a mood to go, and go fast. We saw this trend happening last year around this time too, especially in the evening lesson. Don't know if its something about getting dark early or what, but she gets frisky. Also, we started out the lesson with another horse or two in the arena, and ended with none. I think she gets upset that they get to go back to the barn and possibly get food before her!
Anyway, like I said it wasn't bad. And Arwen was actually being pretty good i.e. going to all her jumps, we were getting decent distances (just had one quasi long spot when she was blowing through my hand a little). Trainer also had us start on a bending line going the harder way. Had to do it a few times because she wasn't giving me the lead change and kind of running through the aids. Finally got it after really focusing on riding the line as three parts, and also focusing her at the first jump (because that actually made her land on the correct lead, by setting her up correctly. Imagine that). Then took her through a couple lines (both 4 strides, she was fine) then did a tight roll back to the left (again to the left, noting a trend here?). First two times through, we did the outside turn, mainly because Arwen was charging over the first fence and there was no way I was going to be able to get her through that inside turn safely. The last time through though, Trainer told me "you are GOING to do that inside turn" and I was like, "okay then". And we did it.
Again, I think another example of me just not demanding enough of her, dangit! And I should have known, because at the beginning of the lesson she was being kind of naughty with the trot jumps. I was trying to get her back, but I should have tried harder. Once she decided she could kind of ignore me, she continued to kind of ignore me.
Oh well...still learning. Have another lesson on Saturday!
Anyway, like I said it wasn't bad. And Arwen was actually being pretty good i.e. going to all her jumps, we were getting decent distances (just had one quasi long spot when she was blowing through my hand a little). Trainer also had us start on a bending line going the harder way. Had to do it a few times because she wasn't giving me the lead change and kind of running through the aids. Finally got it after really focusing on riding the line as three parts, and also focusing her at the first jump (because that actually made her land on the correct lead, by setting her up correctly. Imagine that). Then took her through a couple lines (both 4 strides, she was fine) then did a tight roll back to the left (again to the left, noting a trend here?). First two times through, we did the outside turn, mainly because Arwen was charging over the first fence and there was no way I was going to be able to get her through that inside turn safely. The last time through though, Trainer told me "you are GOING to do that inside turn" and I was like, "okay then". And we did it.
Again, I think another example of me just not demanding enough of her, dangit! And I should have known, because at the beginning of the lesson she was being kind of naughty with the trot jumps. I was trying to get her back, but I should have tried harder. Once she decided she could kind of ignore me, she continued to kind of ignore me.
Oh well...still learning. Have another lesson on Saturday!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
WOD 10/19/11
This was a fun one, and by fun I actually mean it was hard.
For time:
5 rounds
400m run
15 hang power snatches (rx'd 65lbs for the ladies)
Another one that looks deceptively simple on paper. I thought that the RX'd weight might be a leeeetle too much for 75 snatches, but after the first round where I was able to do all 15 in a row, my coach yelled out "your weight is too light!". I would rather err on the side of caution to begin with, because there is nothing worse than being only one round into the WOD to discover that the weight you chose is waaaaaaaaaay too heavy. But, if we ever do this one again (or the hang power snatch in a WOD in general) I will at least do the 65 lbs.
The running wasn't actually as bad as I thought it would be either. I was actually really nervous about it because holycrapballs, that is over a mile! I had to walk once, for about 10 steps on the last round of the run, but I told myself "only a couple more minutes of pain" and just pushed through it. I actually felt pretty good, despite getting some tightness in my right side. That only crops up when I do WOD's with a lot of running, and I'm pretty sure the only way that goes away is with...more running. So, on weekends I think I'm going to try to run maybe a couple miles to help because that side tightness really slows me down on the other components of the workout. At least it didn't turn into a full blown cramp, because that would have been disasterous.
Anyway, completed the WOD in 19:14. Goal was sub 20, so I was pretty happy. I had been afraid that the running would really slow me down, but it wasn't too bad. Average for the run was around 2:15-2:45 (which is on pace for a 10 minute mile or around that) Probably came in about right in the middle of the pack and from what I could tell, only ONE girl yesterday did the RX'd weight. Some of the other girls were even doing super duper light weight, like 20 lbs snatches, so I feel pretty good I managed 55lbs!
For time:
5 rounds
400m run
15 hang power snatches (rx'd 65lbs for the ladies)
Another one that looks deceptively simple on paper. I thought that the RX'd weight might be a leeeetle too much for 75 snatches, but after the first round where I was able to do all 15 in a row, my coach yelled out "your weight is too light!". I would rather err on the side of caution to begin with, because there is nothing worse than being only one round into the WOD to discover that the weight you chose is waaaaaaaaaay too heavy. But, if we ever do this one again (or the hang power snatch in a WOD in general) I will at least do the 65 lbs.
The running wasn't actually as bad as I thought it would be either. I was actually really nervous about it because holycrapballs, that is over a mile! I had to walk once, for about 10 steps on the last round of the run, but I told myself "only a couple more minutes of pain" and just pushed through it. I actually felt pretty good, despite getting some tightness in my right side. That only crops up when I do WOD's with a lot of running, and I'm pretty sure the only way that goes away is with...more running. So, on weekends I think I'm going to try to run maybe a couple miles to help because that side tightness really slows me down on the other components of the workout. At least it didn't turn into a full blown cramp, because that would have been disasterous.
Anyway, completed the WOD in 19:14. Goal was sub 20, so I was pretty happy. I had been afraid that the running would really slow me down, but it wasn't too bad. Average for the run was around 2:15-2:45 (which is on pace for a 10 minute mile or around that) Probably came in about right in the middle of the pack and from what I could tell, only ONE girl yesterday did the RX'd weight. Some of the other girls were even doing super duper light weight, like 20 lbs snatches, so I feel pretty good I managed 55lbs!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Lesson 10/19/11
Had another grrrrrrrreat lesson last night (yes, I am Tony the Tiger). Did some new stuff, worked on some old issues.
The New:
Trainer had us do some no stirrup work at the beginning of the lesson. Apparently she was feeling like we needed to be worked hard (on a Tuesday night! *cry*) I am not new to this, but I am new to not having my stirrups over a freaking jump! Thats right, ladies and gents, I jumped without my stirrups. And it was fab. Granted, these weren't really "jumps" so much as very small "crossrails" but whatever. Arwen jumped over them for reals and I stayed on and actually did a decent job! I did grab mane in case anything funny happened, but she was so. Good. We trotted up to the jump, she took it, and then cantered quietly away. Love my pony!
