Canter advise needed

[buckybee]

I took the plunge today and took Badger in a school - first time in 6 months - as i'm thinking hunting and TCing is over now so need to do serious things!

He was quite good considering, well, he tried hard I think but his canter is really not great..

He sets off into canter okay, especially if I do walk - canter but after about half a circle he tends to fall onto his forhand and lollop along a bit leaning on my hands, I'm really struggling to keep him all together and not let him brake - any advise for me on riding towards a good working canter on a big long lolloper??

 

[galaxy]

When I ride horses like this I let go of their heads (I don't know if you're working in an outline), and get them going forward away from my leg (esp down the long side). I often find it's because they're not moving forwards enough.... Just getting slow and heavy. lots of transitions also helps.

 

[buckybee]

He gets faster and stronger, I think he finds it hard work to canter slowly and get his back legs under him so he tends to fall on his forhand and go too fast.

I sooo wish you didn't have to canter in a dressage test!!

Thanks, I'll try to consentrate less on what the front end is doing and get him working from behind properly first.

 

[galaxy]

Another thing that I find really helps. When they fall on their forehand, their hind legs aren't jumping through quick enough right (hope I'm phrasing this right), if you think the word "jump" every stride and imagine the hind legs snapping through quicker, and then try and create and bigger jump in the canter to get the hind legs under, you'll be amazed how the canter will improve. (I know this sounds funny, but I really find it works!) Good luck!

 

[Bossanova]

If all he can manage is 1/2 a circle then just keep a nice balanced canter for that long, make a transition to trot before he loses balance, trot for 1/2 circle and canter again and repeat. This will keep him on his hocks and thinking, generally the balance improves gradually so that you can do 3/4 circle then a whole one, then several, then large etc.
Once the they lose the balance in canter it's hard to regain it without the built up strength behind so rather than struggle to pull him together, this method is far easier for the both of you!!

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Have you tried leg yield to canter. I have found this really helps to get their hind legs beneath them and shorten their frame. Also If he can only manage half a circle to start with, that's fine, just build it up slowly. Lunging in a Pessoa may also be helpful.

 

[buckybee]

Thanks boss! I like easy! I should have done much more work with him when he has younger really but he does seem to be getting better balanced with age. We have a bit of a time issue becasue I don't tend to see him much during the week because of work. I might try and get dad involved as i'm riding his new baby!