Esabelle
7th May 2001, 10:32 AM
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.