Embarrassing to be this excited but.....

[jonib]

I managed 8 whole strides of canter with Betty on Saturday...



I know it seems a silly thing to get excited about but I havent cantered more than 2-3 strides for about 20 years and it had built up to a major hang-up. I had lessons 2 years ago before I hurt my back and had started to do some cantering in the school,but again only down one side,and had a few on hacks on the school horse.

The 2-3 strides was all I had amanged in the last year or so,but on Saturday I asked for canter she went off really happily and we kept going for more than 3 strides,and better still she didnt buck and slowed when asked....I do love my girly


I returned to the stables so happy my friend said straight away what has happened...you look so happy.....

I am getting there slowly..who knows..that summer pub ride might be possible this year after all....

[cadeby]

Well done I bet your confidence will soar now.

I would ask for a little canter each time you ride and it will become second nature soon. Betty will look after you

[harveydales]

Well done!!!!!!!!! It's not a silly at all - it's a HUGE achievment and no wonder you were grinning for ear to ear! I'm sure a lot of us know exactly how you feel - I certainly do. Very well done!

[dalesponyrider]

Not at all silly and you shouldn't be embarrassed. That is a great achievement - congratulations!

[taffydales]

I agree, its not silly, the first time I had a canter I wanted to throw a party lol I was so excited, well done you!

[greydales]

That is a massive achievement, and most of us will identify with your feelings! We've all had obstacles to overcome and once you do it does wonders for your confidence.

Looking forward to hearing about your pub ride!! ;D

[leannwithconnie]

I understand totally why your so excited
It feels wonderful to achieve something like that if you have been struggling to get there for a while. Brilliant!!

[nars]

Well done. Like quite a few people on thsi board, Ive been in the same situation in the past so I can understand why you feel so elated. I'm sure you'll go on from here and have lots of fun cantering out on rides.

[Debbie]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!

[harleydales]

Fantastic!! It is doubly difficult if you have back problems as well so WELL DONE!!!

[jonib]

How typical.

The scene of my breakthrough has now been ploughed up and is off bounds for months!

We have been lucky as have had the use of the field in front of our barn for about 6 moths...Nice soft surface,lots of ways to go for short rides etc.

I too her out yesterday and she was fine on teh verges but when she had to go on the stoney tracks she seemed really unhappy.

Her ringbone must be bothering her on the hard uneven ground.
Its such a shame as she has to go on the uneven ground for at least 20 minutes to get any soft ground.

Ah well.....It had to happen one day but what bad timing

[Debbie]

It might not be the ringbone, but rather the fact she has to go on a stoney track. Even with shoes, I find a lot of horses have trouble and go 'footy' on the rough stone tracks.

What a bummer over the field being taken away, but at least you had the breakthrough. Maybe you'll be able to find other places to have a safe, fun canter.