Sounds good! the sitting deeper is sending my horse very forward at the moment which is not fun. Previously I used a half seat at the canter. The dressage instructor, I wouldn't say is heavy handed, but really wants you to have a solid feel on the mouth - about 5 pounds worth. I am having a hard time using my forearms and not hauling on my horse's mouth.

Given the cost of the lessons - there are 2 choices here, 1: take lessons from an amateur (been there done that ddn't go past trotting) or 2 pay through the nose for a professional. Just started back in dressage and can only afford one lesson a month. But am thinking about buying a dressage saddle which must be a used one. I know all the things to look for but was wondering - is there any way to refurbish an older saddle and make it look better or darker so good for a show (something beyond a

Dressage: have done intro level before, on a previous horse but it has been a few years. had our first lesson Wed. with a trainer who shows Grand Prix . My, what a work out. And was expensive ($90!). I enjoyed it and plan to ride in shows next year. Trainer said my horse would be competitive at rated shows, at lower levels. that is all I was expecting and wanted when I bought this horse 5 years ago. Jumping. We are only beginning to canter crossrails. I'm a middle aged adult so not too courageous

You shouldl spend your time, effort and money on what you enjoy. There is no sense in spending the time you have here on this earth, and with your horse, on something you don't enjoy or yet, feel safe about. Talk to your trainer and be honest. Jumping is not for everyone, just as some people dislike dressage, or western or vice versa. There are so many things you can do with your horse, as long as you both enjoy, do that. I would some day like to make it to 2', but if I never make it that

Amen to that! My horse keeps me happy and sane, whether I feel 30 (can't go as far down as 20) and want to jump a small fence or when I'd just rather walk around a trailor watch my horse eat grass.

That's the conclusion I've come to. There are lots of young girls/teens at the so of course their view of life and safety is very different from my own. I don't need so much to get an adrenaline rush! I still will take jumping lessons. My horse loves it and is easily capable of 2'6"but I am taking this one inch at a time. Our trainer is very safety conscious for everyone and a wonderful teacher. She is fine with me taking baby steps. I also have had to choose not to compare myself

I can't imagine giving up my horse if I decided I didn't want to jump. There are lots of other things he's capable of. And we have a bond. He gets upset if I go away for a week of vacation. And I always ride with a helmet, I've ridden on a lung line, without stirrups, yadayadayada.

Great responses and thank you everyone. Sometimes I get confused about life and what helps me find clarity is writing down my questions and then fleshing out some thoughts as I write. It's true, at my age (55) I don't need goals like I used to. I need to enjoy each day as it comes, and be gratefulf for each ride I have. What do I really want? To have no regrets once I get to the age or place in life that I cannot ride. I've had the experience in life (breast cancer) that was a reminder

This month I put my goals down and decided to just ride for fun. I've taken plenty of lessons and am a decent intermediate rider now. With no goals for the month I just did what felt like fun at the moment, from only walking and watchign the sun set, to walking around the farm (I don't trail ride alone), to cantering crossrails, to cantering around the ring to enjoy the breeze blowing through my helmet, or lots of trotting. You will figure out goals as you go, and if you don't have any

That's great that you were inspired by horses! As you said, you have to take your time. That is what I decided to do. Not actually "throw in the towel" completely, but cast aside my expectations and timetable for jumping. And guess waht folks - I CANTERED MY FIRST CROSSRAIL LAST WEEK AND IT WAS AN BREEZE!!!!! NO FEAR! And I will continue to just take riding as it comes. My progress is slow but my horse doesn't mind. He loves to work so as long as I keep his mind and body busy,he