Does Anyone Still Do This? Rocky21 Does!

[rockstarr]

I swear, I have done this since I was eight: I set up garbage cans and broomsticks in my backyard, then canter around like a freak. I even made in & outs. Also, no lawn garden bush, flower box or bench was safe. I am now TWENTY NINE YEARS OLD! And I still canter sometimes in parking lots when no one is looking. LOL! I know Rocky21 does it because we've done it together (in her front lawn) and mortified her husband. And I plan to do it in July and mortify 100+ guests at her house. I can't wait! Everyone should canter. Maybe it could be a workout craze. Please post if you are as big a dork as me and still have the urge to do this.

[rockstarr]

I swear, I have done this since I was eight: I set up garbage cans and broomsticks in my backyard, then canter around like a freak. I even made in & outs. Also, no lawn garden bush, flower box or bench was safe. I am now TWENTY NINE YEARS OLD! And I still canter sometimes in parking lots when no one is looking. LOL! I know Rocky21 does it because we've done it together (in her front lawn) and mortified her husband. And I plan to do it in July and mortify 100+ guests at her house. I can't wait! Everyone should canter. Maybe it could be a workout craze. Please post if you are as big a dork as me and still have the urge to do this.

[Black Market Radio]

I canter instead of run simply because it is easier on my knee. However, I also jump as well! So yes, I am in this group of freaks! And I just turned 24 yesterday!!!

Queen Marine

[Black Market Radio]

Oh yes, I forgot to add that I canter around my house all the time too, lead changes and all... I even make myself re-do them if they were not clean! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Queen Marine

[Rocky21]

...how to canter! My husband's little cousin (she's 11) and I canter around our yard all the time! She's never been on a horse, yet she knows how to swap leads and even do tempe changes.

And it's true...Rockstarr and I don't care how ridiculous we look. When the mood strikes, we pick up a canter. Unfortunately we live 5 hours apart now, but that won't stop us when we're together.

Like you DevilDog20, I also canter around my house. And I canter when I go out back to get my dogs in their kennel and sometimes I canter with them all the way back to the house! I'm sure my neighbors think I'm very bizarre. And by the way, I'm older than everyone -- 32!!! Can anyone beat that?!

Phew! I feel so much better now that I am out of the closet! I encourage ANYONE who has a cantering "issue" to join us in our crusade! It's OK to canter!!

Thanks Rockstarr!

[Black Market Radio]

hahaha... I have been known to do entire GP dressage tests as well! Canter pirouhettes, extended walk, trot and canter, passage, piaffe, half pass... the works!!

Also, I have a talent of being able to canter on all fours, on both leads and I can do 1 tempis... Boy do I have odd talents! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Queen Marine

[Chanda]

I used to do that ALL the time but since my injury, walking is hard enough. I wish I still could though!

When I was younger we used to have 'horse' shows at my barn and do it all day long. Ah, the good old days!

[Checkers324]

Oh my gosh, I'm not the only one who canters! I also do piaffe, passage, lead changes (even one-tempis!), half-passes (both trot and canter), and sometimes even some jumping, too. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Though I don't jump over actual obstacles, I jump over "imaginary" fences just in case I get a "bad distance" or don't get a good kick off the ground and don't get high enough. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[rockstarr]

That will be my new mantra. I will canter at grocery stores, I will canter at the office, I will canter in broad daylight. I will hit the talk-show circuit touting the benefits of cantering. I will write a book, get an infomercial. "Canterculture: The Millennial Movement!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Rocky21]

This thread is bringing a tear to my eye -- so many canterers out there!

Rockstarr, you go with your Canterculture movement -- what a great idea! You'll be rich in no time (and you better let me in on the cut! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

C'mon everyone -- drag yourselves out of that closet and confess with us! It's so liberating!! Perhaps we should start a charity event called "Canter Across America" and raise some dough for various equine organizations.

So many ideas...so little cantering time!

[dublin]

I'm a canterer and jumper as well! And when we're out walking our dog, we always have her jump various hedges and fences along the way. She can clear a 3' hedge at the school across the street from us from a standstill, in great form - maybe I should enter her in various lower hunter divisions at shows this summer...??!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Anyone see those expensive jumps for dogs and kids in the Bevals catalog? Maybe we could pool our money, buy several sets, and have a hunter and jumper 'people show'!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[rockstarr]

I am trying to think of what I would wear to Dublin's H/J people show?? I would want to look good and classic for the judges, so would I have on breeches and boots? Or would I need some traction, and go with some all-terrain sneakers? Definitely we should abide by the helmet law, since some of us will wipe out. Must have ambulance on call.

