Learning From Lee

Sydney and I had the wonderful opportunity of riding with Lee Smith this past weekend. Like any clinic the days unfold to present you with what you need.

Two weekends before I was auditing at Buck’s clinic in Kiowa and trying my best to memorize his every move. Trying to burn a mental image in my brain not only what his horses looked like, but trying to imagine what they must feel like. I knew that I was missing some very important pieces in how my horse Dodger was moving his hindquarters. On the ground he was still not feeling sure; and on his back the same. I was building tightness and imbalance not engagement and sureness. I found myself in that stuck spot of trying to figure out how to adjust but not knowing that I was just doing what I had always done without any real exploration. I knew the hindquarters weren’t right; so that also made me hesitant to really move out on a long rein… the pit of my stomach knew that if I really needed to stop with one rein it would not work out for either of us.

From the first moment I led my horse into the arena Lee helped me mightily to be able to feel my position getting in his way. Both in the saddle and on the ground I was preventing him from being able to get comfortable and confident in stepping over and under behind. After some adjustments he felt better on the ground about what I was asking him; and then he felt better under saddle. I got more clear on the connection between the two. 

As a bonus I got some help with my naggy legs; not only an awareness that I was being ineffective but a strategy to help me help him search for the release. Great stuff!

Sydney did great with Billy Bob, and got some good help. I love to see her enjoying her horse and spending time with horse people. The fellowship of studying with earnest and kind students just can’t be matched.

 

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.