My first canter..

[TWH Addict]

Ok Ill admit it, im in smug mode :D I had my lesson on KD and did my first ever canter. And I loved it!! Ok so I dont look so great and my position is a bit, er. awkward, but it felt like I was flying! I was so scared about doing it and now I just cant wait until my next lesson.

[JGarrick]

Originally posted by TWH Addict
...my position is a bit, er, awkward...

An old pilot's adage is that "any landing you can walk away from is a good one."

Motorcyclists say it's a good ride if you "keep the rubber side down."

I don't know if there's an old horseman's saying for this, but I figure it's a good ride if I get off the horse on purpose. ;)

[cazrider]

And absolutely right too that you should be proud TWH Addict! Don't worry about the position. Love the big grin!:)

[ANN G]

Hi,
Well done you!:) I've just started riding again after a long long break and I'm loving it:D Again trying a canter after such a long time is pretty scary but boy when you get it right ...
With the help and patience of a brillant instructor 'n of course Frankie,my school horse I feel that this is the best thing I've done for such a long time:cool:
Love to hear how your lessons go and feel free to pass any tips you may pick up!
Take care, Ann

[Showjumper]

Well done!! :D

[shirley]

Congratulations and well done!!!!!
I did my first canter this summer and wondered why I had ever been scared. All people at my yard have told me not to worry about position, aids and gettiing hung up on those, but just to enjoy it and keep smiling. Which I must admit I do!!!
The best thing is that my pony is now much more forward going whilst we are out on hacks, even asks if we can canter at suitable places around our perimeter rides!!! I really never ever thought that this would happen, but it has and I feel so much more confident and now looking to things I can do with my boy in the future. My instructor says to keep enjoying cantering and getting used to to feel of it etc and eventually we will bring it into a school lesson.
So keep the rest of up dated.
KEEP SMILING!!!!!!

[TWH Addict]

Thanks all :) Im quite a nervous person, I think as you get older (well im not totally ancient - 42 years) you get more aware of the "what ifs.." Learning to ride has given my confidence an incredible boost, ive taken a few knocks along the way but the great thing about horses for me is the sense of freedom they give you. When riding all your troubles kinda melt away, all you concentrate on is yourself and the horse, I just wish Id done this years ago!! Im riding my mare Lacey tomorrow for the first time, we have had her for 5 weeks now and shes settled great. Never ridden in a Western saddle before so it should prove interesting.:rolleyes:

[kelsmells]

Well done TWH Addict:D Don't worry about position,aids and so on,you just concentrate on staying on;)