Re: What's on the griddle??

On Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:31:19 -0400, Ocean of Nuance
<lizzardwomanRMOVE@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

snip

>4.  In canter, he still needs to start out in a horizontal, huntery, 
>long, large-strided frame but then can round from that.  He did that 
>with me tonight and my instructor said she lets him do it because she 
>feels he needs to start that way (though it isn't a strength thing if I 
>understood her).  He did come round after a bit with me but I could not 
>start him that way.  After riding him I understand why she says it isn't 
>a strength thing but I don't know what it is then.  I saw him canter the 
>fence line when I drove up and it was sort of that same large long
canter.

Mocha is like that as well.  I have found that two circuits in each
direction at walk, two at trot, and then a long rein canter for
several circuits (doesn't matter which tack we're in) makes for a
better workout.  I know what you mean about it, though.  She kind of
needs to do that long frame to warm up and work right--again, it's not
strength, it's more like she needs to get into the rhythm when we
first start working.  Later on, we can do good departs from halt or
walk but not in the first warmup--needs to be from a trot on a loose
rein.

snip

>7.  Speaking of jumps, my instructor has started jumping Pete a bit 
>because we both think it might do him good.  He at first stumbled over 
>some cross rails but then did better.  His previous owner jumped him a 
>bit but I never did.  I will continue to let her handle the jumping...
heh.

Jumping is good.  Ground rails are good, too.

jrw