I've spent a quiet afternoon browsing through Sally Swift's Centered Riding. I would love to be able to take CR lessons. I had the opportunity four years ago to semi-audit and sit in on one of Becky Hart's clinics, and some of the things I picked up from that experience are still with me today. She's a CR-certified instructor and uses those principles to apply specifically to endurance riders.
I'd love to further expand on the few bits I gleaned from that clinic.
Unfortunately, the nearest CR instructor in AZ is in Cave Creek. That's an hour and a half from the barn, minimum. Not. Going. To. Happen. Not even once a month, for as much good as a once a month lesson would do.
The only way this could possibly happen is if I find a place to keep the horses that's close to home. Because then, the drive would more likely be 40-45 minutes. My ideal would probably be a lesson every two weeks.
But for now, best I can do is read the CR book, absorb what I can, and work through the principles on my own. Maybe I can get my father to pitch in with some photography and videoing so that I can then go back and review. it's not an ideal world, but I will do my best to work with what I've got.
Good luck Ashley!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I get A LOT from analyzing photos and videos. Nothing beats having a really awesome instructor, but you can do a lot on your own.
We're cheering for you in VA :)
That said, we have no decent, affordable instructor within a hour or more of my house. There is an awesome dressage instructor in town but I can't quite afford the $80/hour price tag. sigh.
Thanks Danielle!
ReplyDeleteI've gotten inspired by so many recent posts -- yours included -- of the successes people have been having with using dressage for endurance cross-training. Seems to be a lot more prevalent these days, which will hopefulyl make finding an instructor that accepts I'm not interested in showing, just cross-training, easier.