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RE: [RC] ] gait vs leg stress - Marlene Moss<"We've" or "You've"? He sounds happy. >g< I certainly wouldn't get rid of my horse for something that "might" happen. Have you ridden his horse? Sometimes the way the rider rides or the saddle fits makes the horse more comfortable at a canter. Your horse might be a cantering horse under him. I've found that with couples that ride it's best to treat each other as strangers and ride your own horse. Much better for marital harmony. Think about it. He sells his horse and gets a horse that can trot with your mare. Hates it. Who is he going to be mentally complaining about the whole time he's UNenjoying that horse down the trail? :-P Just make sure the horse swaps leads occassionally. Or what about this, *you* train at his 9mph now and then? My guess is that in competition you shouldn't ride together anyway.> We're really not into competition for anything other than having marked trails in beautiful areas (and porta potties <g>) and spending time together. We'd never give this horse up since anyone can ride him and it's a very comfy ride. But it's definitely horse difference, not rider difference for the trot vs canter with these two. We have the room for more horses and my husband would actually prefer a bit more of a speed demon. I try to keep us slower because I worry about the long term health of the gelding. So if it is not a general problem for the horse to end up cantering a large portion of a ride, then maybe I shouldn't worry. He already has a permanently popped bursa at the sesamoid which doesn't cause any lameness and the vets don't worry about. Makes me nervous though! I've always been a slower rider and I'm maybe just being overly cautious as we move up in distance and speed. But I'd rather keep this horse sound for easier rides or for friends and family if we're likely to stress him too much on the rides. And I know this horse wouldn't do the ride alone - tried once. Hubby didn't enjoy it much either, even though he did like having me as crew! I'd really like to hear if people have thoughts on the general stress on the legs of cantering versus trotting. I can slow my horse down (which she may not appreciate) but then we end up at a back and forth trot/canter with this gelding which is harder on the rider I think. Thanks! Marlene =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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