tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post4412144903114699291..comments2024-01-03T03:28:48.980-07:00Comments on mugwump Chronicles: Seat SaversMugwumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01487540636265322556noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-61898030168317774492009-10-05T10:56:05.380-06:002009-10-05T10:56:05.380-06:00Anon- Good topic,when to stand and when to go forw...Anon- Good topic,when to stand and when to go forward. I'll talk about it tomorrow, (or Wed. ) today I have to get the Mouthy Monday going....mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-53394857798812726292009-10-05T10:25:20.369-06:002009-10-05T10:25:20.369-06:00Better late than never!
I have never come off a h...Better late than never!<br /><br />I have never come off a horse as much as my mare. I attribute it to:<br /><br />Age. Mine :)<br /><br />Age. Hers (Spookability)<br /><br />English vs Western Saddle. I do stick much better with suede seat, however, I have come off, too.<br /><br />I've found out that:<br /><br />As I ride more and my hips/joints loosen, I can go with her spook.<br /><br />I have gotten good at grabbing mane.<br /><br />It's good to know even the pro's eat dirt. I don't feel like such a clutz!<br /><br />JackieHorsesAndTurboshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03607758320356759231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-20150464703945379192009-10-03T14:03:20.097-06:002009-10-03T14:03:20.097-06:00very very off topic, but I was looking at the old ...very very off topic, but I was looking at the old posts and at the post on teaching spins b/c my beast and I are having issues with them, and in the spins post, you said that to reward your horse, you send them forward into a trot or lope. to reward mine, i usually let him stand, b/c he is the laziest beast alive and HATES to go forward. I can make him go forward lightly, but he really doesn't like it. I'm I doing more harm than good by letting him stand after a (attepmted) spin?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-91988488527859212272009-10-02T10:01:50.941-06:002009-10-02T10:01:50.941-06:00Thanks Mugwump for answering my question about get...Thanks Mugwump for answering my question about getting and keeping a good seat! I really appreciate all of your advice and I will definitely try the exercises. My boy Dewey will think I've really lost it but I think he'll tolerate it just fine. I read everyone's comments and feel so much better. Sometimes there are people who make comments about being "accident prone" ( I've had 3 falls in 6 years) and make me really wonder if I am! Now I feel more validated in treating a fall as a learning experience. One that you never plan to repeat but one that you can sure prepare for. Thanks again!flyin'horsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10712046674798145103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-22703194196307388092009-10-02T07:27:59.546-06:002009-10-02T07:27:59.546-06:00mugs said 'The more I learn the less I fall, s...mugs said 'The more I learn the less I fall, so I really try to analyze a fall, rather than getting mad.'<br /><br />That has been my philosphy and I think it's what got me through the fear and the falls. I'd break it down and figure out what he was telling me that I wasn't hearing OR how I had put myself in a bad position. *knock on wood* It's been awhile and he has a mean side scoot and spin when he wants to. :)autumnblazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14261052609848445921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-91407319379267043662009-10-02T06:33:54.005-06:002009-10-02T06:33:54.005-06:00Shanster - I have been away at University for seve...Shanster - I have been away at University for several years, and the most depressing thing about when I go home is that I simply don't have the strength to ride the way I want to.<br /><br />To combat that, I'm doing yoga to help maintain my strength while I'm away, so I can do more at home. This weekend will be the big test, as I'll be riding about four different horses as long as my legs hold up.<br /><br />If you want to see how that turns out, check out my blog.<br /><br />I certainly agree with the balance thing, I can do some poses way above my yoga skill level, although I can't hold them because I'm not strong enough, I can balance them just fine.Jaykehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16110759928830480886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-9823426155738416682009-10-01T20:31:58.010-06:002009-10-01T20:31:58.010-06:00Well, last night was awesome.
