>>>> Bjalla tends to be a little more lateral in her gaits and when asked to go faster will often go from a canter to a flying pace. While this is thrilling - I would like to work on her canter. I believe she has the strength and balance. What aids, and what type of seat would the group suggest to encourage canter and prevent her from racing into the flying pace? - She does love to go fast and I swear she does it with an evil sideways grin at Atli who doesn't seem to have her turn for speed, although his most comfortable medium gait - a foxtrot or something - not a true tolt, is faster than hers. Sometimes I find that a half seat helps her maintain the canter. Is there an aid you use specifically to ask for flying pace, or prevent it?
Does she canter freely and cleanly in the pasture, at liberty? Do you have a place to practice letting her canter where you can ride her without a "competitor"? Many horses get hyped up when they feel that the whole herd is about to "stampede" - even if the "herd" is just two horses. I don't think practicing the canter as a group is a good idea until the horse is comfortable and very relaxed doing the gait. We only canter the young horses one at a time, and in the arena, and we only ask for as much as we think they can hold. We will stop them and brag profusely if they canter correctly and on the right lead - even if it's only a stride or two to begin with. Even if there are several of us in the arena at a time, only one canters, until they are all comfortably set in the gait and can hold it easily. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.17/1177 - Release Date: 12/7/2007 1:11 PM