The Old:
Our arch nemesis, bending lines. The last part of the course was doing the outside bending line we nailed on Saturday. BUT...going the reverse direction. So it was a seven stride bending to the three stride. The way its set, going the reverse is making Arwen bend in her hard direction (left bend). Without fail, when asked to bend that way she just gets a little stiff in both her side and her mouth, and tends to rush down the lines. I always work on softening her that way, but I imagine when I get tense she gets a little tense, and the bad habits come flooding back. So we broke it down into simple steps. First jumped just the crossbar, until I felt like she was listening. Then we did the 7 in an 8, because she really didn't want to bend and because the rail is on her right side, she REALLY wants to go towards it. Finally, we got the seven but it wasn't that pretty (she took a fairly long spot like a good girl, lots of pats for that). Did it one more time and had a much nicer 7. The 3 stride through that exercise was never a problem. Like I've mentioned, she is really great through those. So we ended on that last one because a) she did it, and did it fairly well and b) with her, we just can't drill things over and over and over. It usually leads to a meltdown of communication. So when she gives to me, we tend to compromise and meet in the middle. I think though that is a sign of real partnership, right? I mean don't get me wrong, I definitely want her to respect me. But like my trainer tells me, sometimes you just really have to pick your battles. And the thing is, she wasn't being bad at all. Nothing naughty, not being rushy or charging through my hand. I was just asking her to do something that is harder for her, and that we really both need to continue working on.
Overall pretty successful lesson and I am so thrilled with how she is being. Of course, I think all lessons are going to pale in comparison to the one we had Saturday where it was totally on but I think that feeling is a good one to strive for each time I ride. Also...I have to remember not to relax on asking things of her, and making sure she is listening to me. I haven't been slacking so far (we are doing lateral work consistently, which I think is helping a lot)!
Oh, and on a random note, I saw that she is slightly stocking up on her front legs now. Just a smidge. She has always stocked up on her back legs from being in her stall (and she's not a walker-she's a stander and wait for food type of horse) but the slight stocking up in the front is new. There is no heat though, and she's not lame at all. Also, it does go away after exercise. Nevertheless, its something I'm definitely going to keep an eye on.
The New:
Trainer had us do some no stirrup work at the beginning of the lesson. Apparently she was feeling like we needed to be worked hard (on a Tuesday night! *cry*) I am not new to this, but I am new to not having my stirrups over a freaking jump! Thats right, ladies and gents, I jumped without my stirrups. And it was fab. Granted, these weren't really "jumps" so much as very small "crossrails" but whatever. Arwen jumped over them for reals and I stayed on and actually did a decent job! I did grab mane in case anything funny happened, but she was so. Good. We trotted up to the jump, she took it, and then cantered quietly away. Love my pony!
The Old:
Our arch nemesis, bending lines. The last part of the course was doing the outside bending line we nailed on Saturday. BUT...going the reverse direction. So it was a seven stride bending to the three stride. The way its set, going the reverse is making Arwen bend in her hard direction (left bend). Without fail, when asked to bend that way she just gets a little stiff in both her side and her mouth, and tends to rush down the lines. I always work on softening her that way, but I imagine when I get tense she gets a little tense, and the bad habits come flooding back. So we broke it down into simple steps. First jumped just the crossbar, until I felt like she was listening. Then we did the 7 in an 8, because she really didn't want to bend and because the rail is on her right side, she REALLY wants to go towards it. Finally, we got the seven but it wasn't that pretty (she took a fairly long spot like a good girl, lots of pats for that). Did it one more time and had a much nicer 7. The 3 stride through that exercise was never a problem. Like I've mentioned, she is really great through those. So we ended on that last one because a) she did it, and did it fairly well and b) with her, we just can't drill things over and over and over. It usually leads to a meltdown of communication. So when she gives to me, we tend to compromise and meet in the middle. I think though that is a sign of real partnership, right? I mean don't get me wrong, I definitely want her to respect me. But like my trainer tells me, sometimes you just really have to pick your battles. And the thing is, she wasn't being bad at all. Nothing naughty, not being rushy or charging through my hand. I was just asking her to do something that is harder for her, and that we really both need to continue working on.
Overall pretty successful lesson and I am so thrilled with how she is being. Of course, I think all lessons are going to pale in comparison to the one we had Saturday where it was totally on but I think that feeling is a good one to strive for each time I ride. Also...I have to remember not to relax on asking things of her, and making sure she is listening to me. I haven't been slacking so far (we are doing lateral work consistently, which I think is helping a lot)!
Oh, and on a random note, I saw that she is slightly stocking up on her front legs now. Just a smidge. She has always stocked up on her back legs from being in her stall (and she's not a walker-she's a stander and wait for food type of horse) but the slight stocking up in the front is new. There is no heat though, and she's not lame at all. Also, it does go away after exercise. Nevertheless, its something I'm definitely going to keep an eye on.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
WOD 10/17/11
Was a super fun one. I was pretty much done after our warm up, Ian, the owner, lead us through it and it was long, lol. Got us nice and warm though...
WOD as follows:
800m run
20 swings
30 push ups
2 min rest
400m run
30 swings
20 push ups
1 min rest
200m run
50 swings
10 pushups
Rx'd weight for swings was the 35lb kettlebell, which I did. Those last 50 swings were pretty brutal though. Completed the WOD in 18:14.
Have to say though, I've never run 800m fresh, and I felt surprisingly good. Also, I did it in a little under 4 minutes, which makes me wonder what I could do a mile in? In middle school, the fastest mile I ever ran (and this is the fastest mile I ever ran, period. It only got slower from there, lol) was 9 minutes. I wonder now if I could do that time? I'm going to have to try it sometime. And this just makes me laugh inside because really? Me and running? We don't have a great relationship. Or at least we didn't used to. CrossFit has really changed that, and shown me that out of all the evil workouts I could inflict upon myself, running should be the least of my worries!
WOD as follows:
800m run
20 swings
30 push ups
2 min rest
400m run
30 swings
20 push ups
1 min rest
200m run
50 swings
10 pushups
Rx'd weight for swings was the 35lb kettlebell, which I did. Those last 50 swings were pretty brutal though. Completed the WOD in 18:14.
Have to say though, I've never run 800m fresh, and I felt surprisingly good. Also, I did it in a little under 4 minutes, which makes me wonder what I could do a mile in? In middle school, the fastest mile I ever ran (and this is the fastest mile I ever ran, period. It only got slower from there, lol) was 9 minutes. I wonder now if I could do that time? I'm going to have to try it sometime. And this just makes me laugh inside because really? Me and running? We don't have a great relationship. Or at least we didn't used to. CrossFit has really changed that, and shown me that out of all the evil workouts I could inflict upon myself, running should be the least of my worries!
