When we first started, after Erin got consistent flying changes from Fancy, it was rough for me. Why. When Fancy occasionally did half of the flying change, she popped me out of the saddle so far, my mind knew I was in danger of popping off into the ground. If Fancy had changed direction during my flight out of the saddle, I would have dove to the ground. That happened for a long time. The rider needs great balance during a flying change which is impossible when her rear end is an inch or so in outer space.
Just recently, when Fancy changes her lead only in the back legs, the popping up has ceased. I no longer flying into outer space. Yes, I do get off balance, but I no longer have to grab the saddle horn in hopes of keeping myself in the saddle.
I have to mention another plot in the plan. I decided to show my love to Fancy with a mind to rub (pet) her more to show my appreciation of what she is doing. I also have started using treats as another reward. Another reward is rest periods when she does something right. Show my love, rub her, give her a treat, let her stand still and breath. I’m trying not to be a 100% demanding rider. Yesterday, I switched to carrot treats. Yum!This past group lesson, Erin started us on a weave pattern like pole bending. We had three cones, spaced widely apart on both sides of the arena where we attempted flying changes when weaving.
Pole bending really helps horses learn flying changes that helps them stay in balance when they go 100 mph. I really like the weaving, my body doesn’t misbehave as much when going through the poles. I still loose all concept of the Flying Change Rules when going through the pattern, but the pattern helps my body without my mind being engaged.
So in the group lesson when I was mostly unsuccessful, Erin took over Fancy. While I watched I screamed bloody murder at each flying change. Erin probably did ten flying changes in a row…all successful. Fancy was done.
This is the next day, same pattern, different rider…me! Wait for it…
After unsuccessful attempts, but tries we finished out twenty minutes with back to back flying changes in both directions. I leaped off her, gave her carrot treats, loosened the saddle, and took off her bridle. It took about ten minutes to put the obstacles away and she wandered around trying to find the grass outside the arena close enough for her to eat.
Finished with a grand, super grand success. Now I need to film two successful flying lead changes, one each direction.
It’s happening. My continuing, long-term adult lifetime horse goal is about to come true. A flying lead change in both directions!