Canter transitions

I'm posting today because I didn't want to forget our first real, balanced walk to canter transitions. I really felt that Remy was completely underneath me, light in the hand and well balanced in the work beforehand. I asked for shoulder-in down the long side at walk, and I could feel the energy there ready to be used. The canter transition in the corner was just there when I asked for it, not a fluke either, he gave me a nice, balanced transition 3 times :-)    This was on the right rein, it's not so easy on the left rein, but this little (huge for me) step has given me the confidence that it's gonna come!
His trot is becoming better balanced and I think he's ready to canter. Also, the canter will improve the trot even more.
We like to canter out on a hack on a straight line but it's a very forward going canter, and it's not balanced enough for a small school. I get up off his back, and quite often I find myself wishing there was a little log or something we could jump. Silly really - it's a very long time since I've done any jumping!
 The resulting canter from those lovely transitions today, was together, not as forward going, but it felt balanced, that's all I can say really, the transition was good, the canter felt good.  On the left rein, he's not as together going into it, he's not as straight and relaxed in the shoulder-in, but he is getting there. The canter transition wasn't as fluid, so the canter was flatter and rushed.

Anyhow, it was a good session and I spent this afternoon playing music with Ricky, so a good day all round!