Morning fellow horse lovers!

I started lessons again in April and have been progressing quickly. Yesterday,  I learned to post. No lunge line, just get on the horse and do it! I think the reason I had trouble before was: 1) my stirrup length and 2) a balanced seat. This was significant for me, because I've only had 3 or 4 lessons. I was amazed at how my body flowed with the movement of the horse and how subtle the motion was. It was like like floating on air.Now, I wasn't able to do it perfectly the entire lesson, ( I got tired!!!) but the point is, I was able to feel what it was suppose to be  like for the first time and feel ( somewhat) confident that I could do it! I owe this all to having a great instructor who knows how to push and prod in the right way. I remember soliciting advice from several members of the forum about what to look for in an instructor, and you guys were a great help. I feel like I'm on my way to my goal( competing in dressage) and I'm learning everything correctly from the start. Yea!!!

Suzanne 

Congratulations!!!  I love those "lightbulb" moments in my lessons.  It's also great to hear that you like you trainer and are learning things correctly the first time.  So much easier than trying to relearn.  I'm also glad to hear that someone had a balance seat in their lesson this week because I certainly didn't.  LOL!

Thanks! My trainer stresses the balanced seat. She says if you don't have that, you don't have anything. I'm very lucky to have found her. My horse tripped over a pole yesterday( just trotting over a pole on the ground) and while it startled me, I never lost my balance. She said I handled it like a pro, so I guess I'm showing improvement.

Congratulations!  Those moments are so exciting -- and it sounds like you have a great trainer with good priorities so I'd say you are well on your way. 

Yay!! Posting is so much fun when you are in shape for it and know what the rythm feels like! When I was first taking English lessons and was learning how to post, my lower leg would swing forward and it felt like a whole bunch of trying to get up and sit down without hurting Sadie's back! What a girl for going through that time with me!! Keep practicing and it'll get easier and easier!! Make sure to once in a while post without stirrups to make sure you are using your leg and not just your stirrup!

Way to go! Nothing like have a proper foundation! 

 Great job. Your instructor sounds very good. Posting does get very tireing, but when you get those muscles stretched, it feels great. Learning correctly from the start will save you so much time and money. you are definitely well on your way to your goal. Good Luck

Suzanne, that is just great!  I rode English for years before I really "got" the whole posting thing.  I had a good beginning, but the next instructor simply ignored things like balance and leg position.  I spent an amazing amount of time flopping around in the saddle before someone clued me in. 

Happy Horse-life!

Thanks everyone for your encouragement!! I'm convinced that  doing your research to find an instructor pays off in more ways than one. I think it also helps if you can find one closer to your age. That way, they can relate to your concerns or problems. In the beginning, I tend to ask lots of questions( I'm one of those why? girls- I'm sure it could drive Beth crazy), but what she's told me is let me do the thinking for you. Great point. That's why it's easier to train children. They haven't developed their brains yet, so they'll just do what you tell them. Adults tend to want to know why they should learn something ( at least that's what I've learned from my human resources training),and sometimes it can slow down the learning process. Anyway, I've made a real connection here and I feel like I'm on my way.I cannot wait until my next lesson!!! Yippee!!!