I haven't updated my blog in forever. I could probably make a million excuses for that (some of them good ones), but I won't, because excuses rarely mean anything to anyone except for the one who is making them. So, onward and upward to what I want to write.
When I type type the word "videotape," I automatically think of the Don Delillo short story of the same name, but that's no where NEAR what I'm talking about. I'm talking about my need to take a video camera to the barn with me more often.
A few weeks ago, I had my husband videotape me riding on a sunny, Sunday afternoon. It was informative, to say the least. Now, I'm not going to say that I invented the strategy of using videotape to watch my rides. We all know that video is a well-known tool in the horseback rider's arsenal (that's a mixed metaphor, I know, but I like the word "arsenal"). But, I laugh at myself and how I'm continually "shocked" at how useful it is! I'll watch myself riding, then I'll swear up and down that I'm going to videotape myself more often. But, then the camera sits in the closet for another couple of months. But, I really do want to change that pattern. I think I need to videotape myself more often for several reasons.
Reason #1: Me. My position needs help. I know that I have learned some bad habits from riding alone for a couple of years. And I know that I've learned to ride rather defensively, too. So, more often than not, I'm a bit collapsed, arms a little bit of everywhere, shoulders round. Not that that position would save me in the event of a big spook, buck or bolt - but, something inside me says to ride that way. Luckily, I'm taking lessons with Debra-the-amazing-Grand-Prix-trainer-who-is-laid-back-cool-and-fun. I can't wait to get out there tonight. I'll get to the barn, tack up, then warm up my horse to get rid of those horrible first few moments of any gait where she acts like she's never walked, trotted, cantered, been in the arena, seen those jumps, trees or leaves. Then, when Debra turns to me, I'll say, "I want to work on me." I may even get really brave and say, "Should I cross my stirrups for a while?"
Reason #2: My horse. I am pleased that videotape has validated that I truly CAN feel when things are good and when things are bad. I can watch tape of my riding and know what's coming next..."Oooh, when we come out of that corner, she loses impulsion and gets all sticky in her shoulders." Sure, enough, that happens. So, that's good. However, it's also shown me that I need to tune in EVEN MORE during my transitions. I'm not satisfied with simply getting a clean walk-canter transition. I want to get it at the right moment...I don't want my horse's haunches to swing to the inside first because I missed the timing of her outside hind leg. So, I want to videotape to wach my horse and learn to feel her better.
Reason #3: I really want to do one of those before/after videos. Now that I'm getting the hang of the Microsoft movie maker software on my computer, I want to blend together some clips that show where we are now and, in the future, the amazing, awesomeness that I know my pony can be. That's going to be the bomb-diggity.
So...I'm off to the barn. I'll tack up, warm up the wiggles out of my horse, then smile at Debra and say, "I want to work on me." I'll let you know how it goes.
