Independent Componet 1

Link to Independent Component Log.
Link to pictures/videos showing proof.


Literal:
- I, Shannon Malally, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.
- For my independent component, I took riding lessons with J. Kristen Keeler of JKK Performance Horses at Sycamore Canyon Equestrian Center. Each lesson was from 30 minutes to an hour and a half long. I rode my own horse, Leroy, and together we learned how to better ourselves in both the western and English disciplines. We focused on the western sport of reining, and have been able to improve our skills a lot over the past 3 or so months. We also attended and competed in shows with Kris Keeler, competing in reining, trail trials, western pleasure, and English pleasure.

Interpretive:
During the lessons, we focused on tuning up Leroy's reaction to commands, and also taught him a few new skills. I have also been improving my riding, having gotten a lot of critique from my trainer, Kris Keeler. With Leroy, we worked on rollbacks, spins, sliding stops, lead changes, the jog, sidepassing, opening gates, crossing tarps, crossing bridges, jumping crossrails, jumping 2ft, jumping 2'3", and basic dressage exercises. Kris focused on my riding, and gave my critique on how to hold the reins, how to ask for a sliding stop, perfecting spins, using and rolling spurs, improving the speed of rollbacks, correct jumping two-point posture, when to ask for lead changes, memorizing both reining and jumping course, and basic show preparation tips. Each show and lesson I attended took a great amount of time, as it is essential to warm-up a horse before starting the task of asking for specific commands. Hour long lessons were usual, as it's a good exercise for the horse and rider.

Applied:
Taking lessons helped me answer my EQ of "What is most important to becoming a successful western horse trainer?" because my trainer was able to share her knowledge of horses and riding with me, and I was able to practice techniques under a professional. Kris Keeler gave me important tips that should always be applied when riding any horse, such as keeping your heels down and toes up. I've also learned how to correctly apply aids to the horse, as Kris was able to tell me what I was doing correctly and incorrectly. I learned the value of patience and persistence, and experienced first hand the outcomes of specific training aids.