Staying with the Motion: JJ Tate Clinic

Results are fun aren't' they!?  Those "aha" moments become addictive especially when the horse responds instantaneously.  Though I must admit, in my experience, the horse always seems to be just waiting for me to "get it."   This simple truth keeps me enthralled with horses - what patient teachers!

Last weekend at the JJ Tate clinic, I located a feeling in Tilly's back that I will never forget.  The exercise began with a statement from JJ, "I'm going to change your life..."

Wow, did she!

JJ's advice was to move and swing my hips and shoulders to unlock the hesitation I sensed in my mare's back... just underneath the saddle.  The swing developed a connection that was part half halt and part "hooking" in with Tilly's movement.  We were getting by when tracking right but to the left, we experienced an inversion evasion and a feeling of being "left behind," I'm sure it has to do with my conformation and slightly stiffer and less coordinated left hip.  But I was actually quite stuck in my mid back and this rotation of hips and shoulders within the horse's movement is exactly what I needed!

At first the motion felt mechanical but once I got into "the swing" of things ;) the horse became unbelievably supple and round.  JJ gave me a mantra and I'm certain that this will improve every single movement that Tilly demonstrates.  In fact, the swing seems to correct every single problem we have!  

Our left shoulder-in often has a cumbersome feel... yesterday, I over exaggerated the rhythmic pivot in my left shoulder and left hip to keep supple-ness in the left side while maintaining the lateral motion.  At first, I felt like I was hauling my left shoulder back, while keeping the left hand in place and only moving within in the rhythm of the trot... 1-2, 1-2, left shoulder-2, LEFT!!!!-2.  Then I realized that the motion was also bringing my right leg better into position to support Tilly's problematic shoulder and I allowed myself to move even more.  After a few tries, Tilly melted underneath me and we accomplished (for the first time!!) trot canter transitions with in the shoulder in left!  

There were many exercises learned during the clinic and I look forward to applying them and blogging about our experiences within the coming weeks.  Thanks!!