a realization

i attacked wednesday's lesson with renewed vigor and determination. after watching the video from my show, i was very eager to fix the areas i saw that needed adjusting. it was a very helpful thing to study that test, because it put a visual in my mind of what my trainers were constantly telling me to do, but that i couldn't necessarily figure out whilst riding: lean your upper body further back, you have a hunter seat, firm up the contact, your horse is above the bit, stretch your legs longer, etc. all of these issues, i feel like i've addressed during my rides, and i feel like the changes i make are adequate, but seeing it on film i can see the problem areas and thus i was very excited for my first lesson after my show, so i could put my newfound knowledge to use. 
i rode my mare (i've become fond enough of Ruby to claim her) and she was very stiff. not giving at all to the right side, and hardly to the left; bracing against the contact and avoiding flexion. we warmed up with Megan asking me to do simple changes of bend, try to get Ruby more soft etc. the mare wasn't having it. after 20 minutes or so of bending, transitions and circles, without much improvement, megan instructed me to hop off and let her school Ruby. this is very helpful because when i watch megan (an upper level rider) ride with the bar rein in one hand, i am able to see what she does and thus mimic her as much as possible. it helps Megan as well because riding in that way is a challenge, and she can see what the problem is for me, and thus find a way to instruct me in what to do when she can feel what's going on. and it helps Ruby because having a much more advanced rider on her helps her figure out what is being asked of her. megan schooled her for a good 15 minutes, and i could see that ruby was really resisting her as well; which makes me feel a bit better because it's not my lack of skill that is causing the issue!
finally i was told to mount again and there was a good difference in how Ruby was moving; i was more able to focus on my own body position. when megan told me to sink further in the saddle i would make a big effort to really "sit on my pockets," which helps EVERYTHING, i turns out, because when i sit deeper in the saddle and make sure my upper body is correct, it makes the reins shorter and i automatically take up more contact without choking the horse by rolling the bar up, and Ruby responds by becoming rounder, and everyone is happy!by the end of the lesson, ruby's canter was that rocking horse quality we strive for, and i had NO airtime between my butt and the saddle! 
what i really love about this horse is her movement. she's not very fancy but she has a lot of suspension and she can really move out. the judges love it too! in my next post i will tell you about all the drama that's happened over the weekend and how who knows if i'll be riding this mare anymore :( i'm crossing my fingers on that one!!!