“It’s So Hard…” Dorothy Crosby

“It’s So Hard. . .

Dorothy Crosby - Stoddard, NH

always private, semi-private & group lessons & clinics available

Some things I hear repeatedly from my students are:

It’s so constant/so many things at once!

Why can’t I: keep my heels down, make my hands still, use my legs better, stay in balance, keep my horse from (choose one) or make my horse do (pick again)??

Will I ever get better at this? It’s so hard!

What’s the one thing I need to do – read: shortcut – to become a good rider???

I am reminded of an anecdote Denny Emerson, friend of Sally Swift, US Eventing gold medalist, trainer, breeder, US Eventing Association President, and USET Vice President repeatedly tells about his friend and mentor Jack Le Goff.

Apparently, Jack would ask the question, somewhat paraphrased from my students above, “What three things do you have to have in order to be a good rider?” Before his students could reply, he would tell them: “1. A good seat. 2. A good seat. 3. A good seat.”

I have borrowed this story many times during my teaching, using the phrase “develop an independent seat” instead… because it is hard work, constant focus on many things at once, and there is no shortcut!

As an instructor, I have great patience when someone doesn’t know how is having difficulty, doesn’t quite understand…but not so much when I feel they are ignoring me, refusing to try, or are disrespectful/ unkind/insensitive to their horse!

As a rider, I identify with all of the above and continue to work at those things that will help my partnership with whatever horse I might ride as well as those equines and humans I have the privilege of teaching.

Riders need to acknowledge that balance and an independent seat are key to everything else working correctly. Karen Irland, Senior Level 4 Centered Riding® Instructor, called this “one-stop shopping.” Balance and use the pelvis correctly, and all else falls into place. Only when my conversation with my horse comes from my balanced center will I quietly use the necessary aids so we can fly!

Sally Swift designated Centering, Soft Eyes, Building Blocks, and Breathing as the 4 Basics; all of these Basics enable my body to be soft, fluid, and in balance so that my horse can also be soft, fluid, and in balance. They are each independent things, but also simultaneous realities. When we - my horse and I - communicate and move together, it truly is a dance!

An independent seat means that my fine motor skills and body parts are capable, effective, and subtle - and operate separately from each other (can you pat your head and rub your tummy simultaneously?). In other words, when I develop these skills after my gross motor skills have created muscle memory, I am able to do less visibly, communicating more efficiently and effectively with a whisper instead of a shout. Then my hands stay quiet, my leg moves purposefully, my reins communicate only the slightest, most necessary information; each part of my body can work on its own without huge movements, unintended instructions, and the many distractions and imbalances that might otherwise happen. Jostling is minimized, movements of horse and rider are more in sync, and the ability to communicate and “read” each other is maximized!

Dorothy Crosby

Some of you have heard my analogy about the radio: we are driving along, listening to music, when my favorite song of all time comes on. I can easily sing it, even without the music, but I turn up the volume - only to find there is lots of static and it’s difficult to hear! Of course, I keep singing and find I am at the right place in the song each time the music tunes back in... But, because I can’t hear it consistently, my understanding and recognition – and my enjoyment - are frustrated, to say the least… you get the idea! I am convinced our horses feel like this when we don’t take the time to develop our skills and communicate softly with clear intent and teamwork as a priority. This can only happen when I hone my fine motor skills to a point that I am in control, calm, poised, and effective. Different disciplines involve their own precise skills, but in all types of riding both the communication and the relationship between horse and rider are enhanced and gratifying.

The good and bad news is that this can be consistently improved - it is a process - but there are no shortcuts! I must put in the effort; then my sensitivity, feel and communication, along with those in my horse, improve our teamwork and performance together.

How long does it take to (what’s your goal)? It takes as long as it takes, and the process is enlightening, delightful, and extremely gratifying!

Put in the work and you will never be sorry!

Owner of Equi-librium and based in Stoddard NH, Dorothy Crosby is certified as both a Level III Centered Riding®Clinician/Instructor and CHA English and Western Instructor. Director of the Riding Program and Barn Manager at Southmowing Stables in Guilford VT, she loves working with riders and horses of all ages and abilities. Recently certified with Conformation Balancing, a program for fascia release in horses, Dorothy loves the softening and changes in the horses. Dorothy offers clinics, lessons, workshops, and fascia release bodywork sessions both on and off the farm.