HEllo Liz,

I was interested in your comment about the horse being slow with the canter changes. As a dressage rider for some 30 odd years, this means that the horse is on the forehand, and not compressing the joints of the hind - or sitting, so the change is coming from the balance being in the wrong place. I have completely remade my riding from traditional stuff to Classical Equitation taught by Craig Stevens, and the difference in the lightness, balance and correctness of the whole experience is mind blowing!! I now ride with the WEIGHT OF THE REIN ONLY, and my canter departs are a half halt, and then the release, without even having to use seat and leg!! Pretty Amazing eh? Check out his website, I think you will like what you see at www.classical-equitation.com. He is a much desired clinician all over Europe, Italy and England, cheers, Ann.

Oh sure, changes are always the most difficult to teach, and every now and again you run into a brlliant horse that just seems to do them effortlessly! Good luck with it, and yes I am at a disadvantage not being able to see the horse, cheers, Ann.

Liz, I love your blog!
Please do continue to post "unofficially" if you like and then I'll put you in the featured bloggers line-up and get back to you with more info. about the schedule in about a week.
Happy Easter!:)