Major Breakthrough with my Mare

Ever since I started riding again post-op, I have been afraid to canter my mare, and worse, she knew it! We could do just about anything at the trot, but just getting through that canter depart was making me crazy. (This was mostly due to having fallen and broken my left humerus 3 times last summer cantering.) Well, as the weight has been coming off, riding is getting easier and easier! My center of balance is so much lower, and Libby hasn't come close to losing me since my surgery in 12/03. Last night, my trainer and I decided that I wasn't getting off until we did a good, comfortable canter. It was the hottest day we've had so far this spring, and cantering was not in Libby's plan. I spent about 15 minutes getting a lovely lengthened sitting trot. Usually I would have given up long before this, but my beautiful trainer wasn't going to let me give up this time. Enter the Mare. She had a little tantrum, and bolted off down the long rail, kicking out and twisting. And I didn't fall off! (I was too scared to fall at that speed!) After the first corner, she gave up and came back to a more collected canter, and we just kept going for a lap or so. I'd forgotten how comfortable and secure her canter is! And, I rode out the worst she was willling to do to me. God, I love this mare. Our trainer is going to start us back jumping next week, and we may actually be ready by hunt season this year! Only 4 1/2 months post-op, and it's coming back. If you want to ride again, it will happen for you! Deb

wow, what a great thing !!!!!!!!! itoo notice that for me my seat and my security with riding has changed, my horses dont freak out when i come up on them ( just kidding ) but no, my seat is more secure and yeah , i noticed the center of gravit thing too, doesnt it feel wonderfull!! to be able to get up , and know that if your horse starts pitching, your weight will not help to throw you !!! youre doing something i have always dreamed of, i mean , i do mild jumps out on trail rides, over a log , or similar, but not "real" jumping ... been thinking about it more and more .... someday soon.... a word on trainers, sounds like you have a good one working with you ! not every trainer is ideal for every rider, and it would be foolish to think theat it would, but when you find one who can help you through , thant you know you got a good horse partner ! Beth 340-220-180 10 months out