touchstone
Well-Known Member
I agree that it can be an unbalanced cob thing, also some riders will draw the lower leg right back to give the canter aid, I'd try asking with the leg on the girth rather than bringing a leg back to ask for a specific lead at this stage.
I'd also go back to walk and trot work, I think the important thing is to work on getting the trot balanced before asking for canter, if he's 'running' into the canter it will be much harder for hi to sort his legs out and remain balanced; so lots of half halts, a balanced active trot and then ask for canter. Asking for canter on landing from a small cross pole in trot might be beneficial. He'll probably take the canter without realising and you can keep going for a few strides on the straight, gradually increasing the length of the canter.
When out I'd only ask for canter uphill initially, it's much more difficult for them to buck uphill and make sure he is ridden forwards, I think making him stop every time he bucks will be reinforcing it.
I'd also go back to walk and trot work, I think the important thing is to work on getting the trot balanced before asking for canter, if he's 'running' into the canter it will be much harder for hi to sort his legs out and remain balanced; so lots of half halts, a balanced active trot and then ask for canter. Asking for canter on landing from a small cross pole in trot might be beneficial. He'll probably take the canter without realising and you can keep going for a few strides on the straight, gradually increasing the length of the canter.
When out I'd only ask for canter uphill initially, it's much more difficult for them to buck uphill and make sure he is ridden forwards, I think making him stop every time he bucks will be reinforcing it.