I will totally win the hack!

in school. Everyone thought I was a freak, but my horsie friends and I used to have "horse shows" as well.

Sadly, I just don't have the energy anymore (unless I'm chasing a loose horse!)

Don't get stuck in the sludge if you're that confident in your ride!

[Catwoman]

Well, I am in my forties and canter and jump poles and cavaletti (I'm afraid my best jumping years are behind me). Ever since Jake was born (he's four now) I have jumped, cantered, done flying lead changes, etc. and all the while explained to him how he was suppose to do it (only he must get his knees up much higher than I do and he must be more round).

[Rocky21]

...but since I'm an eventer (don't hold that against me), I'd like to suggest a people 3-day? That way we can get dressage, stadium and some solid, crazy x-country obstacles in there. And we can have a day of rest in between!

Every year at Rolex they have the dog agility trials -- why don't we do people agility trials??

Remember, I can't emphasize enough, "It's OK to canter!" Who's with me? All the canterers in the house say "Ho!"

[rockstarr]

"Ho!!!!!!"

Word.

[Smart Alec]

It took me about 6 posts before I really understood what you were all talking about! (maybe I'm just slow today!?) Anyways, I used to do this when I was in 5th grade---we would pretend to be horses and jump over obstacles in the playground----we would pretend to be wild one minute and be grand prix next. Cantering was lots of fun but I liked to buck.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[FirstCry]

Count me in. When I was younger I used to take the empty xmas paper rolls and make jumps all over the house and do courses on all fours (lead changes and all) My mother had to buy me jeans monthly, as I wore holes in the knees all the time. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

I must admit even now I do canter with my son. So I don't look so foolish. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I'm teaching him leads and all.

[Sweet Pea]

LOL - I'm guilty too!! 28 and still cantering away....

[Rocky21]

Any chance you'd like to share where in NY you live? I'm an upstate-er...Albany area. Are you guys anywhere nearby? We could start a canterers club -- ha!

[Flash44]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Rocky21]

Flash 44, have we scared you? Or are you just in disbelief that grown adults would canter around like children?

Hopefully you will join us!

[rockstarr]

I used to tie bailer twine to the ram-horn handlebars of my crappy 3-speed bike (wasn't even cool enough to have a 10-speed) and steer it with "reins."

Problems. Serious problems!

[Janet]

Take up Scottish dancing, and you can do two-tempis all evening. I do it.

[Rocky21]

Dude, I never knew that! That's a great idea! But I would imagine if I were to try that now on my mountain bike I would more than likely wipe out and injure myself severely.

I was practically raised at Saratoga Race Course (my grandmother loved to watch the horses and would bring me up every day of the meet -- this is where my equine obsession began) and I would sit on the fence surrounding the paddock and pretend I was riding a horse. I would post and everything -- right in public! Didn't care who was watching me!

[JustJumpIt19]

Oh my god I thought I was the only one who did this. I did it in 5th grade and my life was hell in school until 8th grade. I was known as Horsey Girl. I've kept it confined at home :0). I am a great jumper, I do 3'6"!

****Courtney****
I ride, therefore I am.

[Linny]

When I was young (the stone age) we had those tri-fold lounge chairs. They were very versatile as jumper fences. The backs could be adjusted in tones of ways for different heights and widths. My friend Roo and I used to form "stables" using our favorite show or race horses. Some were daisy cutting hunters, others hot headed jumpers. I caught a neighbor girl cantering in her yard last week and she looked sheepish. I naturally asked if she rode. She said yes and I think she felt understood! I still canter down my stairs and up my front walk and porch. The distance from the driveway to the porch is a perfect 4 strides.

[Rocky21]

...and we now live in Clifton Park. Do you train with anyone in the area? I need someone to help me perfect my canter! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

But seriously, where do you ride? I ride all the way down in Chatham and would like to find someplace closer.

I have a large, somewhat open basement and I canter down there all the time. My dogs lie there and look at me like I have a problem...which, clearly, I do!

[Charis]

FYI all you closet canterers...
At the Pony finals in Culpeper last year they were selling and had set up a full formal course for humans.
I was there with my grown daughter and her best childhood friend (28 y.o.) who had shown with us in days gone by! "People jumping" had been their favorite game! She couldn't resist and joined the little kids. Pretty amazing considering she was working in DC for a Senator!!!!