Another boring weekend recap...
I know, I know. But its hard to post everyday/everytime I ride over the weekends, doing a recap is just so much easier!
Thursday night: had a lesson with Trainer. Can't even remember what we worked on, because all I remember is the AMAZING one stride that we went through (actually now that I think really hard about it I'm pretty sure we did some singles and some bending lines). It was seriously so much fun. I know I've said before I love taking Arwen through stuff like that because she's like a spring. So much power and its so easy for her. It was probably set at like 2'6" going out, but it was an oxer with maybe 2' of spread. Trainer asked me if I wanted it lower and a vertical, but I was like "nah, its the out of a one stride. There won't be any problems". And there weren't! It was beautiful. Arwen just boinged through it, and did a huge, lovely jump out where she was actually using her back (she doesn't put much of a effort into the smaller stuff). I was grinning afterwards and my trainer was like "why don't you ride like that all the time, that was perfect distance, pace, etc etc). Yea...I feel the same way! (as does Arwen I'm sure)
Friday morning: had another lesson. Rode her in her usual bridle, which is a running gag. Lesson was great, up until the very last fence where we were taking a bending line from the one stride off a short turn (Arwen was awesome) to a single in seven strides. Single was set right next to the arena gate, so Arwen was kind of taking off. We went over that one fence a couple times, and then halted in a straight line, and called it a day. I think she is just not great in the running gag anymore. I never really loved it on her, but it offered pretty good stopping power when before I had none, lol.
Saturday morning: last lesson of the week. Rode with the 70 year old at our barn (who is truly inspiring) and a 9 year old, lol. I have no ego, especially when the 9 year old started doing more complicated fences/higher fences than me. But whatever, I digress. Rode Arwen this time in the controller noseband that trainer bought. I have been riding her in this for the past month or so maybe 3 times a week and she goes lovely in it. Slightly new course that went haybales set on an angle, rollback turn to the left to a single, around to a 4 stride on the diagonal, to a three stride set off the wall on a short, angled turn, to a bending 7, to a single, bending 7 to the one stride. Probably the most technical course we've done in a long, long time. Or ever, actually. The three stride off the wall was a super short turn. You turn off the wall and maybe have three strides before getting to the fence. Trainer put down ground lines to help us because otherwise I'm sure I would have gone too far through the corner.
But...Arwen was AMAZING. I know I've said that a lot in this post, but it was so true. I am still so happy with how she/we rode this weekend. She totally did the hay bales (I made sure to give her extra encouragement over them since it was her first time jumping them) and the first time through the rollback we did the outside turn, but then the second time, we actually did the inside turn! She wasn't charging through my hand so I was actually able to turn her. She was also awesome through the 4 stride, totally listening and put in a nice, even four steps. AWESOME to the three stride, and then again, totally listening and not rushy through that bending 7. And then of course, nailed the bending seven to the one stride again, although we did get 8 instead of 7. Trainer didn't make me do it again though, because we put in such a nice 8 and nice course overall. It was amazing, so amazing. Did I already mention how amazing it was? ;-) I wasn't fighting with her, she was listening to me, and at no real point during that course was she rushing off with me. I mean granted, I always feel like she is on the verge of being uncontrollable, but I think that is kind of what makes her fun (I know, I'm crazy). I also think that is what makes her so talented. The day that she doesn't feel like a controlled stick of dynamite on course is the day that I will start to worry!
Oh, and over all observations from this weekend:
Lateral work is definitely helping. It makes her realize she *has* to move off my leg when I ask her. Also, I feel like the better I control her feet, the better she is. She likes someone helping her out, and in the past I've definitely left too much of the decision making up to her.
And on decision making-on Friday, we started out trotting some crossrails (I try to do all the time, because I suck at trotting jumps) and Arwen started cantering probably about two trot strides out. I didn't correct her right away either and I think that bled over into the rest of the ride. She was a little rushy that day, in addition to flubbing that last fence. On Saturday when I did trot fences again I was thinking "no canter" and gave her a hard half halt before when it felt like she wanted to rush. I think it makes her go "yes ma'am!" instead of "okay, I've got to make the decision now" and like I said, she appreciates that and then starts to trust me more the rest of the ride. Because really, Saturday was just amazing (lol)
Oh, and I forgot about my Sunday hack ride! We rode out in the field to warm up (she was great, as usual) and then I set down some trot poles, and one canter pole. She actually trotted calmly and did the canter pole great. So I only made her do it twice, and then we went on a trail ride. All in all, fab weekend!
Thursday night: had a lesson with Trainer. Can't even remember what we worked on, because all I remember is the AMAZING one stride that we went through (actually now that I think really hard about it I'm pretty sure we did some singles and some bending lines). It was seriously so much fun. I know I've said before I love taking Arwen through stuff like that because she's like a spring. So much power and its so easy for her. It was probably set at like 2'6" going out, but it was an oxer with maybe 2' of spread. Trainer asked me if I wanted it lower and a vertical, but I was like "nah, its the out of a one stride. There won't be any problems". And there weren't! It was beautiful. Arwen just boinged through it, and did a huge, lovely jump out where she was actually using her back (she doesn't put much of a effort into the smaller stuff). I was grinning afterwards and my trainer was like "why don't you ride like that all the time, that was perfect distance, pace, etc etc). Yea...I feel the same way! (as does Arwen I'm sure)
Friday morning: had another lesson. Rode her in her usual bridle, which is a running gag. Lesson was great, up until the very last fence where we were taking a bending line from the one stride off a short turn (Arwen was awesome) to a single in seven strides. Single was set right next to the arena gate, so Arwen was kind of taking off. We went over that one fence a couple times, and then halted in a straight line, and called it a day. I think she is just not great in the running gag anymore. I never really loved it on her, but it offered pretty good stopping power when before I had none, lol.
Saturday morning: last lesson of the week. Rode with the 70 year old at our barn (who is truly inspiring) and a 9 year old, lol. I have no ego, especially when the 9 year old started doing more complicated fences/higher fences than me. But whatever, I digress. Rode Arwen this time in the controller noseband that trainer bought. I have been riding her in this for the past month or so maybe 3 times a week and she goes lovely in it. Slightly new course that went haybales set on an angle, rollback turn to the left to a single, around to a 4 stride on the diagonal, to a three stride set off the wall on a short, angled turn, to a bending 7, to a single, bending 7 to the one stride. Probably the most technical course we've done in a long, long time. Or ever, actually. The three stride off the wall was a super short turn. You turn off the wall and maybe have three strides before getting to the fence. Trainer put down ground lines to help us because otherwise I'm sure I would have gone too far through the corner.
