Re: RC: Efficient gaits question

["Angela C. McGhee" <rides2far@juno.com>]

  But like I said, after
>seeing Virl just loping away there, it seemed like my horse, who 
>really
>loved to trot and had a very fast one, like you described, was 
>actually
>working much harder than his horse. 

Nina Warren's super horse Desert Ballad spent most of his time cantering,
it was simply his favorite way to get around.  When she rode him he was
beautifully collected and actually looked a little strange going down the
trail, at the speed he was cantering.  It just seemed like he should have
been in an extended trot, but cantering was his thing and she knew it. 
He cantered 100 milers.  Before a race started, I've seen her out there
cantering 20 meter circles to warm one up.  Very precise, very proper. 
When her horse canters, it doesn't seem to even touch the ground.

Personally, I find the canter a lot more work to ride.  It's a nice
break, but when I'm in an extended trot it's just sort of a very relaxed
perpetual motion type deal.  The canter requires me to use my muscles in
my legs more.  We did more cantering than usual at last week's Witchdance
55 and I definately felt it the next day.

Angie

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