I fell off my sta...Well, last night was awesome. <br /><br />I fell off my standing still (mostly) horse while trying to mount. I think the monster has to be 17 hands by now and I just planned badly and wasn't ready when he took a step like a bad boy. Bam...went all the way over his back and ate dirt. Fortunately no one saw that.<br /><br />Then when we were practicing canter transitions he got off balance and was leaning badly to the inside and trying to take off with me. I went to put my weight into my outside stirrup and it came unbuckled and dropped out from under my foot. Somehow I managed to catch it in mid-fall even though when I wrapped my leg around his barrel to balance he kinda took off for a couple strides. Totally not his fault. I'm sure he thought I was crazy flopping around with one stirrup and pulling back to get him to stop at the same time. I have NO idea how I didn't fall off. Had quite the audience for that one.<br /><br />Fortunately the rest of our trot work was really lovely so I wasn't too embarrassed. One new barn mate even commented he seemed really calm for a 6 yo OTTB. We've been working so hard on relaxed, focused and consistant trotting; it was nice to hear that maybe its paying off. <br /><br />Then today he tried to climb out the window of his stall and destroyed the whole front of it. Plus his chest is super swollen. Sigh...Fyyahchildhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09680300099730314108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-75000577850124632352009-10-01T14:29:16.653-06:002009-10-01T14:29:16.653-06:00Shanster - Maybe. I always figured my "rider&...Shanster - Maybe. I always figured my "rider's butt" was my ballast. If you're old enough, think Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.<br />Also, I have become stiff and creaky, I totally blame it on my years in the saddle. <br />So, although I may be able to balance on a bosu ball, I sure as hell couldn't do squats.mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-49425410566617137182009-10-01T13:41:14.579-06:002009-10-01T13:41:14.579-06:00Heya Mugs - those exercises are familiar and when ...Heya Mugs - those exercises are familiar and when I was being a "good" rider I would warm up with them... but when I'm being a lazy ass, I just ride. Tho' since getting dumped twice in 2 weeks and not having been dumped for years... I'm doing them more often and riding without stirrups to try and get my mojo back... <br /><br />I wonder - has anyone found yoga to be helpful? Seems like there is so much balance there, stretching and holding poses... I like yoga and was curious if anyone thought it transferred over at all?? <br /><br />Also - doesn't it seem like riders in general have a much better sense of balance? I worked with a trainer at a gym once and they put me on a bosu ball (1/2 of the ball is flat, the other half you stand on) and had me do squats and such and was suprised I could stay on the ball... I always chalk it up to the horses. What do you think?<br /><br />Cheers - ShansterShansterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04397551985965117012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-59775766423831566222009-10-01T13:27:16.773-06:002009-10-01T13:27:16.773-06:00I like that, it also opens your shoulders to where...I like that, it also opens your shoulders to where they should be as you begin a run-down in reining.mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-42437728846627690282009-10-01T13:15:15.946-06:002009-10-01T13:15:15.946-06:00Ahh - too many years riding jumpers!
A bounce lane...Ahh - too many years riding jumpers!<br />A bounce lane is a line of low fences (1or 2feet hight) set about 9-12 foot apart (depends on size of horse/stride length) so that the horse jumps one, lands then jumps the next without taking a stride. We'd go upto 6 or 7. It's best to start with only 2 or 3, as it's an interesting exercise for both horse and rider. <br /><br />If you put your hands in the small of your back, it makes your shoulders open up and go back to where they should be when you're jumping.<br /><br />Does that make sense?Deeredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09598240463885095790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-40484344003099832342009-10-01T12:45:40.778-06:002009-10-01T12:45:40.778-06:00FD - I like your clarification of the butt crunch ...FD - I like your clarification of the butt crunch exercise.<br />I've never tryed that one at a lope.<br />We always said you had to fall off 10 times. I got most of that done during the Mort years.<br />The other thing I've noticed is 99% of the time, when I get into a wreck with a horse, it's my fault. I was out of position, the horse was giving signs I wasn't paying attention to, taking a youngster past his stopping point, something like that.