I ventured far from Yatsugatake Outride for the first time in a week and went riding.
Even though the ride started at 5 PM, I was completely drained afterward as always.
I started thinking about why I couldn't transition from a walk to a canter instantly.
- It could be because the horse is not maintaining a proper inside bend.
For the left canter, open the left rein and turn the right rein into a pushing rein.
- The rider, while leaning back, sends a signal to start with the outside leg.
If these cannot be done instantly, the horse gets confused, I realized.
So, how can one maintain the canter?
- Rider needs to drop their hips firmly into the saddle.
- Don't forget to use your abs to push your belly forward.
- The hand holding the reins should stay at a constant low height without moving up and down.
- If the horse's speed slows, without loosening the rein-holding hand, only slightly extend it forward to ease the pressure on the horse's bit.
- Occasionally, use a whip or tongue-click to maintain the pace.
While maintaining balance in riding, it is necessary to continually think about what kind of action you want to instruct the horse to do next. Just because I'm a senior doesn't mean I can get away with things, and without thinking this way, I can't ride safely.
I feel that in order to ride a horse with such momentum, you must have such thoughts. While it doesn't have as much power as my father's, it's still a powerful horse.
Although it's somewhat embarrassing as someone who achieved A3 (First Class) a few years ago, I'm painfully aware that basics are essential, even now.
When I ride a horse, feel the wind, and start to canter, I get an unparalleled exhilarating feeling. However, when I think about my riding as an equestrian, I realize that I'm still just at the entrance. I can't possibly reach the depths of its intricacies.
I find myself hopelessly addicted to this challenging task.