Building Confidence in Canter

During our most recent lesson with Karen Brown, Delphi and I learned two more excellent exercises to build Delphi's confidence (and mine!) in canter:

The first exercise begins on a twenty meter circle. Before A (or C ) on the short side make an upward transition to canter, from the walk or from the trot, it matters not. Say we've started this exercise in left canter, with the normal slight flexion left. When you reach the long side counter bend the horse to the right, then leg yield away from the long side to the left toward X, maintaining the left lead. At X change the bend again back to the "real" direction (in this case left) and make a ten meter left turn from the centerline to the long side, then ride straight ahead back toward your initial twenty meter circle.

The second exercise seems easier, and probably would be for most horses but Delphi found the first exercise easier than this one. Again you make an upward transition to the canter before the corner (we'll stay on our left lead again for the example). After the corner, turn down the centerline, stay in slight left flexion, and leg yield to the right from the centerline toward the long side. When you reach the long side make a ten meter left turn to the centerline. Delphi became a bit tense in the leg yield toward the long side; turning early at the quarterline in a near volte helped relax her by giving her something to do within all that arena space. Or, sometimes I would do the exercise from quarterline to quarterline, instead of going all the way to the wall.

Both exercises are helpful in building confidence, and the first especially works toward half pass at canter since you are basically doing canter half pass, but bent in the opposite direction to true "show mode" half pass.

Update: Delphi and I have been schooling these exercises the last three rides. Today we finally broke through the tension to some absolutely beautiful, soft, uphill leg yields in canter, using a full forty meters worth of arena without getting nervous or downhill. Progress!

781 Ranch

Delphi's friend Charger entertained us this cold, blustery weekend at her new place west of Bellville, a beautiful 47 acre horse facility; truly a retreat. Delphi can't wait to visit in person.

A view of the house from the barn:


The barn and house:


The barn has a separate feed room and airconditioned tack room, and all six stalls have individual runs:


The turnout paddocks' gates:


Turnout paddock and another run-in shed:


Can you tell I like the barn?


Looking into Charger's stall from her run:


The folks of 781 Ranch will see you coming down their drive long before you reach the house:


Looking out the back door of the house:


Partial view of the hayfield (or riding trails!) brooding in the wintertime grey of cold; that sky on a clear, sunny day would be just as beautiful in a dissimilar way:


Speaking of riding, here's the ~100meter x 120meter arena, overlooking a beautiful yet tranquil hill:


More tranquility; overlooking the pond toward the old racehorse barn:


Charger's "mom" surveying her land:

Adding to the charm and serenity of 781 Ranch, a famous stallion is buried under a tree covered by a mass of tangled vines in a peaceful area down from the pond. The stallion was so beloved by his owners that it's written into the deed that any subsequent owners keep the gravesite and leave the marble stone to quietly remember their once great friend. *sniff* The stone reads
"Counterplay
TAAA
AQHA Champion
Superior Halter Horse
Here Lies a Great Champion
Mar. 25, 1963 - Oct. 8, 1978":

(See the article "One Foot in Paradise" in the HDS newsletter "Collective Remarks" page 7.)

Saddle Trials: the Saddle Triumphant

And the winner is: the Albion SLK Ultima 18" seat wide tree:
a front view of the substantial knee blocks and cutback pommel:
Pros: The first saddle that, on first trial, does not pinch or otherwise put incorrect pressure on Delphi's withers, spine, or back! The gullet and channel are wide, with a cutback pommel that allows freedom of the shoulder and ample room for the withers. The large knee blocks and deep seat provide security. Extremely comfortable to sit, this is by far the most comfortable saddle evaluated. It left an even sweat mark revealing correct contact on Delphi's back.
Cons: it is a tad low in front, so has to be managed by putting a felt pad under the pommel to cause it to sit level on Delphi's back. (However, this extra padding could be removed later to allow for increase in muscle/weight over time so even this feature is potentially a pro depending on how one looks at it.)

Bottom line: the saddle fits with no rubbing or pinching, though it does have to be managed with padding to raise the front of the saddle (if only Delphi's front legs were an inch longer-- but alas!). My trainer Karen Brown has invented an ingenious padding system with a wool pad "insert" that goes under the pommel on each side of the back, but not over the withers or back. The wool is graded so that it gently feathers to a fine edge so the horse does not feel a rim or seam under the saddle. It raises the saddle in front so the saddle sits level. With the saddle's deep seat and those humongous knee rolls it is very secure and comfortable. Most importantly, it is comfortable for Delphi. Lovely!

The padding system Karen Brown created. Near side view (note how nicely it raises the pommel, with no pressure to the withers or spine):
Off side view:
Off side profile:

Delphi's Next Door Neighbor Poder

Delphi and her next door neighbor (heh- "neigh"bor) Poder (pronounced "Potter"):
Poder: gentlemanly and mild-mannered as always; Delphi: keen and interested in her surroundings as always. Some things are sooo predictable.