But...Arwen was AMAZING. I know I've said that a lot in this post, but it was so true. I am still so happy with how she/we rode this weekend. She totally did the hay bales (I made sure to give her extra encouragement over them since it was her first time jumping them) and the first time through the rollback we did the outside turn, but then the second time, we actually did the inside turn! She wasn't charging through my hand so I was actually able to turn her. She was also awesome through the 4 stride, totally listening and put in a nice, even four steps. AWESOME to the three stride, and then again, totally listening and not rushy through that bending 7. And then of course, nailed the bending seven to the one stride again, although we did get 8 instead of 7. Trainer didn't make me do it again though, because we put in such a nice 8 and nice course overall. It was amazing, so amazing. Did I already mention how amazing it was? ;-) I wasn't fighting with her, she was listening to me, and at no real point during that course was she rushing off with me. I mean granted, I always feel like she is on the verge of being uncontrollable, but I think that is kind of what makes her fun (I know, I'm crazy). I also think that is what makes her so talented. The day that she doesn't feel like a controlled stick of dynamite on course is the day that I will start to worry!
Oh, and over all observations from this weekend:
Lateral work is definitely helping. It makes her realize she *has* to move off my leg when I ask her. Also, I feel like the better I control her feet, the better she is. She likes someone helping her out, and in the past I've definitely left too much of the decision making up to her.
And on decision making-on Friday, we started out trotting some crossrails (I try to do all the time, because I suck at trotting jumps) and Arwen started cantering probably about two trot strides out. I didn't correct her right away either and I think that bled over into the rest of the ride. She was a little rushy that day, in addition to flubbing that last fence. On Saturday when I did trot fences again I was thinking "no canter" and gave her a hard half halt before when it felt like she wanted to rush. I think it makes her go "yes ma'am!" instead of "okay, I've got to make the decision now" and like I said, she appreciates that and then starts to trust me more the rest of the ride. Because really, Saturday was just amazing (lol)
Oh, and I forgot about my Sunday hack ride! We rode out in the field to warm up (she was great, as usual) and then I set down some trot poles, and one canter pole. She actually trotted calmly and did the canter pole great. So I only made her do it twice, and then we went on a trail ride. All in all, fab weekend!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
WOD 10/12/11 and interesting barn happenings...
Okay...so I haven't ridden all week, that is why my updates have only been CrossFit related. Boring, I know. But, I have a lesson tonight with my trainer so here's hoping that Ponyface is in a good mood still!
However, doesn't mean that barn happenings don't still go on when I'm not there. I just found out one of my horsey friends is moving to my barn! I met her on COTH forums when I was looking for a new trainer almost two years ago. She rode with one of the trainers I was considering, but hadn't heard much about. So I sent her a message, and she was so super friendly and helpful, she ended up telling me to call her and we talked for probably a good hour just about trainer and horses and history. Since then we'd kept up on and off through Facebook, or visiting at each others barns, or at shows. And recently, she had wanted to come out to my barn to meet Arwen. When she did come out, my trainer was super nice and friendly (like she always is) and my friend was very impressed. That was about 2-3 months ago, I think, and since then I guess my friend was having issues with her old trainer and decided it was time to make a move.
Moving trainers is kind of like breaking up with a boyfriend. It can be easy and clean and you can part on good terms, or it can be kind of ugly and messy and you've probably burned that bridge forever. I think in the case of this particular trainer and my friend, its the latter, unfortunately. Not due to anything my friend did though, I think the attitude of this trainer will prevent them from being on super good terms ever again. But, I'm happy that she's making the move, and also happy for my trainer who will now have two new clients in the barn! (one of my friend's friends is moving from this same trainer too, lol). My friend likes to show, and wants to do bigger stuff (she's already kicking ass and taking names at 3'6" and higher) so it will definitely be a nice addition to a barn that is filled with brave juniors, but kind of weenie adults, lol!
But...onto the WOD from last night. It was short, but painful. We started out doing some skill work on snatches, which I definitely need work on, so it was good. WOD was as follows:
3 rounds:
250m row
5 thrusters (RX'd was 95, I did 75. *Maybe* could have gone heavier, but it definitely would have been tough. I did get yelled at by the coach though that I was lifting too light)
10 burpees
Goal was to get it done in sub 8, but that didn't happen. Did 8:24, which I'm still pretty happy with. I think what really slowed me down was the second set of thrusters and burpees. I dropped the weight midway through the thrusters (my center of balance was too far forward) and then burpees are just killer anyway. But like I said, still pretty happy with how I did. I was not the fastest girl, but I was also not the slowest (and I think only a very small handful of girls actually did the RX'd weight).
However, doesn't mean that barn happenings don't still go on when I'm not there. I just found out one of my horsey friends is moving to my barn! I met her on COTH forums when I was looking for a new trainer almost two years ago. She rode with one of the trainers I was considering, but hadn't heard much about. So I sent her a message, and she was so super friendly and helpful, she ended up telling me to call her and we talked for probably a good hour just about trainer and horses and history. Since then we'd kept up on and off through Facebook, or visiting at each others barns, or at shows. And recently, she had wanted to come out to my barn to meet Arwen. When she did come out, my trainer was super nice and friendly (like she always is) and my friend was very impressed. That was about 2-3 months ago, I think, and since then I guess my friend was having issues with her old trainer and decided it was time to make a move.
Moving trainers is kind of like breaking up with a boyfriend. It can be easy and clean and you can part on good terms, or it can be kind of ugly and messy and you've probably burned that bridge forever. I think in the case of this particular trainer and my friend, its the latter, unfortunately. Not due to anything my friend did though, I think the attitude of this trainer will prevent them from being on super good terms ever again. But, I'm happy that she's making the move, and also happy for my trainer who will now have two new clients in the barn! (one of my friend's friends is moving from this same trainer too, lol). My friend likes to show, and wants to do bigger stuff (she's already kicking ass and taking names at 3'6" and higher) so it will definitely be a nice addition to a barn that is filled with brave juniors, but kind of weenie adults, lol!
