We had a wonderful lesson on Saturday. Debbie asked how things had progressed since our least lesson and I mentioned that I hadn't been able to get a quick response for our canter transitions. So after working shoulder fore and leg yields, we got right to canter transitions. In the saddle I felt like he was collected, but on review of the video, the right word would be "controlled" or maybe "contained". But for G this is a huge step, and his responsiveness was right on.
We still have lots of work to do on both the up and downward transitions, and I need a lot of coaching on using my body better to support him, but I feel like we're making good progress. The first right canter lead at about 1:54 on the linked video, you can see G yield to the bit and soften on the up transition...it just felt awesome. It's funny how what you used to think was relaxed and controlled really wasn't, and you don't know until you begin to feel it when its done right.
In watching the past two videos of us though I'm starting to wonder if G's hip may be a bit sore. His trail goes center to left, but never to the right. For all I know its always been like this, but I'm thinking it may be related to the trailer accident in the fall of '08. Maybe its time to get the massage therapist out to look at him again. He was never really "out" but she did find some stiffness in the hip when she worked on him months after the accident.
Next lesson is in 2 weeks so we'll work on our transitions and see if we can improve upon them. I think the timing of my aids is getting better, but I know I have a lot of room for improvement.
A little canter anyone? Part of our lesson....
Canter Transitions - YouTube Video
A little canter anyone? Part of our lesson....
Canter Transitions - YouTube Video
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