Saturday--rode briefly. I didn't really feel like riding, so just a quick walk-trot-canter-done. Although he was not picking up his left lead canter. Kept doing the usual--sitting trot into the corner, sit up tall, canter aids, and say "canter". Nothing. He was getting worked up, so we walked a bit. I was like what the heck, why not? And asked for the canter from the walk. BOOM, no problem. *eye roll* He was okay with the right lead canter. He picked it up and held it for a few strides, anyway. I wasn't feeling great, so I called it good enough and was done.
Sunday--yucky day, no riding. I did feel really guilty, though.... I do chores on Sunday, so I got my stalls done and went to bring horses in. Princess is last because he gets scared when other horses come up to the fence (*eye roll*). He and The Mare were standing in their shelter (it had been raining and snowing). So I walk down to get a couple horses. They see me, nicker, and come up to the gate, and I ignore them to get someone else. Put horses away, go out to get more. Have to pass my guys' pasture. I keep my eyes averted hoping they won't notice. They nicker and come up to the gate. I pass them by again. Poor horses.. I felt so mean!
Oh, random:
My ponykins doesn't like the canter departs, so I've built up a huge mental blockade about asking for it. I've found, for me, that I get the best results from him when I only think about asking about three trot strides before I actually ask. No time for me to tense up and get stupid.
ReplyDeleteI've been really working on not tensing up, but it's definitely worth a shot! I also asked another boarder if she can watch me at some point to see what I'm doing wrong.
DeleteHi I'm a new reader...and I do the same thing as Beka. My TB used to FLY into the canter and we both started anticipating/getting nervous about it to the point where we couldn't pick it up. One exercise that worked for us is doing small 20m circles and spiraling in and out at the trot. After a few times of spiraling in and out, we'd pick up a canter on the outside of the circle, canter one or two 20m circles, take it back to the trot and spiral in and out again. It really helped us to slow down and balance. :)
ReplyDeleteGood idea! Even if it doesn't help with canter departs, it'll be good for us. He loves to either fall in or pop his shoulder going to the right, so lots of (correct!) circles and spiraling will helpful.
DeleteOhhhh.. Circle of death!
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