I think I've got the hang of canter but how do you apply individual aids?

[DITZ]

OK for those of you following our snail pace progress I think I have cracked this canter lark or at least got it clear in my head what I am supposed to be doing so the rest will follow.

He responds really really well to lots and lots of leg and really really sitting into him (walking like John Wayne today!) and his canter rounds up nicely. It feels like I am gripping though but it does work so it must be right, just strange.

Anyway, what is confusing me now is this..if I have both legs on to keep him round how then do I say use one leg to maybe move him over or keep him upright or whatever. Sorry if this is a really dumb question, I'm sure theres an obvious answer to it somewhere I just cant think of it by myself!

[Mehitabel]

you just use it stronger. at the minute it probably feels like you're using 100% grip and squeeze just to keep it going and rounded, but as he fittens up and gets more used to it, and as your leg muscles acclimatise, you'll be able to scale that down. eventually you want him going forward and round automatically without you having to ask - this'll come.
you must be consistent though - every time you canter you must be asking him to go correctly, and soon he'll get the message and be physically abnle to do it as a matter of course.

[DITZ]

oh good. yes you are right I am giving it 100%, there doesnt seem to be any strength left in my leg to give an 'extra' aid! I cant believe how badly I have been riding!:eek: