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[RC] re: cantering/ring vs. trail, etc. - Cindy CollinsHere's what I have learned, for whatever it's worth. Endurance riders, as a whole, and I include myself, have a reputation for very poor equitation and poorly trained horses. A perfect example is listening to all of us talk on Ridecamp about not knowing leads and diagonals. The lowest level pony club, 4-H kids would be appalled by our ignorance. Anyhow, five years ago, after years of endurance riding and having problems with horses always on the same diagonal and lead, I decided to take dressage lessons. I HATE arenas! It was sooo hard. I felt so stupid. But, it was the best thing I've ever done for my horses and for my body. Now, I can't imagine not being able to put my horse on the correct canter lead at will. I also can't imagine riding a horse 5 miles, much less 50, without being able to post easily on either diagonal. Now, my horses can sidepass or yield at all three gaits in either direction. Now, I can ride in a snaffle bit instead of always needing a "magic" bit. Now, I know all of the things that I don't know! (that's the tough part) There's still so much to learn. I've had lots of people ask me why I take riding lessons after 8,000 miles of endurance...laughing at me. Let me tell you, dressage lessons (at my level) are way cheaper than physical therapy or a vet. I still hate arenas, but it was/is worth it. Also, NOW I can practice all of this on the trail, but I needed an arena to master it first. Maybe everyone doesn't, but it was too easy to continue my bad habits without someone pointing them out to me and helping me correct my body and cues. Good luck! Cindy =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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