[JustJump]

My excuse: teaching my pony-club kids about strides, different gaits, leads, lines, schooling patterns...We are a complete unmounted drill team by the time I get through with them!..and you wouldn't believe how much time it saves when it comes time for them to do these excercises mounted--they already know WHERE to go....and making up the lesson plan ahead of time is loads of fun!

[Gallop On]

I confess. At 33, I still canter if I need to get somewhere quickly. In the old days, we had a whole cantering organization with imaginary stables of horses; each one cantered and jumped differently. I remember in grade school I beat the school champ at field day 'cause I entered all of the jumping events (high jump, broad jump, etc.) and did them all cantering. There were lots of snickers from the masses, but I WON!! How come they didn't make those snazzy kid jumps when we were kids?? They look so much better than broom sticks, sofa cushions and garbage cans . . . /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Black Market Radio]

This is so fun! When I was in 2nd grade, I was cantering around the school yard and this older boy yelled "Hey, little girl, you run like a cow!" My quick-witted reply was "No, I run like a HORSE!!!"

My dogs used to be GP jumpers, the one that was the best is now dead and the other is just retired. Boy could the deceased one jump when he was alive, perfect form and everything!

When I talk about myself on all fours, I don't mean hands and knees, I mean hands and feet! I never crawled when I was young, my mom said I started trotting and cantering on my hands and feet (buck naked of course, I HATED clothes until I was WELL into grammer school /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif ) when I was only months old! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Queen Marine

[Tin]

Yes, I too am a canterer and horseless jumper. When I was doing the daycamp thing all the young riders LOVED to set up little jumps and I taught them to canter and jump.

Ah, nothing feels as good as passing down a talent /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Dee]

OMG, I'm 44 and a closet canterer! How liberating to know I can canter in public! I just cantered into the kitchen for a cup of coffee and did a collected canter back without spilling a drop--I've still got it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Portia]

43 in a few days and still a canterer. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Brian O'Connor (David's brother) did a wonderful routine at Rolex where he strapped on a stuffed horse (Sydney, of course), and did an entire dressage test, galloped cross-country -- including water obstacles!, and did the stadium jumping. He canters very well! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Palomino19]

At my old barn we would completely tear apart the lounge to make our "courses". We'd use an old show program and hold the whole thing (except for things like leadline, or the events that weren't for juniors). We also each did the imaginary barn thing, each "horse" had a specific personality. The best was when we carried crops! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

When we did kiddie camp last year the other girls, trainer, and I set up a barrel class, under saddle, and over fences classes - complete with ribbons! Of course us older girls eagerly volunteered to "demonstrate" /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Even when we're all out today we'll randomly form a line and start doing tempi changes (cause they are the most fun!) no matter where we are. It's just too fun to quit!

Jess

[Alyshazam]

I used to do that as a kid. My Friend and I used to set up jumps around my pool and we would make our dogs horses also. My dog used to jump over the diving board aka brush box. It got to the point my dog hated going outside when I was there. He thought he'd have to run and jump.

[Black Market Radio]

Most people call it "skipping", horse people call it "Tempi changes" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Cantering queen!

[Storybook]

I was/still am a "canterer"! One year, my dad bought into my obsession (alright, gave into my nagging!) and built me several sets of jumps--combined with the usual lawn chairs, brooms, water buckets, I had a full course! Our house was also next to an empty lot, that for some reason, was a little higher than our yard. Instant bank drop fence! Great for xcountry or show jumping derbies! I also did grids, by figuring out how big my "cantering stride" was--I only crashed a few times doing a bounce to a one to one to a two at 2'6".

As a last fling kind of deal before we entered high school, my friend and I had a "end of summer" show series with ribbons, trophies, and division awards.

My younger brother made a very good jockey, riding on my back while I was on all fours (wore out all the knees on my pants!) Also cantered down the school hallways in middle school, earning myself the nickname "Horsey girl" and getting neighed at all the time (the nickname followed me into high school!)

Even now, at 27, I still canter out to the mailbox and back, practicing flying lead changes. And, with the arrival of the Beval's catalog, was trying to get my dad to build me an even better set of jumps... Love those little flower boxes!

Have I proved enough to ensure my membership in the Cantering Clique? /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[rockstarr]

The amount of people "coming out" and owning up to being hard-core canterers, replete with folding chairs) just delights me. Thanks you guys!

