|
(Continued from page 2)
diagonal. This time we did not ask for any transitions, but continued along the short side in counter-canter. Our instructions were to cross H-X-F. "Keep the bend to the left, sit back, and on the left seat bone, left leg at the girth, right leg slightly back."
Most of us did quite well at maintaining the counter-canter, so after a few runs we went on to the next exercise. As before, we proceeded single file along the rail. The challenge was to make a simple change at each letter: true canter, walk, counter-canter, walk, true canter, and so forth. In order to rebalance, we were to maintain the canter through the corners.
Noah was being quite responsive to my aids, but I was having trouble keeping him straight. "Use less outside leg in your canter departs--you are pushing the haunches over. Try to cue the canter with the inside thigh and lift him up into the first step."
On the next lap, Shelley had the group stay on the quarter line. "Horses like the rail--it's like a magnet that pulls them over. Practice working elsewhere in the arena so the horse doesn't become dependent on the rail for straightness."
Class time was coming to a close, so Shelley called us in to prepare for the final exercise. "Those of you who wish to try a flying change can have a chance in a moment. Let me stress, though, that certain prerequisites should be in place before you focus on schooling flying changes:
your horse's canter is forward and straight;
your horse can maintain a collected, balanced canter in the transition exercises we practiced, especially canter-walk-canter (simple changes);
your horse will maintain a balanced counter-canter;
your horse willingly performs simple changes and counter-canter anytime, anywhere you ask."
Lucky for me, Shelley felt that Noah and I could go for it, at least for today. "Start with Noah's weaker lead and change to the stronger lead," Shelley advised. "Pick up counter-canter to the left [Noah's least-preferred lead] and proceed down the long side. Before the corner, change the bend and give the aids for true canter."
|
|
