It was a pleasant day. It wasn't raining, and the wind wasn't strong, creating perfect conditions for horseback riding.
Today's lesson delved into the three gaits. I believe this lesson is applicable to everyone, from beginners to advanced riders.
It's not simply that the walk is easy and the canter is difficult. In the walk, you must assess how much forward momentum the horse has,
whether it's maintaining an inward posture, and how it responds to slight cues.
Furthermore, during the trot and the fast pace, you need to ensure your seat bones are properly aligned in the saddle,
and judge whether the pressure from your legs is appropriate.
The canter requires a certain speed. It's important to avoid leaning forward, engage your core, and lower your weight while riding.
I tend to let my legs slide, so I focus on keeping my heels down to prevent this.
Remember to use your right and left seat bones for lateral aids.
These actions form the basics of dressage.
When done correctly, the horse canters comfortably, allowing the rider to also enjoy a pleasant canter.
Experiences like this make me truly appreciate horseback riding and deepen my commitment to it, ensuring I'm far from ready to give it up.