10-Meter Circle or Walk?

Second Level has a ton of elements in it. Each day, I focus on just one or two of the movements. Some days, we do a lot of the trot work: shoulder in, haunches in, or the medium trot. Other days, we focus on the canter work: 10-meter circles, counter canter, or simple changes.

I am always analyzing how the movements ride so that I can articulate why they don't ride well. Lately, I have discovered that Speedy is a bit confused between the 10-meter canter circles and the simple change. You'd think those movements would be distinct enough that the aids would be clear, but I can see from where Speedy's confusion is coming.

The ranch is so pretty this time of year. Speedy's not too bad looking either!

Our canter work to the left is pretty good. Speedy's 10-meter circles are "easy" to ride and we can get a simple change without too much theatrics. To the right is another story. I have to use a strong half halt which he is hearing as the aid to walk. As he's thinking walk, I am thinking 10-meter canter circle. It's clunky to say the least. 

Figure it out, lady!

During our last lesson, Chemaine had me working on this by over-flexing him to the inside, releasing the inside rein, and then using a strong outside rein to encourage him to sit. I am doing something wrong, and I suspect it's not getting enough inside bend. It could also be that I need more leg or Speedy needs to pay closer attention to my leg.

Chemaine is coming tomorrow, so you can bet poor Speedy will be doing a bunch of 10-meter canter circles.

Poor guy.