First, Chronicle Message Board. Next, the World!

[jetsmom]

Yup!! 37 yrs old and a closet canterer. Count strides when going through airports that have tile floors or carpet with lines in it. On occasion, at work, as I am closing up, I will canter around the place.
I even count strides driving, using the traffic signals, bridges, etc as jumps! (note- 4 way intersections make excellent in and outs!)
It's fun to still feel like a kid at heart.

[Lord Helpus]

at age 51...

When I was a kid (in the 1950's, for God's sake), my dad build my sisters and I an entire course of fences. We had standards, poles, chicken coop, green wall, gate, picket gate... We would hold horse shows on the lawn for the entire neighborhood, complete with full divisions including under saddle classes (I also was a 10 mover at the trot) and ribbons.

I admit I do not canter as much as I used to (I also do not run as much as I used to, but I find it easier to canter than run) and now I would have trouble passing a jog. But, once a canterer, always a canterer. Last year my 55 year old sister came to visit and we cantered around my front lawn (with perfect lead changes in the middle of our figure eights) -- laughing hysterically the whole time. Cantering is good for the soul.

[And I still "finger canter" out the window of the car, "jumping" shadows of telephone polls and changing the number of strides to get long and short distances.....]

[Bertie]

the older I get the less I do it. And I ALWAYS do those striding things Jetsmom does...

When I'm walking to the office in the city, all prissied up in business clothes and heels, people probably think I've got some compulsive behavior syndrome about not stepping on the lines in the sidewalk....They don't realize that those lines in the concrete are really in and outs and combinations! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[jetsmom]

OK, this just cracks me up! Can't you just see all of these businesslike, well dressed people in the airport, in malls, banks etc, and find out that secretely, they are counting strides, avoiding lines in tile,cracks in sidewalks, etc.?
I am thrilled to find out that other adults do this! Kind of makes you want to walk up to the next middle aged woman you see walking where there are lines/cracks and whisper to her..."I think it's a short three". LOL.

[Tri-mo]

Come on, everyone, you have to canter around on JUST YOUR FEET????

I'm shocked and appaled!, I expected so much better from all of you!!

I can canter on my hands and feet, do lead changes, JUMP (I've done a 3ft course!), leg yield, turn on the haunches/forehand, rear/buck...

Try it! It's fun! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif outside hind, diagonal pair, inside fore...

I have no life /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[jetsmom]

Oh, Bread...please tell me you don't do it in business clothes, and at work!!!!!

If so, and you haven't received any promotions lately..., well, I think I might be able to tell you why!!!!!!! LOL!!

[Black Market Radio]

Has anyone seen the movie "Fight Club"? Well, we could have "Canter club" and hold secret "shows"

Cantering queen!

[Checkers324]

I, too, count strides and find "distances" on sidewalks!! I, too, look at road signs, street lamps, etc as jumps!! I AM NOT ALONE IN MY INSANITY!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

How the heck do you do a four-legged canter??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Portia]

Me too, jetsmom! I'm a closet stride counter! I pick out a spot in the distance and try to guess how many strides it is then try to get there on the correct stride. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Lisi]

I jumped 'on foot' about 25 minutes ago. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[palindrome]

I always canter around the house and stuff...every time I leave my room, I canter out and then do a flying change. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Sad, I know. I also jump on foot from time to time. At least I'm not the only one. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Nikki^]

Catalog has mini jumps for sale. Have anyone seen them yet? I taught my dog to jump on the leash over jumps. Also taught her to lunge!

http://www.dmtc.com/dmtc98/Pedigree/ you can look up you Thoroughbred's Pedigree with photos 9 Genrations back!
Men come and go, but my horse will always love me!

[Finzean]

Cantering isn't so bad but when you carry coconuts and bang them together to make the clip clop noise, you've truly slipped over the edge

(ie Monty Python and the Holy Grail)

BTW, I know a barn who has all the mini Bevals jumps and they bring them to the show grounds to keep the tiny people busy during down times. They are too cute.

_______________________

There is no crying in baseball!!!

[Bertie]

When my daughter was a tot she competed in a kiddie class at Stoneleigh Burnham where the little ones cantered on foot over a course of little teeny jumps and were judged! Very funny and so cute. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Unfortunately that was before I started video taping all her rounds. LOL

OK, I hesitate to admit this but...I have actually suggested to beginners that they practice cantering and jumping on foot to help develop their eye for a distance... /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Black Market Radio]

Royalty NEVER bangs there OWN coconuts together... the very THOUGHT is making me sick, I MIST go lay down and recover...