But...onto the WOD from last night. It was short, but painful. We started out doing some skill work on snatches, which I definitely need work on, so it was good. WOD was as follows:
3 rounds:
250m row
5 thrusters (RX'd was 95, I did 75. *Maybe* could have gone heavier, but it definitely would have been tough. I did get yelled at by the coach though that I was lifting too light)
10 burpees
Goal was to get it done in sub 8, but that didn't happen. Did 8:24, which I'm still pretty happy with. I think what really slowed me down was the second set of thrusters and burpees. I dropped the weight midway through the thrusters (my center of balance was too far forward) and then burpees are just killer anyway. But like I said, still pretty happy with how I did. I was not the fastest girl, but I was also not the slowest (and I think only a very small handful of girls actually did the RX'd weight).
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
WOD 10/11/11
Just wanted it to be made known that we did "sprints" yesterday (I put that in quotes because its more of run as fast as I can, which is not a sprint. Its more of a slightly faster jog) and I didn't die. I actually kind of enjoyed it, in a weird, twisted this sucks kind of way.
Its funny, because 5 months ago if you told me I would have to run and actually be like "phew! Today's workout is running. Not that bad" I would have laughed. Like in your face, loud laughing. Because honestly, running is not my forte. I am not built for speed, I am built for sitting on a couch. But, after 5 months of doing CF I've actually found I can run, and it doesn't kill me. Granted, the longest distance I've had to run so far is 800m (half a mile) but its amazing to me that I can even do that, and live to tell the tale.
Yesterday was a strength day, so we started with:
5x5 deadlifts, 70% of IRM. I don't have a IRM yet, so I added 10 lbs to where I left off last time. Ended up doing 45 bar plus 50 on each side (145 total). Could have probably gone a little heavier, but will worry about that next week.
Then...
3x400 sprints
Managed to maintain a fairly even time across the board, did the first in 1:30, then no time (my stopwatch didn't start, and my coach didn't get my time either), then 1:36. But I figure that my second go ended up somewhere in the middle of that.
Like I said...I'm no runner. There were people who were blasting through this in a minute. A MINUTE, YO. To run 400m. It takes me a minute to run 200m! But...I ran the whole thing, and I'm pretty sure I ran it faster than I did last time (I think my times were in the 1:40 range). So as long as I am improving, I'm happy!
Its funny, because 5 months ago if you told me I would have to run and actually be like "phew! Today's workout is running. Not that bad" I would have laughed. Like in your face, loud laughing. Because honestly, running is not my forte. I am not built for speed, I am built for sitting on a couch. But, after 5 months of doing CF I've actually found I can run, and it doesn't kill me. Granted, the longest distance I've had to run so far is 800m (half a mile) but its amazing to me that I can even do that, and live to tell the tale.
Yesterday was a strength day, so we started with:
5x5 deadlifts, 70% of IRM. I don't have a IRM yet, so I added 10 lbs to where I left off last time. Ended up doing 45 bar plus 50 on each side (145 total). Could have probably gone a little heavier, but will worry about that next week.
Then...
3x400 sprints
Managed to maintain a fairly even time across the board, did the first in 1:30, then no time (my stopwatch didn't start, and my coach didn't get my time either), then 1:36. But I figure that my second go ended up somewhere in the middle of that.
Like I said...I'm no runner. There were people who were blasting through this in a minute. A MINUTE, YO. To run 400m. It takes me a minute to run 200m! But...I ran the whole thing, and I'm pretty sure I ran it faster than I did last time (I think my times were in the 1:40 range). So as long as I am improving, I'm happy!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Soooo...
I had a big ol' long post typed out, and it got deleted.
I'll basically sum up my EUREKA! moment from riding this weekend: outside rein only through the lines and after a jump makes Arwen happy. No more bracing on the bit, or dragging me through the corners. It was seriously amazing. More later as we finesse this newfound trick, and make sure its not just a fluke.
I'll basically sum up my EUREKA! moment from riding this weekend: outside rein only through the lines and after a jump makes Arwen happy. No more bracing on the bit, or dragging me through the corners. It was seriously amazing. More later as we finesse this newfound trick, and make sure its not just a fluke.
Friday, October 7, 2011
WOD 10/06/11
Felt pretty good last night. I think I really enjoy doing straightforward strength work, and I haven't gotten a chance to do it in awhile. Was a nice break from the looooooong metcon stuff we've been doing as of late.
5x5 push press (same weight across the five sets). Strict presses, no help from the legs. Used the 45 lb bar, 12.5 on each side. Last few reps were tough.
Then...
20-15-10-5
Sumo DL high pulls (65lbs, I technically did it at 63lbs since I used the womens bar. But I still say it was RX'd)
box jumps (did it on the women's box, which I believe is 20 inches)
For some twisted reason, I REALLY like Sumo DL HP's. I think because its mainly a leg/hip driven movement, which is where most of my strength is. I also like box jumps. Simple and straight forward. Did it in 5:55, which I'm pretty happy with. Overall, good workout and man did it help me get over the residual soreness I still had from Monday. My hamstrings have been SO TIGHT, which tend to get somewhat loosened up when I'm riding but not this time. I think the DL's helped alot because they're feeling better this morning.
Anyway, lesson on Arwen tonight with Trainer's new assistant/friend/helper. Hopefully I don't make too big a fool of myself.
5x5 push press (same weight across the five sets). Strict presses, no help from the legs. Used the 45 lb bar, 12.5 on each side. Last few reps were tough.
Then...
20-15-10-5
Sumo DL high pulls (65lbs, I technically did it at 63lbs since I used the womens bar. But I still say it was RX'd)
box jumps (did it on the women's box, which I believe is 20 inches)
For some twisted reason, I REALLY like Sumo DL HP's. I think because its mainly a leg/hip driven movement, which is where most of my strength is. I also like box jumps. Simple and straight forward. Did it in 5:55, which I'm pretty happy with. Overall, good workout and man did it help me get over the residual soreness I still had from Monday. My hamstrings have been SO TIGHT, which tend to get somewhat loosened up when I'm riding but not this time. I think the DL's helped alot because they're feeling better this morning.
Anyway, lesson on Arwen tonight with Trainer's new assistant/friend/helper. Hopefully I don't make too big a fool of myself.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
A little bit better
Had another lesson last night with one of my trainer's assistants. Kept it really low key, and went through the same two stride-bending six stride that we did the night before.
New thing last night though-Arwen was being sluggish off the leg going forward, although she was responding well laterally. Also, really trying to evade the bit at the canter. Not sure if its from all the work we were doing the night before, or I'm doing something weird with my hands. Will have to figure it out tomorrow. Regardless, she gave me some really nice lateral movement. Towards the end too, she was moving off with just slight leg pressure. Still not completely straight, but she's starting to work with me on what I'm asking her, as opposed to ignoring.
