Had a lesson today, and something felt weird as we went over the first jump in a course. I dropped my right rein right before we went over, let it dangle and reached for Tigger’s mane (to hold on), and then gathered the reins up in time to go over the second jump. The rest of the course was great, and as I finished it, Wendy asked me why I muttered “that was terrible” right after the first jump. I told her it was because I dropped the rein, but Wendy said I did exactly the right thing. Something didn’t feel right, but we were committed to the jump, so rather than pulling tight on Tigger, I trusted him to take us over. According to Wendy, I have the instincts of a great rider. According to me, it was a total accident. (It was a total accident – I’m pretty sure I fumbled the reins.) But now that I know, I’ll try to do it on purpose next time. Next time something is weird, I mean, not next time I ride. But I think you knew that.
So then Wendy showed me this video, and I don’t feel as bad about it.
Of course, I only had one low jump to deal with, and I did NOT take it with my arms out to the side like that.
The Bunny Butcher
wow. I’m sure that was a LOT harder than he made it look! way to go, you natural!
Zannah
My favorite part is how the reins LEAP back into his hands.