Journey to Rio

    PARALYMPICS

9-13-13

I have been encouraged by my wonderful and talented trainer to make a journal of all my practices.  (as she doesn't know I don't have a fondness of writing) I am about to learn to love the pen or typing.. My hope is that I may retain this information and if what I have written isn't correct then I will make appropriate adjustments.  

My trainers name is Marlo Vivenzo.  

My second lesson from her was Friday September 13th 2013 my lucky day!  :-)

Marlo warmed up my horse which is named Ari (nickname) Marlo calls him her love and he is my prince for now. lol

Marlo rode him swimmingly and I felt Marlo and Ari looked fabulous in Marlo's ride.  I strive to look like the smooth, in control, balanced and graceful as Marlo is teaching me soon.  

We had a great lesson full of information that I hope to convey on paper.  

1. Stretching is a must in our lessons.  Marlo is helping me open up my hips and get a solid seat established! Before we go on to the body of our lesson I am on Ari. Marlo has me take out my feet of my stirrups and rotate my ankles inward. Staying in a tall sitting position on Ari.  To get a strong seat my core (trunk of my body) and my thighs rotated in like a V shape and feet away from Ari.  How to achieve right position Marlo asked me to pick up each ankle and bring it up to my hip slowly to show the rotation in my thigh and to see that my feet are away from Ari. I will need to have for a strong seat esp. when I am trotting on Ari.  Apparently, I still have the flexibility in my body.  Thats good.  So, then I slowly with out moving my rotated thigh release my ankle and put my foot back in the stirrup (the length of the stirrup feels quit short now) The ball of my foot is placed in the stirrup with toes extended.  An exercise I get to practice at the beginning of each lesson and each time I ride. I will master this correct seating exercise with ease.  

2. We went onto the next lesson which about smooth transitions with a walk to a stop or a trot to walk to stopping Ari.  We focused on the walk to stop transition.  Seated correctly, the warning to Ari is to bring my thighs more into a V shape inward, lowering my elbows with my shoulders down and my wrist soft and higher then my elbows for transition.  I will continue to watch the video of Ari and Marlo. Marlo and I agree to have me filmed so that I may watch needs to be improved upon or what is looking great!

Then I was able to go around twice in a trot.  Ari is so smooth in his trot. It feels so much better on my back and my ankles now with Ari and seating correctly.  

Ari.. :-) I can't help but smile.  He is patient with me.  I strive to be patient with him.  He wants to please me when I ride him.  He is affectionate.  I need to be careful of his head at times.  He likes to nug me and it sometimes its harder then I like it to be.   I love his eyes! They seem to settle on me with kindness. I need this right now.  I appreciate the ease that he gives me when I am grooming him.  I don't feel fear esp. when I am cleaning his hoofs, hind quarters and tail.  I am excited to continue to learn how to groom him. Marlo is efficient in this way. I will strive to do the same. Ari seems to enjoy his grooming and it is a bonding time for both of us.  I will make each tool in order of application so it will go like clock work.  I must remember to lead Ari in the back of the grooming stall and turn him around. Place the cross ties on first lead rope off, groom him order and sweep up my mess I made.  If there is anything else need cleaning help out.  Its good to leave the area better then when you came in.  

Helpful hints:

When Ari is pawing at the ground he needs to go potty.  Lead him directly to his stall in the breezeway.  Always have a helmet on. 

He has a Vet check on Monday.. It great to have a second opinion on the your horse you about to buy.

I am getting back to my Mary Kay business.  It going to be funding this journey and I will need all the help I can to achieve this incredible goal.  Thank you to all my customers and team members who have for all they do as friends and those who buy Mary Kay's beautiful products.