Start A Journal
Do you want to become a more self-sufficient rider? Well, if you are willing to work hard to your goals, stay organized, and find time to take that extra step, you can. With this intro to an extremely helpful "Lesson Journal." I first got the idea from Practical Horseman Magazine(find the link on the "Links" page). It has been working so well for me, I just thought that it would only be fair to share it with everyone else. So far, this journal has helped in so many ways. I am able to go home right after the lesson, sit down, and write my thoughts about what I experienced and learned-along with my past goals and how I met them and future goals and homework. It's amazing to see how thick its gotten compared to when I first started, and how much I've improved. My instructor was thrilled to see how much I care about my lessons and how her teaching has impacted me. Please give it a shot, I guarantee it will be worth it! Here is the set up on how it should be done:
EXAMPLE:
(My very first journal log-in when I was switching to River Song Stables!)
Lesson #1
Personal Goal:
To decide if switching to River Song is the right choice.
Details/Environment:
Date: 6/10/07
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Lisa Krist
Horse: Dazzle
Tack Used: Ovation Close-Contact Saddle
Riding Area: Inside Arena
Weather: Hot, Sunny, Upper 80’s
My Mood: Very Excited, a Little Nervous
Horse’s Mood: Mellow, Friendly
Warm-Up Observations:
0-Did Not Execute 10-Impressive!
Walk-Halt-Walk: 7-Easy Response
Trot-Walk-Trot: 7-Easy Response
Turns/Bending: A Little Wide-First Time!
Me: Just introduced to turns, but fairly good! Learning leg usage!
Theme:
Finding and getting a better seat! Leg positions on turns/bending, canter, and hand position-following hand. Lisa getting an idea of me as a rider, setting me up to 2 feet for jumping!
0-Did Not Execute 10-Impressive!
Walk-Halt-Walk: 7-Easy Response
Trot-Walk-Trot: 7-Easy Response
Turns/Bending: A Little Wide-First Time!
Me: Just introduced to turns, but fairly good! Learning leg usage!
Theme:
Finding and getting a better seat! Leg positions on turns/bending, canter, and hand position-following hand. Lisa getting an idea of me as a rider, setting me up to 2 feet for jumping!
Critique:
Shorter rein length and looking up to Lisa while jumping.
Evaluation:
I have decided to stay at River Song! I learned A LOT more and feel that I met Lisa’s goals for me to improve on my seat, understanding, bending, and a following hand!
Exercises and Homework:
Stretching my calf muscles a few minutes a day on the stairs, letting my ankle drop and putting my weight on my heels.
Goals for the Next Ride:
Keep a shorter rein length and be aware to shorten it when needed. Improve overall on bending, and canter transitions.
