Photo Critique-Episode 1 of 1!

I decided to start a series where once a week on this blog I will evaluate a photo of a horse and rider combination and give a short, hopefully helpful, critique. This is not to say I am a complete expert and/or have the absolute truth and final say on any of this! Hopefully my comments will be helpful at least to my students though. I would also love to hear from you all and get your thoughts and feedback on these photos! Ultimately I’d love to have guest critiques from people that are far more knowledgeable than me for the blog too.

I’ve heard it said that equestrians must be the most self-assured competitors in any sport because we pay money for people to judge us and our horse, with little to no reward besides the criticisms we receive! Although this is true for other sports as well, it is something to be said. We’ll see just how confident I am as I critique MY OWN photo first, and open up a discussion for outside critiques in the comments.

Leo and I at our first recognized event, The Event at Skyline. Dressage phase, beginner novice division.

I see many many, flaws in this photo but I’ll try to highlight the good stuff I see first (we’re our own harshest critics, am I right?). Leo is active in the canter and forward. He seems to be paying attention and being obedient to my aids, and I’m looking ahead on the track.

The stirrup has slid too far back on my foot and I am curling my toes around the iron, which has caused an instability in my low leg, ultimately resulting in the leg sliding too far back. If I had a more stable lower leg Leo may not be leaning so heavily to the inside. I also could have a much better connection with the rein. Instead of curling my wrists to maintain the contact, if I would have shortened my reins and/or lifted my hands up a bit, I could have maintained a better connection with the bit. I also would have had the added benefit of being able to use my outside rein to stabilize Leo and ask for a better lateral balance. I would like to see myself with shorter reins but a more following, elastic elbow and sitting back in the saddle with my upper body more upright to have a more connected seat. That paired with Leo’s enthusiasm to go forward in the canter would have resulted in a better balance, connection, and overall roundness.

Ok, now what do YOU think??