Canter Squares

or how Piaffe will fix everything.

Warm-up, then walked into Piaffe.  My that is easier than trotting into it.  Gracie still wants to throw her haunches right, so to the right is easier (wall).  To left I have to finesse the whip and leg a bit.  She has figured out how to make small corrections though, so doesn't lose her balance.

Started with canter to left - canter "piaffe" then ease out to collected canter, back to very small canter, ease out.  Works when I keep my seat moving -- I can't get to super collection by stiffening.  To move out I just let relax a bit -- can't throw her away or she trots.  Had lovely down transition to walk.  

Then turned the circle into a square with canter piaffe in corners.  Not too bad to left.

Right canter was much more challenging.  I ask for collection, Gracie throws her haunches so far to the right they are practically up by her ears.  My.  Had to put my right leg waaaaay back and seriously on, drop right rein, use left rein to turn.  She really doesn't go counter bent even with no right rein at all.  Very challenging.

(Before trying this in canter we actually did walk squares thinking trot piaffe in the corners.  Very cool.)