Cantering queen!

[Tri-mo]

Just like a horse!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

goes around on 4's (as she calls it), but it bother's her wrists, so she's not allowed to do it before a show.

Don't get stuck in the sludge if you're that confident in your ride!

[Rocky21]

It did my heart good this morning to log on and see all these replies to Rockstarr's cantering "survey." It sounds like we all share many of the same techniques, except I have never tried cantering on all fours. That sounds like a talent you're either born with or not.

Rockstarr, we might have to give this a try in July. I'll start designing a course now...

I was outside last night doing some yard work and began cantering around the yard. My husband just looks at me and says, "oh no" and then goes about his business. He's used to it, so it really doesn't phase him that much anymore.

I will never stop cantering as long as my legs work!

I think that will be my new signature, "Never stop cantering."

[Cinco de Mayo]

I remember the 1st time my now-husband came to the barn: he saw a little girl cantering around and looked at me and said:

"So all of you horse girls do that????" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

It's easier than running...

[jrmasm]

For about $10-$20 you can make your own people jumps out of PVC pipe from Home Depot. Add some colored electrical tape and you can hold a Grand Prix in your backyard!!

[Black Market Radio]

I can't wait until I have children so I have an excuse to have Dwyane build me a jumping course! I have to teach the kids how to jump you know! And then, well, I have to spend quality time with them as well, what better way than people-jumping shows!!!!

Cantering queen!

[Van Teal]

I still canter around and I count strides while driving, once a friend and I were counting and driving and when we finally looked in our rear view mirror, there was a huge line of cars behind us, not at all happy with the car that would accelerate and/or brake for the perfect distance /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[FirstCry]

I can do the four legged canter too. Leads, jumps and all. Teaching my son to jump soon as he has the flat work down. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif He is actually quite good at 6 years old, he counts stride w/me when we are walking on sidewalks and in the car.

I'm passing on to the next generation. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[OnyxThePony]

Am I the only one who doesn't???
I got 'busted' in a very immature moment playing horsie with my friend when we were about 15. Our coach saw us 'cantering' up and down the fenceline 'squealing' and 'kicking' at each other. So embarrasing to be caught I've never done it again!!!!

My horsie is awesome!!!

[Rocky21]

You're among friends now. It's OK to canter! Join us in spreading the word to our northerly neighbors! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Never stop cantering."

[Sweet Pea]

This thread is cracking me up!! I can't believe how many of us there are!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[OnyxThePony]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>BossHoss
You're among friends now. It's OK to canter! Join us in spreading the word to our northerly neighbors! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROTFL!!!!!!!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

My horsie is awesome!!!

[Charis]

How comforting to see all the 45+ responding to this thread!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I didn't realize there were so many of us Babyboomers not only active with horses...but closet canterers.

Do we need our own special group complete with a secret handshake, newletter, etc, etc. Perhaps we could call ourselves "Still crazy after all these years" ??!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Linny]

For those of you who are in your 20's and see cantering as undignified, FEAR NOT. Soon you will be in your mid 30's and by then, especially if you have kids, you will have lost that dignity and see no problem with returning to your childlike ways. PamM, I finger canter in the car all the time!
Hey ElizabethN, welcome aboard, where did you ride when you lived here? There are lots of Alabny/Saratoga people here.

[Linny]

but I HAD to pick up on it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
You are probably far better of in Austin than Poestenkill!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Rocky21]

Elizabeth, where do your parents live in Clifton Park?

We just moved back to the area after moving numerous times (my hubby works for GE). We've been in Louisville, Pittsburgh and Gloucester, MA and I am surprised that there seemed to be more horsey activity in Pennsylvania than there is here in the Capital District. At least that's true of eventing -- not sure about the H/J world.

Fleetie, where do you ride?

It's fun meeting people online that share interests and live nearby -- this is technology at its best!!!

P.S. -- Can you explain the "finger cantering" technique? I'm not familiar with it and might want to add it to my repertoire! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Never stop cantering."

[Rocky21]

We live between Exit 9 and 10 -- technically in the Jonesville area. We're on Tanner Road, right off of 146A.

Believe it or not I ride all the way down in the Chatham area. I really love my instructor, but it's such a haul. We just bought a baby (1 month old yesterday! His pic was posted earlier), so I'd like to ride someplace closer and not have to make that trip all the way down to Chatham.

