Big Girl Panties

So I have come to the conclusion that I am just a worry wart by nature. Its just who I am and what I have to work with. It won't go away, so I just need to learn to channel the inappropriate energy and thoughts in a positive way...

Jumping Capt 

I also realized I only rode once a week for about a year before I had my baby so while it felt like a long time, it really wasn't much saddle time, something I need to increase to really move ahead. It is funny how all of my years riding trails etc growing up, can be so quickly overshadowed by real trainer time.






Last night we warmed up (relatively speaking in 40 degree weather) then went back and forth over an x a bit as a group. Then we switched to the x around to a panel around to an oxer. Might I add the oxer was a bit over 2', which looked huge to my novice eyes.

diagram stolen from Karley ;)

I watched Karley go then assumed our trainer would lower it for my turn. Uh no, apparently I'm in the big girl group now and get to jump the bigger jumps now. Well crap, guess I did ask for her to push me once I was riding again post baby, Silly me. Magic is pretty much a point and jump horse, which is nice, he doesn't always jump well but he will always jump. My problem isn't clearing the jump, its maintaining on the other side. I did finally start sitting back for lead changes from the x to the panel, but Mr Happy got a bit heated after my first time over the oxer and I got a bit flustered and stiff so it took a bit of circling and to get him back under control. My trainer had me go over the oxer again and again, until I didn't look so off balance, but man did my legs burn!

Things to work on:
Heels down (going to even start applying some gym time to this)
Soften up (relax nervous nelly!)
No stirrup work (sitting trot should equal no stirrups in my head at this point)

Since I only ride once a week these days it will take longer to achieve goals, and I am currently working on figuring out my next step riding wise. (ie leasing, buying, etc).