Canter, Walk, Rinse, Repeat

How many of you out there are pros at picking up the canter from the walk? How many of you can calmly walk straight out of a canter?

Probably a lot of you.

Guinness and I have never been ones to transition easily. Quality gaits? Sure! But we have to work into them. The transitions have always been a source of contention. See, he's lazy and I'm impatient. These two do not tend to work together. 

But Tuesday, we had a breakthrough. Despite both Guinness and I's moodiness and laziness, we pulled something magical out of our bag of tricks -- a canter/walk/canter transition worthy of scoring at least a 7. It was magical. It was astounding. Best of all? I think it's possible to replicate it.

So, what did we do differently?

Basically, I sat down and thought about what drives a canter --> walk transition. Collection, dur. The hind legs have to step under the horse to support his weight while he steps down into a walk. That's the only way to keep the transition light and balanced. Obviously, the amount of strength the horse must have to do this properly is ridiculous. 

Luckily, I think we're doing okay on strength.

Collection at the canter comes easily to us, but I think I haven't done a good job of properly collecting Guinness before asking for the walk. Nor have I done a good job of asking him to stay collected through the transition. I think I've been dropping him, and blocking him with my seatbones. In short, my stopping aids were clunky and my going aids weren't there.

Okay, easily fixed.

I started by cantering 10 meter circles until I felt Guinness was really rocking back and using himself well. Then, as we approached the wall on the circle, I half halted him even harder than I had been to ask for the collection. As his front legs went forward, I put on my leg aid and simultaneously asked for the downward transition with my seat.

Boom. Canter -- > walk. Balanced, lovely, happy. I can't wait to school them a little bit again tonight.

The solution was so simple, but I just couldn't see it while in the saddle. This is why I need a trainer. Is she back from Florida yet?

March Conformation Photo.
"Guys. I'm fat..."