Any suggestions?

"Never stop cantering."

[Rocky21]

What a coincidence -- it really is a small world!

Just so you won't have to look back for Rocky's picture, it's attached. I'm always looking for an excuse to show off his cuteness! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

By the way everyone, I'm still waiting for a description of finger cantering! /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

"Never stop cantering."

[FirstCry]

How cute!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Lord Helpus]

1. Open car window
2. Extend left arm out of window and allow forearm to drop down vertically (This assumes that you are driving the &*(%^ car, of course /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )
3. Alternate extending and flexing first and second fingers out and back until they touch the thumb as they flex back. For a right lead, extend the first finger farther than the middle finger. (Vice versa for a left lead <--- Important when turning corners to the left as you NEVER want to turn left while on the right lead).
4. To jump: pick a shadow up ahead and canter in a rhythm that will get you to a perfect take off spot (given your mph -- no fair slowing the car down LOL). Upon take-off, scrinch first two fingers up tight (extra points are given for good jumping form) and extend thumb down and back to push off. Keep fingers tight until arc has been completed over the jump, at which time you can finger canter off to the next obstacle.


Been doin' it all my life. Will probably still be doin' it when I am 80 /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

NB: Finger cantering is really a summer time sport. It is much harder to do well (and without others in the car seeing you and laughing hysterically) in the winter when the windows are rolled up (but still possible for the die-hard finger canterer... )

Any questions? Perhaps I should make a video and sell it to raise money???? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Linny]

I ride at DM, it only 1/2 mile from home. I started there as a kid and stayed there for 10-12 years. I rode at a small private barn for a while after that. I got married and had a baby (Natester,aka the King of Cute) and just started back last year. I'm considering a move but havent examined all options. I dont have a horsie at the moment, just taking lessons and hacking some pals' horses. It was strange to go back to PVG for lessons after all these years. There were some Cap. District threads a few months ago. If I waas more tech-literate I'd post a link. I think you can find them by clicking the "search" option.
Rocky is a cute lil guy!! What are you hoping to do with him?

[Tri-mo]

Hurray!! I'm not alone in the four-legged canter world.

It is my belief that anyone with this ability is truly elite...the most talented of all canterers.

Am I right? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Black Market Radio]

If you can do one-tempis on all fours, you are even more elite! I also can change leads over a jump...

Cantering queen!

[Rocky21]

...for your nice comments about my little guy. I'm very excited about the prospect of raising him from the very beginning!

Pam, thanks for the finger cantering lesson -- I am going to try it on my way home from work tonight!

Fleetie, I will see if I can find that CD thread. I'd like to find a place that's not too far, but where the instuction is solid and there aren't a million kids. (Not that I don't love kids, I do! But riding is my down time and I need to de-stress after a long day!)

I would love to do some eventing with my little guy eventually. He already seems very brave and likes the water! That's a good start, right?;)

Signing off to go see my little one! C-ya everyone!

"Never stop cantering."

[Snidgie5]

But I do not jump so much anymore. I've crashed a few times... Lol, I really am a klutz! Someone mentioned that horseless horseshow at Stoneleigh, it was the cutest thing ever! A lot of the kids would put tendon boots and bells on their legs, it was hysterical!
I used to set up courses in the top floor of my dad's house. It was so much fun, my horsey friends and I would canter and jump for hours. As for cantering on all fours, I think my poor knees would break down in hysterics!
Rocky21, I ride at Skidmore and really like it there, but there are a bunch of kids. Not too many little ones, but some in high school and lots in college. Good luck with your baby, he's adorable!

[Linny]

I took Bona (Bonehead) for a hack last night. She has been a little pinchie behind since getting new shoes so she had some time off. She was fine for 1/2 hour then decided my dime was up and started to fidget. I'd never ridden her, she's a very pleasant ride.

[Lucky@luver]

Thats interesting.

[This message was edited by Lucky@luver on Jun. 10, 2001 at 12:31 AM.]

[Lucky@luver]

Thats interesting.

[This message was edited by Lucky@luver on Jun. 10, 2001 at 12:32 AM.]

[Tri-mo]

What is one-tempis?

If I can't already do it ( /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ), I'll have to learn!!

[MarcyW]

Bread, in a nutshell, it's a flying lead change with every stride. Two-tempis are lead changes every other stride. (I'm sure there's a more eloquent description, sorry). So I guess when we skip, we do one-tempis!