The one benefit of all that flat/lateral stuff-she was AWESOME over our warm up jumps. Not rushing, and actually carrying herself through the corners as opposed to diving in and rushing. It felt so great. She was also approaching and cantering away nice and calmly. That is the feeling I've got to strive for every time I ride her.
And then, we started doing the two stride-bending line again. Tried to make her fit the seven in again. Had a few pretty ugly goes, but then we got one good one where she was really compressing her stride and fitting it in nicely, as opposed to rushing at the end of the two stride and forcing me to fit a super duper tight 7. After the got the 7, we tried for the 6 again. But, me and my brain was still thinking she was going to get there too easy so I started getting handsy again. Finally, last time through she did the 6 really nicely and we quit on that.
The take aways from last night: lateral really is the key. Getting her to respect and move off my leg, and not use it as a crutch to lean/balance on. Also, to not let her do it to begin with
I also decided that Arwen really does try to do what I'm asking her. We just run into problems when what she thinks I should be asking her isn't the same as what I really am asking her. But, she does have a lot of try in her. She tries to do what she thinks is the right thing, and then gets upset when I'm telling her its not what I really wanted. So somewhere in there our lines of communication are still a little bit fuzzy and thats my fault. I really hope with this flat work focus it becomes more clear to her and me what we're asking of each other. That, and I'm going to try the clicker training. I bought it ages ago, just never got around to doing it.
New thing last night though-Arwen was being sluggish off the leg going forward, although she was responding well laterally. Also, really trying to evade the bit at the canter. Not sure if its from all the work we were doing the night before, or I'm doing something weird with my hands. Will have to figure it out tomorrow. Regardless, she gave me some really nice lateral movement. Towards the end too, she was moving off with just slight leg pressure. Still not completely straight, but she's starting to work with me on what I'm asking her, as opposed to ignoring.
The one benefit of all that flat/lateral stuff-she was AWESOME over our warm up jumps. Not rushing, and actually carrying herself through the corners as opposed to diving in and rushing. It felt so great. She was also approaching and cantering away nice and calmly. That is the feeling I've got to strive for every time I ride her.
And then, we started doing the two stride-bending line again. Tried to make her fit the seven in again. Had a few pretty ugly goes, but then we got one good one where she was really compressing her stride and fitting it in nicely, as opposed to rushing at the end of the two stride and forcing me to fit a super duper tight 7. After the got the 7, we tried for the 6 again. But, me and my brain was still thinking she was going to get there too easy so I started getting handsy again. Finally, last time through she did the 6 really nicely and we quit on that.
The take aways from last night: lateral really is the key. Getting her to respect and move off my leg, and not use it as a crutch to lean/balance on. Also, to not let her do it to begin with
I also decided that Arwen really does try to do what I'm asking her. We just run into problems when what she thinks I should be asking her isn't the same as what I really am asking her. But, she does have a lot of try in her. She tries to do what she thinks is the right thing, and then gets upset when I'm telling her its not what I really wanted. So somewhere in there our lines of communication are still a little bit fuzzy and thats my fault. I really hope with this flat work focus it becomes more clear to her and me what we're asking of each other. That, and I'm going to try the clicker training. I bought it ages ago, just never got around to doing it.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Meh.
Had my first lesson after the breakdown on Saturday. Wasn't great, but also wasn't horrible. We spent a lot of time at the beginning of the lesson working on getting her to give to my hand/the bit, and getting her to not lean on my inside leg and actually bend correctly around a circle. I got a few steps in there where I went "ah ha!!" but then I would lose it. I asked my trainer if she has to continually ask Arwen for it too, and she said "oh yea". Only difference is for her, its automatic. She reacts before it even happens. I, on the other hand, react after it happens. Which again, all comes down to feel. That elusive "thing" that we strive for in riding and that I just seem to be somewhat lacking in naturally.
Anyway...after working on the flat for a bit, we started jumping a crossrail. Trotted both ways, was excellent (at least those trot jumps have gotten really good. I am happy about that). No longer sticky to/over the jump, and she canters away sooooo quietly. Makes me wonder why she can't canter away quietly like that when cantering a jump? Will have to ponder this one for a bit. Trainer then had us do the collected five stride again (which she was fine in 3 out of 4 times. The one time she did try and drift right, I pulled her up after and made sure she was moving off that right leg. She didn't try it again), then the two stride to a bending six. Two stride was much much better in terms of straightness. But, she still wants to land and scoot off, and then the canter through the bending six is tight where we either chip, leave out, or its all pogo stick bouncy. I just want a nice, even canter through there people!
99% of this is flatwork. That much has been made clear to me. Through the bending six, its like she isn't wanting to accept my aids. Trainer had me just taking a steady feel and while she was coming back to me, she wouldn't do it until about three strides away from the jump which is too late to get that smoothed out, even tempo canter. So trainer agreed with my plan that its going to be all about flatwork with her right now and that it will definitely benefit both of us to get me working with her on the more advanced flatwork stuff. Because after all, she knows how to do, she just hasn't been asked to do it much in the past year I've owned her. We'll still jump, but we're going to keep it super simple.
Anyway...after working on the flat for a bit, we started jumping a crossrail. Trotted both ways, was excellent (at least those trot jumps have gotten really good. I am happy about that). No longer sticky to/over the jump, and she canters away sooooo quietly. Makes me wonder why she can't canter away quietly like that when cantering a jump? Will have to ponder this one for a bit. Trainer then had us do the collected five stride again (which she was fine in 3 out of 4 times. The one time she did try and drift right, I pulled her up after and made sure she was moving off that right leg. She didn't try it again), then the two stride to a bending six. Two stride was much much better in terms of straightness. But, she still wants to land and scoot off, and then the canter through the bending six is tight where we either chip, leave out, or its all pogo stick bouncy. I just want a nice, even canter through there people!
99% of this is flatwork. That much has been made clear to me. Through the bending six, its like she isn't wanting to accept my aids. Trainer had me just taking a steady feel and while she was coming back to me, she wouldn't do it until about three strides away from the jump which is too late to get that smoothed out, even tempo canter. So trainer agreed with my plan that its going to be all about flatwork with her right now and that it will definitely benefit both of us to get me working with her on the more advanced flatwork stuff. Because after all, she knows how to do, she just hasn't been asked to do it much in the past year I've owned her. We'll still jump, but we're going to keep it super simple.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
WOD 10/3/2011
Let me preface this by saying this one really, really sucked. Looked deceptively simple on paper, but it was a ball buster. Particularly hard for me because, well, I've been pretty much failing at getting in 3 times a week workouts consistently, and its showing in my results. Apparently, its also showing in my riding (see previous posts, lol). I think its been at least a good two months since I've been able to string together multiple weeks of consistent workouts. So, new resolution for October is to do the entire month back at my three times a week. If this means going to the early morning class, that is what I'm going to do. Because it really irks me to be getting so fatigued in these longer/harder WOD's, for no reason other than my endurance isn't what it should be, due to my own laziness.
