Why is it that the simplest problems are also the most complex? Nikita and I have been working on canter departs. Yes, canter departs. You’d think riding at the level we’re at, canter departs would be not on our list of items to improve, but Nikita likes popping her hind end in during the left-lead departs, and it’s not something I can weather anymore. The obvious solution is to take off in shoulder-in, which is easier than it sounds, because it’s not before the depart that she twists, and it’s not after, it occurs simultaneous with lift-off.
On a related note, I’m discovering the importance of the pelvis in riding. I’ve realized the essence of quiet riding is in the pelvis, which I’m using more and more to direct the horse. It’s a nice feeling, since, being the laziest dressage rider in the universe, all I have to do to accomplish a movement is move my hips slightly. I find to increase collection, all I have to do is tuck my pelvis under more. I can get used to this sort of riding, since I barely have to break much of a sweat.
What does this have to do with the canter depart struggle? To keep the horse straight in the canter depart/shoulder in pretzel, I’m realizing the pelvis bone plays an important part.
