Practicing canter @ 3D

It must be like 35C today. HOT!! I took Gypsy over to 3D Equestrian Ctr. today so I could use their INDOOR arena. Still muggy and hot, but not as hot as outside. They've done some work fixing up the place lately... stalls all painted white and now there's a new partner who co-owns the place: Will Hansen. I met him today too -- he was riding in the arena when I started and we chatted a bit. Nice guy!

ANYWAY... once I got on Gypsy (after a bit of ground work), we just walked around on a loose rein for a while until she was nice and relaxed and blowing. Then we just worked a bit on moving her off my leg without moving faster (still not getting much success with this), and getting the softer feel in the bit.

Once she was loosened up and paying attention I started to ask for the canter. Will was still riding around, but other than that, I had the arena to myself -- so lots of room for Gypsy to move. It took a few tries (lots of saddle slapping at first), but eventually she picked up the canter. And after several stops and starts, the ask took less and less. Still a fair bit of trotting before she picks up the canter, but I am confident that with regular work, she'll get more and more responsive.

While I was riding her, Will commented that I should leave her head alone more. I thought I was, but old "english" habits die hard I guess. And the pictures prove it! I guess I was holding her back a bit. The last photo at least shows me leaving her head alone. I also have to sit back a bit more. Again, I thought I was, but it doesn't look like it in the photos. Always good to see what you look like. I'd like to start taping some of my rides... I think it might help me improve faster. A girl working at the stable helped me out by taking these few photos.

Toward the end of our ride, I even managed a few rough simple changes through the middle of the arena. She managed to get on the right lead each time, so I was really proud of that. I still haven't attempted to get her to canter online yet, but hopefully once she learns to collect a bit at the canter in an arena, maybe cantering online will be easier. When we were done, I took off her saddle and let her roll around. She was pretty sweaty! So was I!

All in all, a really successful day, albeit a HOT one! :-)