Emma (hey, look I learned how to add links!!) is hosting the two point challenge this month and I am so excited to get to play along this year. Two point in my endurance saddle was nigh on impossible to really do with the long endurance stirrups, so I watched and followed along last year. This year though I am full on participating.
My base line was pretty crappy at only 0:33.
I read all the rules, remember I am a strict rule follower, and while I held the two point longer than that my butt technically hit the saddle at the 33 second mark, so I stopped the watch then and continued to practice after. My biggest issue with this challenge is going to be Gem. Shocker, I know.
I decided to do it at the walk, which I find harder than at the faster more rhythmic gaits, but Gem is also easier to steer and manage at the walk. Well, I got up in my two point position and then Gem began jigging. Its hard to two point at the jig. Its a good learning experience for us both though. She needs to be rideable in the two point with my butt out of that saddle just like she is when I sit.
I’ve been working really hard lately at getting her to respond to my seat and have been playing around a good bit with leaning back more to get her to slow down or maintain the walk. I tend to lean forward all the time, so my feeling of leaning back is actually just sitting up straight. Progress is tough.
Take away this new aide for her and she was a bit lost. We managed though and she kept her brain in her head for the most part. I was also in my dressage saddle and I think next time I do it I will put her in the jump tack instead.
The good thing about a crappy baseline is that i have lots of room for improvement! I look forward to working hard on this and seeing how my times improve over the course of the month.
The Roaming Rider 