Without further ado, the WOD:
20 calorie row
30 burpees
40 DB ground to OH (either a clean to a push press, or a weird kind of hybrid of a snatch/kettlebell swing. 25 lb DB's was women's RX)
50 toes to bar (I did KTE)
100 ft lunges with 45 lb plate (supposed to go OH, but at that point I didn't even try. I was lucky I could hold that thing to my chest)
Completed in 17 minutes. Longer than I wanted, but still sub 20 minutes. I've been using the 25lb DB's for all WODs lately, but last night they just felt especially heavy. I could only do 5 reps at a time, which is not good. At one point I was even tempted to ask to grab the 15lbs, but made the decision to suffer through because the 15lbs would have just been way too easy.
All in all, glad I did it, but I'm definitely feeling the pain today.
Without further ado, the WOD:
20 calorie row
30 burpees
40 DB ground to OH (either a clean to a push press, or a weird kind of hybrid of a snatch/kettlebell swing. 25 lb DB's was women's RX)
50 toes to bar (I did KTE)
100 ft lunges with 45 lb plate (supposed to go OH, but at that point I didn't even try. I was lucky I could hold that thing to my chest)
Completed in 17 minutes. Longer than I wanted, but still sub 20 minutes. I've been using the 25lb DB's for all WODs lately, but last night they just felt especially heavy. I could only do 5 reps at a time, which is not good. At one point I was even tempted to ask to grab the 15lbs, but made the decision to suffer through because the 15lbs would have just been way too easy.
All in all, glad I did it, but I'm definitely feeling the pain today.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Happy One Year Anniversary, Arwen
Thought I would do this as a separate post.
A year ago today I made the decision to purchase a super experienced, trained, forward jumper to be my very first horse. She wasn't exactly what I had in mind for my first horse. She is a mare, first of all, plain bay with a little bit of chrome and well, did I mention she is a mare? I had always imagined I would end up with a gelding of some sort because I have always clicked better with male animals in general. But, the first time up on her back and I was sold. Even though she was forward and a bit hot, I immediately felt safe on her. I knew that she wouldn't do anything stupid, or try and hurt me.
That much has turned out to be true. She has a great brain, without a doubt. Her spooks are pretty few and far between, and there is nothing crazy about her. I've never seen her buck/bolt/rear, even when pushed hard. She stands quietly when I get off her in the arena to set jumps, and only once have I seen her run around in turnout. For the most part, she just meanders off to eat some grass and roll.
This is not to say that we haven't had our challenges. She is a tough ride, for me at least. I got her coming off a nice, confidence building horse who is simple and sweet. Basically just had to sit there and he would tool around a course like a good boy. Didn't have many bad habits, other than being sloooooooow (which for a beginner is good). After him though, I knew I wanted something with a little more fire and I definitely got her. She has proved to be a true challenge. No more sitting up there, expecting the horse to make decisions, only having to worry about the "go" button. Arwen wants me to help her make choices. She wants me to tell her what she is supposed to be doing. And most of all, she wants me to support those decisions and not throw the decision to her at the last minute. She has truly made me into a rider who is thinking about all aspects of the ride, as opposed to just "there's a fence, lets go!".
She really has taught me so much in this past year. She has taught me to be patient but firm. That consistency is good but that you have to ride the horse you have, and sometimes the plan goes out the window. She has taught me to see distances, whereas before I saw nothing. She has taught me about pace, impulsion, responsiveness and compromise. Most importantly though, she has shown me how rewarding it is to have an equine partner in this crazy journey of riding I embarked upon in adulthood. I love you Ponyface, even if you're a brat sometimes!
A year ago today I made the decision to purchase a super experienced, trained, forward jumper to be my very first horse. She wasn't exactly what I had in mind for my first horse. She is a mare, first of all, plain bay with a little bit of chrome and well, did I mention she is a mare? I had always imagined I would end up with a gelding of some sort because I have always clicked better with male animals in general. But, the first time up on her back and I was sold. Even though she was forward and a bit hot, I immediately felt safe on her. I knew that she wouldn't do anything stupid, or try and hurt me.
That much has turned out to be true. She has a great brain, without a doubt. Her spooks are pretty few and far between, and there is nothing crazy about her. I've never seen her buck/bolt/rear, even when pushed hard. She stands quietly when I get off her in the arena to set jumps, and only once have I seen her run around in turnout. For the most part, she just meanders off to eat some grass and roll.
This is not to say that we haven't had our challenges. She is a tough ride, for me at least. I got her coming off a nice, confidence building horse who is simple and sweet. Basically just had to sit there and he would tool around a course like a good boy. Didn't have many bad habits, other than being sloooooooow (which for a beginner is good). After him though, I knew I wanted something with a little more fire and I definitely got her. She has proved to be a true challenge. No more sitting up there, expecting the horse to make decisions, only having to worry about the "go" button. Arwen wants me to help her make choices. She wants me to tell her what she is supposed to be doing. And most of all, she wants me to support those decisions and not throw the decision to her at the last minute. She has truly made me into a rider who is thinking about all aspects of the ride, as opposed to just "there's a fence, lets go!".
She really has taught me so much in this past year. She has taught me to be patient but firm. That consistency is good but that you have to ride the horse you have, and sometimes the plan goes out the window. She has taught me to see distances, whereas before I saw nothing. She has taught me about pace, impulsion, responsiveness and compromise. Most importantly though, she has shown me how rewarding it is to have an equine partner in this crazy journey of riding I embarked upon in adulthood. I love you Ponyface, even if you're a brat sometimes!
