Junior hadn't been ridden since before Christmas. He had tons of energy and easily cantered on the lunge line, so I knew it might be a good day to try him at a canter under saddle. He was also really sharp with his responses on the ground, and that may be because we had a bit of a 'come to Jesus' moment while leading the horses out to the field but I will take it however it came about.
It did take some coaxing. However, once he understood what I wanted, it was probably the best canter I've ever ridden... a true rocking chair canter! Super comfortable and a huge but relaxed stride... AWESOME!
Now I have to keep it up.. hopefully he will remember it with positivity for his next ride. I want to move on to 'follow the fence' and a couple other exercises, but he really needed to get his feet unlocked first. I will probably keep working on the cantering and cruising at a consistent speed until I don't have to work to get him in a different gait, but it is great to see forward progress.
Mindy also got a little bit of work in. My friend is helping me with the kiddos so I can ride in exchange for being taught horsemanship. It's a great swap!
Until next time,
J. Hooser
