The photos are brilliant - you have so much talent and it is great to see them all enjoying themselves!!
That's a very handsome Friesian too and your first attempt at English riding is looking really good. A couple of tips to help you -
Sit in a normal upright chair in a relaxed way. Now straighten your back gently by slowly taking a breath by lifting your diaphram, at the same time keep your shoulders relaxed and dropped - no tension anywhere. People told to "sit up straight" on a horse immediately straighten their backs which puts tension through their spine, throws their tummies out, hollows their backs and puts their bottys out behind them - everything out of balance and tight, and a tight spine will prevent the horse moving forward freely!!
As you become more confident you will need to lengthen your stirrup leathers a little - you are aiming for a straight line from your shoulder, through your hip to your heel. The foot should rest gently in the stirrup, being told to "push your heels down" will force your lower leg forward and your weight toward the back of the saddle, plus you will also then have tension in your legs.
Talking about straight lines, there should also be one from your elbow through your wrists, hands and down the reins to the horse's mouth. OK now try this (for your hands!). Again sit relaxed, upper body and back in the above position (all relaxed remember LOL!!) Make sure your shoulders are relaxed, your upper arm held naturally beside your body, your lower arm in the normal position for holding the reins. Now get someone to pass you a lightweight (delicate if you have one) cup and saucer! Keeping your arms in the 'holding the reins' position, carefully and gently take the cup and saucer from them - no grabbing and no gripping, this is a very delicate and fragile piece of crockery - and then (relax!!) gently hand it back to them. At the precise moment that you offer it back to them, your hand will be in the perfect position for holding the reins!!
Even if you haven't got a suitable cup and saucer you can use your imagination. The main thing is to remember the straight lines, the total lack of tension anywhere - from your little toe to your little finger to your jaw/face - tension anywhere will prevent the horse from giving it's best in the movements asked for and will also 'push' you upwards out of the saddle and away from the close contact you need to get the best from whatever animal you are riding.
Here endeth the virtual lesson LOL!! Good luck!!