<br />The more I learn the less I fall, so I really try to analyze a fall, rather than getting mad.mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-82493838126010416602009-10-01T11:57:39.608-06:002009-10-01T11:57:39.608-06:00I mean bounce lanes...I mean bounce lanes...mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-87180847239053316112009-10-01T11:57:08.626-06:002009-10-01T11:57:08.626-06:00Deered- Can you explain bounce frames?Deered- Can you explain bounce frames?mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-49387786086570670862009-10-01T10:55:35.533-06:002009-10-01T10:55:35.533-06:00For improving leg and lower back and core strength...For improving leg and lower back and core strength, I like the exercise where you lift your legs out from the knee (making sure you don't go duckfoot in the process) and hold. You balance on your seat bones and hold the position using your stomach / back muscles. On no account are you allowed to cheat by holding the saddle. As mugs says, it really kills, but there's nothing better for teaching you to sit tall and not rely on grip for balance. Once upon a time when I was somewhat thinner and fitter, I could do it in canter. Also, this exercise carried out one leg at a time is excellent for making your legs independent of your seat which is a massive big deal for dressage.<br />The temptation is to cheat by pressing in with the leg that you aren't lifting and you can tell immediately if that happens, because the horse goes squiggly on you and you lose your position.<br /><br /><b>Mugs said:</b><br /><i>I only came off 4 or 5 times in the 15 years horse trainer was on my taxes as my occupation.</i><br /><br />I find that oddly reassuring - until about four years ago I had only ever come off while jumping or if the horse fell on me. And in total I can count the falls I've had on two hands and have spare fingers. I sort of always felt that meant I was doing something wrong and hesitate to mention it - hangover from being six and being told it takes seven falls to make a horsewoman! <br />The horse that I came off was an incredibly talented sod of an appy/tb/QH cross that I'd been riding for two years without even so much as a lost stirrup, despite him being notoriously bad for teleporting out from under people when bored. His party trick was then to bugger off home so that everyone knew he'd dumped someone. We were tootling along in jogtrot on the road verge with my mind. He just dropped a shoulder and spun and I was somersaulting.<br />Landed on my knee and one foot with deathgrip on the reins though. I was so mad, and so determined he wasn't going to embarrass me by running back to the yard that it took me good few minutes to calm down enough to reel him in - every time I stepped forward he'd step back. He knew damn well he'd been naughty. In retrospect it's kinda funny. We must've looked demented.FDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01485030894416936129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-53168444526763267942009-10-01T08:06:10.700-06:002009-10-01T08:06:10.700-06:00I'm printing these out and doing them weekly. ...I'm printing these out and doing them weekly. I stay with him pretty well - even when he teleports. However, there's always room for improvement! Great post mugs. :)autumnblazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14261052609848445921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-56445040049172826822009-10-01T06:20:11.858-06:002009-10-01T06:20:11.858-06:00Good exercises Mugs, I'll have to try them out...Good exercises Mugs, I'll have to try them out if our weather EVER freakin' cooperates.<br /><br />Fyyahchild:<br />*SNORK* That was seriously coffee-snortin' good. LOL!<br /><br />BTW:<br />I posted on the VLC blog, so I'll share here as well....Mom traded her crazy Kentucky Mountain Horse for a really cute, sweet arab/paint cross gelding. I've only been on him once, because of the weather and a lack of an arena, but I'm sure that I'll be needing some of your thoughts/advice sooner or later as I get to know him and his quirks.Charhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08898020062632310130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-2198789651537928002009-09-30T21:23:40.993-06:002009-09-30T21:23:40.993-06:00For jumpers the best exercise ever was bounce lane...For jumpers the best exercise ever was bounce lanes with no stirrups or reins - the horses love it as they haven't got you hanging off the face for ballace, and if you are "infront" of the horse you end up on the ground. <br />It's hard work, but it gives you a wonderful seat that keeps you independent of the horse - and since you're not leaning on the shoulders/neck the front legs seems to get lifted properly too.Deeredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09598240463885095790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-81364738957884657722009-09-30T17:54:52.876-06:002009-09-30T17:54:52.876-06:00I have not done a lot of falling until fairly rece...I have not done a lot of falling until fairly recently (thank you BGM) but one of my bad old habits was leaning forward over fences when I got nervous. Let me just tell you...no horse loves trying to lift your big butt up to jump when you're sitting on their ears. Fortunately some are more forgiving then others and will still give it a go. Others will not. <br /><br />Nothing like getting some nerves at a show, leaning forward and having your horse stop dead refusing the fence. Then since you've already kindly situated yourself conveniently on said ears you find yourself independently clearing the jump while your horse and everyone you know trys to pretend they aren't snickering at your superman moves.