It's starting to work!!!

[Esabelle]

I had to share with everyone who has given me good advice regarding my fear of canter that I am starting to get there at last!! Friday night we went out to the stables to exercise our old boy (recently bought him from the stable to look after in his pre retirement as he is no longer used in class and so is missing the attention he is used to) and the instructor had just finishing a class and told me I was going to attempt a canter. So with no time to think and feeling quite sick, she got me trotting with no problems and eventually by holding the reins in one hand and the saddle with the other he set off into a nice slow gentle canter, just a few paces, but enough to make all the difference to me, because I survived it!!! the following morning was my usual class and I rode him for the first time in the class. He did extremely well and is much more responsive to leg aids than the horse I usually ride. And I felt safe with him. even though he does stumble now and again. Maybe because for 2 months I have been feeding, and grooming him and have got to know and trust him. Anyway when it came to canter, again I held the saddle with one hand (well 2 fingers) and then let go, and guess what, it wasn't so bad, I kept my balance, held the reins not too tightly, and even managed to breathe! I managed three times round the arena before going into a trot. I guess his rhythm is easier than the horse I am used to and I wasn't thrown out of the saddle as I usually am. The only problem was that in the other direction he wouldn't canter and I became unbalanced trying to push him on, but apparently he is still a bit stiff on that side, so we'll take it easy for now. So the following day, we went up to see him and I rode him for a short while in the arena on my own and we managed a few strides of canter, but it was hard to get him to do it as I guess he is more motivated in class with other horses. I still have to get used to the idea of cantering and don't find it easy to used my legs for transition. Plus he has a habit of pulling his head down if he doesn't want to do something, so I almost ended up sliding over his shoulder as we went round a corner!! But all in all I feel that maybe this is the real beginning. And it really does feel different riding your own horse!!! I know there is a long way to go, but I no longer have to think of giving up anymore. Thanks to everyone here for all their encouragement and words of wisdom. I'll keep you all posted as to how things are ging.

[Heather]

HI Esabelle,


I am glad to hear of your news- when you make a real breakthrough, it gives you such a buzz. It usually heralds the start of real progress too, so keep us posted!



Heather

[amelia]

That's fantastic! I am so pleased for you. I am learning to canter at the moment too, but I have yet to take my hands off the saddle. You are a braver rider than me!! :) I also seem to have a horse that likes to drop his head occasionally. My instructor tells me not to let him do it because he is 'messing about'? Haven't a clue on that one! I also find transitions hard too. My instructor tells me to go from canter back to trot and I manage it but don't quite know how, or what I am supposed to be doing. I don't want to ask my instructor because I do manage to do it and she has never said I am doing it wrong (Believe me if I do the slightest thing wrong, she tells me! If my elbow is 2cms out of line she tells me!! :D ) but it would help if I knew what I am supposed to be doing! Does this make any sense? How do you make the transition down?

Anyway I am very pleased for you I know it has taken a lot of courage on your part to get this far, give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it.

Good luck for future canters.

Happy riding.

Amelia.

[Esabelle]

Just to follow up on the original posting re my canter attempts. Last week we went on a hack (riding out) so no canter practice. This week we rode in a small outdoor arena which meant I didn't let go of the saddle with the two fingers as I felt very unbalanced going round the corners. The indoor arena is much bigger, hence longer straight sides!! Why does no-one else in my class have a problem!!! I'm still feeling like an idiot!!!

[k9 Equine]

Hi Esabelle - keep up the practice, there are good days and bad days and I have to keep telling myself this too :) but it's true; even the best riders have bad days.

Amelia - I can tell you how I was taught, but do ask you instructor for transition directions. From canter - pick a spot in the arena where you want to go downward - then hold hands steady and lift bumm as for the up part of the post and begin posting. As soon as your bottom leaves the seat most horses will start to slow down [unless they've been trained to stop ;)] post a few strides to a comfortable trot then sit the trot, once you plant your bottom the horse will again slow down to a walk; to halt, open your shoulders, tighten hands and bumm, squeeze legs add a "whoa" if you like and the horse should stop.

~ KE

[lamprellsarah]

keep up the good work theres no reason to feel like an idiot, everyone has their weaknesses you may find jumping a breeze compared to other people

Transitions

i have never done down transitions like this becuase if your bum comes out the saddle it gives them less weight on
their back as if to say 'go', also i was told off by instructor for rising before going back into trot. for a collected canter to trot, i give a little nudge with my legs as if to say 'i am going to ask you something pay attention please', then i ride the horse into my hands, (i ask her to go forward slightly then pull back with the reins slightly), never had a problem with this way, It also keeps the horse going forwards yet collected!
you should do a few strides of sitting trot before rising.
trot to walk same idea, sit in saddle give a little squeeze ask her to slow down with reins.
i get a nice halt, by asking for her to go forward with my legs then stopping the forward movement with my hands and back, lock your back, and pull with the reins. this would seem a effort at the start for you and your horse, but the more you do it, the quicker the horse learns, i only have to lock my back and my horse responds. so i do agree with above but sounds a strange way to go to canter to trot. But everyones taught different, and horse learn what you teach them, so there are many ways of doing it good luck.

[Edited by lamprellsarah on 21st May 2001 at 07:14 PM]

[Bootyfulcobs]

it's always good to end a lesson on a positive note on something u can do 'cos it is the first hing u remmeber next time you ride and really gives you confidence - well done!!! :)