Maybe someone can post a link to a video that would show one-tempi changes?

Oh, I'm a pathological stride counter, too /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[This message was edited by MarcyW on Jun. 09, 2001 at 07:21 AM.]

[Tri-mo]

I can do that!!!!!

More people need to try it, it's fun! And if you're hmming and hawing about getting all the way to the ground, try cantering up stairs first! That's how I learned!

[gossomer]

He cantered with me on the beach trying to find distances to sand castles, shells, and dead jellyfish. I'm 25. I will always be a dork!!
But seriously, does it not help your riding? I've always done this. Even walking down a sidewalk or a mall I get a rythm and count my walk strides to a cracks in the round trying to see them without looking down. And when I'm driving I imagine that different landmarks like light posts are jump standards and then visualize a canter rythm. This is absurd to the point of danger if I have to move up do a distance! VVRRROOM! Tee hee. This is a great thread. Kudos to the person who posted it.

[Nikki^]

Well, I've been caught doing it and my frineds call me horsey girl! I used to jump chairs and set up lines. Oh ya, I also pretend that I was a race horse. I didn't have a horse till I was 16 so I had to do something.

Also, a lot of pro Dressage riders will do the test(like they act like the horse) to remeber how to do it and just to practice.

It's good excerice! I'm just light on my feet. I can do the trot(all phases) too! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I thoink I was a horse in my past life!

http://www.dmtc.com/dmtc98/Pedigree/ you can look up you Thoroughbred's Pedigree with photos 9 Genrations back!
Men come and go, but my horse will always love me!

[Checkers324]

I forgot to mention, I LOVE to run 'n buck 'n rear like a really fresh horse! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I don't think I'd be able to do a four-legged canter, though. I'd probably fall on my head and kill myself if I tried!

[rockstarr]

... is a celebrity endorser. We need a pro to admit that he/she canters. And join our campaign as posterchild.

[Linny]

I do a tv show on local cable but I'm no star! I am no an out of the closet canterer.

[Bertie]

"What We Need ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
... is a celebrity endorser. We need a pro to admit that he/she canters. And join our campaign as posterchild. "

I think Holly Hayes is one of us
/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif There must be others too /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Snidgie5]

Hey Fleetie I agree Bona is a nice ride, but once that squirming starts, watch out! She's been known to buck a few kids off in her time /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif.
Sorry, kinda off the topic...

[Pirateer]

I am 17 yrs old, and i have an addiction. I set up courses outside, i jump with the dog. I set up trot poles. I do figure 8s over the divider between our linoleum and carpet to practice lead changes. I set up jumps there when Im doing the lead changes well. I post trotting down the road. I'm working on posting the canter(its VERY difficult)
When i go over jumps, I release.

I post on my bike.

I jump the black lines on the road. Also railroad tracks, bumps, and shadows. WHen i am not driving, I release(but only a short release, otherwise my friends look at me funny. Or i just mentally release.)

YES IT DOES HELP SEEING DISTANCES>

and more importantly, its FUN!!!!

[DarkRiver]

OMG!! All these years I thought I was one of the few! Now I see there are lots of us! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
It is so nice to know I am not as weird as my teachers in school thought! LOL /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[MarcyW]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong (like I need to say that, LOL) but didn't Robert Dover do a dressage test with a stick horse at either the selection trials or olympics last year? It was in the Chronicle, verrah funny.

[Checkers324]

One-tempis aren't exactly like skipping -- usually when a person skips, they stay on the same "lead" (they keep the same leg ahead). When you do one-tempis, you switch the leading leg with each stride. Easy! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

MarcyW, I don't know about Robert Dover (though I can believe it), but I've heard of Brian O'Connor (brother of David O'Connor) doing that, because he's a comedian. But who knows, I've seen Robert dancin' with the best of 'em (Robert, Guenter, Sue, Christine, and Michael all lined up, flinging their legs in the air)! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[dogchushu]

A while ago, I decided to spice up my morning run w/ some canter work. Of course, I got a bit carried away. I now do lead changes, one tempis, two tempis, half passes across the street(great fun, running sideways), turns on the haunches. Oh, and I definitely add some course work and gymnastics: one strides, bounces, etc. One neighbor's sprinkler always creates a wonderful water jump!

Then I decided that no way could I call what I do "jogging" that's muuuuch to WP! So now, I go "trotting" every morning. I extend the trot, collect the trot, get a "working trot." I even give myself handy courses: trot jumps, halts, all the good stuff!

