When I was learning how to golf, my instructor (as in my boyfriend at the time...why else would I be learning how to golf?) would give me a swing thought each time we went to the driving range. Hitting a golf ball requires a complicated series of body mechanics, and beginners can't possibly be expected to remember them all. Swing thoughts, like "turn your back to the target" or "plant your left foot," help simplify the movements until your body develops muscle memory.
When I ride, I always try to start out with a swing thought – one thing to focus on above all else. A swing thought is particularly helpful when I'm restarting Lyle after a layoff, when the temptation is to work on too many things and we both end up frustrated and not having fun.
Julie Goodnight wrote the following on her blog awhile back and it hit me over the head: The main difference between a pro and nonpro rider is in leadership (authority), timing and correction. The pro rider doesn't even have to think about it—if the horse varies off course even with only one little part of his body (say he's not bent correctly) or if there is the slightest change in rhythm or speed, he gets an instant and meaningful correction.
"An instant and meaningful correction" became my new favorite swing thought. It helped Lyle and I through some pretty ugly spots on our last ride, and we ended up having a great time. In fact, it's such a good swing thought that I might tattoo it on my left hand. I may not always hit a hole in one with it, but it will at least keep me out of the rough...or out of the cactus as the case may be.
You've probably heard that old definition of golf, but in case not... Golf is taking a ball that's 1.5 inches in diameter, and placing it on top of a ball that's 8,000 miles in diameter, and then trying to hit the smaller of the two.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I will keep that thought in mind. Love the wildrags,the horses back side the jackests, the blue and the wonderful hat. Wonderful post. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteJudanna
This is an excellent recommendation. I'm going to start incorporating it on my rides right away.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I endured golf lessons from a boyfriend for a while too. Needless to say, neither the golfing nor the boyfriend really went anywhere meaningful.
Ah, yes, "an instant and meaningful correction". How much better we would all do if we could get one of these every time any one of us strayed off course.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thought and a great idea and something I try to do every time I ride. Unfortunately, with swiss cheese for a brain sometimes these things are hard to remember when you're faced with a situation. I've got to make the commitment to stay more focused and do that "instant and meaningful correction" all the time. Thanks for a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI like how Julie put that...it is exactly how I ride, and I just did a post about why I do it in the first place. Although I must admit that when you start out with a well trained horse, they are easier to stay on top of than a less experienced one. :)
ReplyDeletePS-When I saw your title, I was like "Linda??? A golfer???" And then I read WHY you golfed in the first place...teeheehee!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderfully put and very true. It works even better if you correct before the thought gets very far through the horse's synapses.
ReplyDeleteI love the golf definition from Deborah.
I love the idea of swing thoughts for riding.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I would add is that the "instant and meaningful correction" is imo most often made in the rider's own body/position/use of aids.
Unless one is a perfect rider, the horse varying rhythm or speed or off course is probably responding to something the rider is inadvertently doing/not doing.
Correct oneself and the horse will follow. :)
My husband, an experienced rider, can hop on a horse and the horse just seems to know read Mike's mind. The horse just stays so obedient without any effort by Mike, it seems.
ReplyDeleteMe, on the other hand, not always in tune, it's frustrating.
Perfect Linda..I had to chuckle (well not chuckle cuz I just don't do that sound, but you know what I mean) when I read about the boyfriend golf lessons. Haven't we all endured those?
ReplyDeleteThank you, and thank George and Alan for the lovely picture and link for and about our friend Starla. Talking about "kick ass"!
Great post...but I sure can't see you chasin' a stupid golf ball around!!!
ReplyDeleteGot here in a round about way, but glad for it. I plan on seeing Buck first chance I get, but also plan on building on this nugget on my next ride.
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