My Pity Party Weekend
So incredibly frustrated with myself. After a good solid few months of nice rides with Arwen, it all went to hell on Saturday (insert dramatic music here, complete with high pitched violins). Since starting CrossFit, I have said how despite some refusals, I have managed to stay on. Not on Saturday. We were coming down a pretty forward set line where you had to have a decent in fence in order to make the striding. First time through, no problem. Rode easy since Arwen wants to do the lines forward anyway. Second time through, we had a crappy in, and I still tried to push for the striding. Ended up being a SUPER long spot at the second fence, and Arwen slammed on the brakes (rightfully so-this spot was dangerously long, even for a 2'6" fence). I ended up on her neck, then swung over the side. Granted, I landed on my feet so I'm not sure I even consider it a real "fall", but still. We had gone probably five months with no involuntary dismounts and my crappy riding broke the streak. BLARGH! Its funny because I don't miss distance in general that much. Sometimes I've got a chip here or there, but for the most part they're nothing horrible and nothing too scary. But when I do miss badly, its ALWAYS at a long spot and I ALWAYS lean forward, and throw my reins away, expecting the horse to take charge. Trainer and I have discussed this many a time. If I JUST. SIT. BACK and keep leg on at those spots, 9 times out of 10 it is pretty much guaranteed that Arwen would fit the last stride in herself and do an ugly chip, but still get over the fence. Its because I throw all my weight forward and take away the support that she slams on the brakes.
That was just the beginning of the end for this lesson though. Earlier in the week, I had noticed that she was drifting a bit right going down lines. Apparently, in my complacency I continued to let her do it and it came to a head on Saturday. Going down this a different line, set more conservative, she was veering right, totally bulging against my right leg and ignoring it completely. This resulted in another refusal (which I managed to sit, thankfully). Weaved her back and forth in front of that fence, did a tight circle, and popped her over it again. Went back over the line the other way. Same thing, bulging to the right, although no more refusals. And then...she started leaving out a stride. At this point, I think I'm just getting tired and frazzled. Trainer has me take her through a little two stride set with crossrails and Arwen stumbles through it, knocking the crossrails. Crossrails, for petes sake! At this point I feel like I'm doing more harm than good because the tools in my tool box just aren't working. So trainer has me get off, so she can get on to see what I'm feeling.
Arwen proceeds to get her ass whooped for the next half hour.
Thankfully, trainer felt what I was feeling too, so it wasn't all my imagination. She also said that Arwen sometimes would rather fight you, than give in. That is why that argument lasted 30 minutes. All she wanted her to do was get off that right side and Arwen was resisting it, hard. At one point trainer just had her right leg on, and Arwen was backing around the ring instead of just doing a simple leg yield.
Honestly, I think what it all comes down to is what I had been wanting to do originally for the rest of the year. LOTS more lateral work. She needs it. She needs to respect my leg and respect me, even on days where she is feeling less than respectful (like Saturday). I need to DEMAND more from her, instead of letting her get away with so much. I also need to stop relaxing when things go well, because she will take that little bit of freedom and run with it. She's a total alpha mare, and I think in her mind we're kind of just buddies. I'm not the clear cut leader yet and I don't know if I'll ever be. But I am going to try. Because when Arwen works with me, its super fabulous awesome. But when she doesn't, shit like Saturday happens.
So armed with my newfound determination, on Sunday I went out ready to tackle the same lines, but as ground pole versions. But the arena was closed and it looked like they were going to start doing some work in there. FOILED! Instead, we just did a lot of walk work. A lot. I worked on getting her to give to me, we did a TON of lateral stuff and I didn't let her give me any shit. I was carrying a dressage whip (which I think I will do from now on in flatwork stuff) and when she ignored my leg, she got a tap. She got all indignant and dramatic about it at first (head tossing, snorting, etc) but wouldn't you know, it just took the one tap. I got some really good leg yielding and haunches in from her towards the end, and once she gave me that, I decided to end on a positive note.
Arwen is a funny mare. Like I've said before, she definitely keeps me on my toes. The second I become more of a passenger, rides go downhill. I've had her a year today, and in that year she has taught me so much I can't believe how much I didn't know before I got her. So while it is sometimes extremely frustrating, I know I will forever be thankful for the experiences she has given me.
That was just the beginning of the end for this lesson though. Earlier in the week, I had noticed that she was drifting a bit right going down lines. Apparently, in my complacency I continued to let her do it and it came to a head on Saturday. Going down this a different line, set more conservative, she was veering right, totally bulging against my right leg and ignoring it completely. This resulted in another refusal (which I managed to sit, thankfully). Weaved her back and forth in front of that fence, did a tight circle, and popped her over it again. Went back over the line the other way. Same thing, bulging to the right, although no more refusals. And then...she started leaving out a stride. At this point, I think I'm just getting tired and frazzled. Trainer has me take her through a little two stride set with crossrails and Arwen stumbles through it, knocking the crossrails. Crossrails, for petes sake! At this point I feel like I'm doing more harm than good because the tools in my tool box just aren't working. So trainer has me get off, so she can get on to see what I'm feeling.
Arwen proceeds to get her ass whooped for the next half hour.
Thankfully, trainer felt what I was feeling too, so it wasn't all my imagination. She also said that Arwen sometimes would rather fight you, than give in. That is why that argument lasted 30 minutes. All she wanted her to do was get off that right side and Arwen was resisting it, hard. At one point trainer just had her right leg on, and Arwen was backing around the ring instead of just doing a simple leg yield.
Honestly, I think what it all comes down to is what I had been wanting to do originally for the rest of the year. LOTS more lateral work. She needs it. She needs to respect my leg and respect me, even on days where she is feeling less than respectful (like Saturday). I need to DEMAND more from her, instead of letting her get away with so much. I also need to stop relaxing when things go well, because she will take that little bit of freedom and run with it. She's a total alpha mare, and I think in her mind we're kind of just buddies. I'm not the clear cut leader yet and I don't know if I'll ever be. But I am going to try. Because when Arwen works with me, its super fabulous awesome. But when she doesn't, shit like Saturday happens.
So armed with my newfound determination, on Sunday I went out ready to tackle the same lines, but as ground pole versions. But the arena was closed and it looked like they were going to start doing some work in there. FOILED! Instead, we just did a lot of walk work. A lot. I worked on getting her to give to me, we did a TON of lateral stuff and I didn't let her give me any shit. I was carrying a dressage whip (which I think I will do from now on in flatwork stuff) and when she ignored my leg, she got a tap. She got all indignant and dramatic about it at first (head tossing, snorting, etc) but wouldn't you know, it just took the one tap. I got some really good leg yielding and haunches in from her towards the end, and once she gave me that, I decided to end on a positive note.
Arwen is a funny mare. Like I've said before, she definitely keeps me on my toes. The second I become more of a passenger, rides go downhill. I've had her a year today, and in that year she has taught me so much I can't believe how much I didn't know before I got her. So while it is sometimes extremely frustrating, I know I will forever be thankful for the experiences she has given me.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)