ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Self-carriage

Re: [endurance] Self-carriage

Diane E. Nelson (nelsonde@ttown.apci.com)
Tue, 19 Mar 1996 13:43:30 -0500 (EST)

One of the best ways to encourage an efficient canter, and to re-school
the show ring horse, is to canter up hills (short ones, long ones &
everything in between). Over time it changes from a classic "scramble"
to short lunging to lengthened strides and finally to a good canter
frame.

One of the toughest things to deal with is a horse that springs off the
hocks, much like an open jumper. I tend to overcompress this type of
horse by asking for way too much in front to control the stride &
spring. The temptation is to ride the trot because the thrust makes
posting a no-brainer.

That's a very good reason to ride with a heart monitor--something I'm
embarrased to admit I don't do--so that you can find the most efficient
heart rate as you train the gait.

Diane @ Safe Haven (real lucky with rocking horse canters)