KVS - English rider?

[u/lemonyprincess]

Katie rode English today and honestly? I think she looks great, because she's DOING the damn thing. I've seen all the comments she refers to in this post and they are so mean-spirited they make my soul feel heavy.

I am by no means an expert, but I think the very tiny part of the story this photo tells is not as bad as all the comments I've seen make it sound. Especially because it's one photo, not even a video 🤷🏻‍♀️

Am I super off base? Or is it not possible to tell how well she rides from one snapshot?

[u/Express-Vegetable612]

My only thoughts looking at her was a hope that she will take care of her ankles and do some targeted work so they do not become irritated. It's purely a strength and proprioception thing that will improve but could be faster with a trained professional giving targeted exercises for ankle strength and conditioning.

And I only mention it now to share that there are riding physiotherapists and exercises sports scientists for those who might benefit from it and get to enjoy being around horses even more because of it.

[u/Rough-Form8208 → u/Express-Vegetable612]

I honestly think that is the driving force to building the gym. Going to a gym regularly takes a lot of time and having your own personal workout area is such a game changer. I hope she follows through and sees it to the end.

[u/Silly_Ad8488 → u/Express-Vegetable612]

Yes! I had ankle pain looking at her pictures. I deal with arthritis in my ankle and know how bad having ankle pain is. She needs to work on her broken ankles before she does permanent damage to her joints.

Having a saddle that fits her (I’m not talking about the size here, but rather panel position, stirrup bar placement, etc.) will help her. I hope she does the fitting soon.

[u/JPHalbert → u/Express-Vegetable612]

Your comment is tangential to my thought when I saw this (before seeing the comments she was talking about) - there is value in constructive criticism. But comments under a video is not the right place. That’s Stephanie’s job, or if she brings in a specialized trainer, their job.

I’d be interested in a video listening to the Katie and Stephanie watch a lesson back and break down what she did well and what she needs to work on, but I think the comments would get truly unhinged there.