Luckily, I run pretty early in the morning so no one can see me.

[rockstarr]

... as our local-celebrity endorser. Cable is a great place to start. We can be like Wayne's World!

[cabby]

Even though I am not quite as old as some that still canter (I'm 15) I jump almost everyday. In my house I set up "poles" between chairs and do the small, medium, and the large ponies-each round the jumps become bigger and the strides become longer. It's a great work out and I love it so there's no shame in it! Keep on cantering...

[Twister]

I canter on foot...

I canter on all fours...

I finger canter, although with a slightly different technique...

I still jump, both on foot and all fours, although I have lost considerable scope...

I had reins on my bicycle as a child...

I am pathetic...

[Charis]

Twister, you are NOT pathetic!

And as a medical professional, may I recommend
GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN?? It has really helped MY scope. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Jenn]

I'm a canterer too! Although, at 16, I guess I'm still somewhat "allowed" to. I love jumping. Brooms, pillows, chairs, laundry baskets... I make up courses in my basement all the time when I'm bored. I don't usually canter in public though... only when no one's looking /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif or if I'm at the barn.

I do the counting strides thing too and have been known to teach all my realatives dogs to lunge and swap leads on voice command...

[Twister]

Charis, can I get it woithout a perscription? /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Charis]

Yes...it is a natural substance and available OTC (over the counter).The least expensive place I have found is at /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif WALMART! Buy the product from a reputable manufacturer like Schiff or Sundowner.
It can take up to 6 weeks for you to start noticing improvement, but I have been able to completely stop taking Ibuprofen (Motrin). My sister in law started at my suggestion and she is back to playing HANDBALL 3 times a week.

It was originally formulated for horses (Cosequin), just goes to show...Nature knows best! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Twister]

Rats!! I just got back from Wal-Mart! Ah well, tomorrow is another day.

[akrogirl]

Hi Janet, I wish you were in Arizona (or, maybe, my husband and I will actually get to move to his home state of Virginia some day). I, also, have done both Scottish country dancing and Highland dancing for many, many years, and freely admit to cantering in my youth, LOL. Unfortunately, these days my riding is not up to the standard of my dancing :-(

[Cactuskate]

but I'll have you know I was asked to "judge" a "people horse" horse show. Yes with official fences, lines and of course the various assortment of lawn furniture for standards.

It was a hoot. This child had entry forms, class lists and of course wonderful prizes. Now how on earth do you judge these darling little girls you ask? Just switch the winners around and explain how one didn't get the change of lead. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

It keeps them off the streets and out of trouble, I am all for it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"The older I get, the better I used to be."

[Black Market Radio]

Everyone I have ever seen skips on both leads, I have never seen anyone do a "one lead" skip, I thought that is why it was called "skipping"!

Cantering queen!

[rockstarr]

I'm going to refrain from posting my, "have you ever tasted sweet feed and what do you think?" thread. LOL

[flirt]

hello, i'm new to the board and was just reading various posts and came across this one! it's quite interesting.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif i canter all the time! i've been known to canter down the halls between classes! i canter around the barn, i also set up jumps in the indoor arena at the barn at home i use pillows...i used to put horse polo's on my dog, but because they were so big the went all the way down her legs covering her knees so she could barely bend them and she and i jumped courses...i hope you all don't htink i'm to weird....lol

[rockstarr]

You found the freaks right off the bat! Welcome! I am going to steal your polo idea and wrap up my neighbor's dog -- he'll love it. Not!

[Tri-mo]

Hey flirt! It's me, Zimbabwe!

rockstarr - I'll gladly post that for you!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[lisa]

Hey! I canter, too! Gosh, I always thought it was just a "kid thing"! I guess not. I'm only 11, so I guess I'm "allowed" to, too. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

You better be careful, though, all you "older" people. I broke my wrist jumping /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif And now when I want to jump, my parents never let me hear the end of it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

~Rachel~

[This message was edited by lisa on Jun. 18, 2001 at 09:01 PM.]

[lisa]

We had this one incident at a horseshow.... Now all fancy movers (horses) are referred to as "hole-in-the-socks" movers. I was being a fancy large pony, flicking my toes out and everything, but I guess I flicked my toe out a little too close to the ground (concrete) and I tore a hole in mmy boot sock /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Y'know, it kinda sucks not being on the first floor of hotels 'cause then you can't jump the garbage can and stuff because you have to worry about the people on the floor below you. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

~Rachel~