<br /><br />Love that! Somewhere I have some awesome show photos of me actually hanging from my horses head precariously over the top of the jump. I managed to hang on long enough to land on my feet that time though. I always say it doesn't count unless you land on your head.Fyyahchildhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09680300099730314108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-79003997952918977722009-09-30T15:10:52.512-06:002009-09-30T15:10:52.512-06:00I was on a HUGE Tennessee Walker, bareback, and go...I was on a HUGE Tennessee Walker, bareback, and going down a dirt road. I turned around to see if everyone else had caught up with his huge strides, and he teleported 5 feet to the right. Apparently that's his schtick. One second we're in the middle of the road, the next he's on the side of the road and I'm on my back wondering how he got there!amarygmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08710889429149749284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-66895696909775234332009-09-30T14:44:23.561-06:002009-09-30T14:44:23.561-06:00Badges- the big K broke me of that little habit.
H...Badges- the big K broke me of that little habit.<br />He would whack my horse across the butt with his reins. Anytime, anywhere he saw me sitting like that.<br />It's considered unprofessional and dangerous by the big timers.<br />So just look at it as a higher level of professionalism, not knee knocking fear....mugwumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00319060800328355056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-63784827488062801382009-09-30T14:15:20.322-06:002009-09-30T14:15:20.322-06:00OMG that sounds like... GASP.... EXCERSIZE!!!!
...OMG that sounds like... GASP.... EXCERSIZE!!!! <br /><br />All kidding aside, I have done a similar thing, but never thought about it helping ME, I did those things to help JAZZ handle all that stuff happening from on top of her. Heres why:<br /><br />In the spring I was riding around a big arena with a friend at a walk, I casually leaned back and rested my hand on Jazz's rump (forgetting it was JAZZ). Needless to say, I just about lost my seat when she scooted forward.<br /><br />Sooo, I went home and practiced waving my arms, kicking my legs, pretending to swing a rope, streching to touch her rump and put my arms around her neck etc etc.<br /><br />one thing I havent done yet, because I am scared: At the cattle pennings, everyone sits nice and relaxed on their horses, awaiting their turns and will take one leg and wrap it around the front of the saddle horn, sitting "side saddle" to chat with friends. I AM SCARED to do that!crochetyoleladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10558947029662564330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-28992925185630432842009-09-30T12:41:51.540-06:002009-09-30T12:41:51.540-06:00There's also the turtle dismount, straight fro...There's also the turtle dismount, straight from your horse's back on to your back, like an upended turtle. Very painful and apt to leave odd muscle spasms if one is over a certain age (cough, 30).foffmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07440018615892325737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-6878349705379847772009-09-30T12:03:25.550-06:002009-09-30T12:03:25.550-06:00I have to agree with everyone I love this blog to ...I have to agree with everyone I love this blog to death, its the first one I go to every morning. <br /><br />I have fallen every way there is to fall since I started riding at a young age. You will not believe the dismounts I have done. We call them graceful dismounts around here. I have had a horse go sideways and fall on my rear and I have gone up and over at least twice in my life. HAHA they call me the master of dismounts around here.Winter Storm Ranchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11858714399188125211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4380534023229200743.post-59817059590359535822009-09-30T10:43:20.895-06:002009-09-30T10:43:20.895-06:00Ah, the good old zig zig trick. The horse zigs, th...Ah, the good old zig zig trick. The horse zigs, the human zags and goes splat. My (least) favorite kind of dismount, lol.Promisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12338935046262804307noreply@blogger.com