How Should She Feel

[Camacoona]

Hello all,

I think my problems with the canter are getting there, I have kept things simple for me, basic transitions from trot and from walk and Ketchup's canter seems quite light, (no more than 7 or 8 strides before a downward trans, so we dont have time to spoil things! )

Before Ketchup was put in foal, her schooling was of quite a good level, capable of all lateral work in the trot, and until our dreaded lesson in canter too!  Even early piaffe, however I think I must have taken all of this for granted!  In the last 18 months, my riding has only been on my pupils' horses, all of a fairly novice level, no more than basic shoulder in etc.  I think I have forgotten the feel, (or did I ever have it in the first place!? <_<)  I have had 18 months of reading lots of fabulous 'instructional' books and so have had time to analyse, interpret and imagine etc.

Because Ketchup is only being fittened up, with only basic schooling, my main priorities seem to be forwardness off the leg, correct energy within a natural rhythm and then contact, ( I hope i have my priorities right.)  Yesterday I was schooling infront of a friend of mine who said... ' I would like to see her a little longer in the neck so she can take longer strides..'  so my mission began.  Today, again infront of my friend, I think I had a breakthrough, I set my rhythm, she kept a longer outline, on the bit but without curling behind my hand, and even began to take an even contact on both sides of the bit.  

But what shocked me was the feeling in her back.  There was a considerable amount of movement in her back.  Since coming back into work, if I ever went sitting in her trot, it was almost still, but I know she was shorter infront, maybe a little heavy in front, and in a much faster rhythm.  Today, in a slower rhythm, and a longer outline there was more 'fluid' movement through her back, it was not uncomfortable, not difficult to sit to, maybe 'more off the ground.'  Any thoughts?? was she using herself more correctly??  What should I be feeling.  I enjoyed the feeling, Ketchup seemed to enjoy the feeling.  When you school on your own you rely so much on feel, the problem comes when you don't really know what you should be feeling!!!

Please help![/size]

 

[Flashback]

hi! having read and re-read ur message several points need to be considered. firstly - how long has ur mare been out of work - during and after pregnancy. ur answer to this will determione the degree of lack of muscle tone she has! remember - pregnancy takes a great toll on ur horses body - both emotionally and physically! for every week she has not been ridden u have to allow 2 weeks for her to regain her muscle tone! i hope u walked her for at least a month before attempting any school work!!!!!!!! it takes a very long time for the muscles to recover from pregnancy.

secondly - make sure u are absolutely correct in the saddle - she cannot work correctly if u do not sit correctly!

thirdly - r u sure ur saddle is as near perfect fit both u and ur horse? incorrectly fitting equipment (along with unbalanced feet) can cause catastrophic problems!

fourthly - yes - her back should swing! that means her hind legs are propelling her forwards correctly!

ur friend is correct (to a point) - a greater length of rein will encourage her to take longer strides PROVIDING u maintain an even contact and she is propelling herself from behind! do not drive her out of her natural rhythm tho!

it sounds as if u r heading in the right direction! keep it slow, keep it simple and enjoy urself!!!! too often riders forget that they ride for enjoyment!!!!!!!!!

[Heather]

Hi Camacoona,

If it feels right, it generally is right!!- and from your description, it sounds as if she is moving through her back correctly. It should indeed feel easy to sit to, if the back is soft and fluid, and the joints are working to give that spring, yet shock absorption, that the rider feels if the whole horse is working 'through'.


Heather
 

[Camacoona]

Hi Flashback,

Indeed Ketchup had been in 'walking' work for about 5 or 6 weeks after weaning Beanie(her foal).  now she is only schooled for about 15 mins to 20 mins after we have plodded around the tracks, ( I'm lucky enough to run a Livery on an arrable farm with nearly 3 miles of off road tracks, and 20 acres of setaside) No sideways stuff, and no canter as yet!!,

At least I know I'm going in the right direction.  

Thanks Flashback and Heather.

[Flashback]

hi camacoona!

sorry if my reply was a bit, how shall we say "blunt and basic"!!!!!!!! trouble is am so used to 99.9% of horse owners that i teach being so unaware of their horses needs they shouldnt have a rocking horse let alone a real one!  must remember u guys are the intelligent thoughtful owners!