bit of a dilemma!

[jes_nibley]

i've been riding my friends horse for just over a month now. (6 times a week) she didn't get on with him so the deal was i'd try and sort it out and either sell it or buy it, or it would be on a one way ticket to the sky.

anyway, i have really fallen in love with this horse, he's gorgeous! but i cant get him to canter steadily - as soon as you push him into canter it's head up and canter really fast.

we had problems with napping and stubbornness in the school but are slowly overcoming them with perseverence

no-one else at the yard will go anywhere near him let alone ride him (he has a bit of a reputation as being a lunatic) so asking somone to ride so i can watch is out of the question.

sometimes he does it on the lunge as well but really is a loony on the lunge so we don't do that very often.

he's ok to hack out, sometimes turns himself inside out but generally ok.

he's also had his back, teeth, saddle checked.

any ideas? if i buy him, it'll be for dressage so kind of need to sort this out.

thanks guys (and gals) x

 

[flyingfeet]

Head up and running is relatively easy to fix

Lots of schooling will steady him up and give him balance.

For hacking a quick fix would be a bit with hefty poll leverage such as a pelham or a continental gag. These will encourage him to put his head down and give you confidence that you can hold him without him running off. With either I do not reccomend a single joint (use a double jointed, straight, or waterford as an ergonomic alternative)

 

[Nic]

Video camera & a good instructor

 

[xxcharlottexx]

how old is he? is he a youngster and just beginning to find his balance properly?

as Nic01 said... a good instructor will be able to watch you and point you in the right direction and work through it with you.

 

[jes_nibley]

he's eight so should know better by now.
am looking for a sympathetic instructor as he can be 'funny' with strangers - he's one of those!

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

It sounds like it's a schooling problem with your horse not being balanced. Plenty of leg yielding, shoulder fore, & transitions. Circles spiraling in tighter & then back out again. It will take time but he will become more balanced. He will soften through his back & work from behind. The more balanced he becomes the more rythmical & steady his canter will become.

If no-one wants to ride him for you get someone to bring down a video camera & film you & you can analyse it later.

Good Luck