Canter exercises - advice please..

AandK

AandK

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I am hoping for some advice to help improve my boys canter..
We went to Munstead on Saturday and he did a lovely test, the best one so far this year but we still got 37.4, I know it is not a bad mark but he has got this mark nearly every time this year even though he is working so much better now.. However looking at his sheet I was pleased as before we were getting very consistant 6's and a few 7's but this time he socred 7's and an 8 for all the trot work but lost marks in the canter (5's and 6's) judges comments were along the lines of needing to step through more behind and needing more 'jump'.. (no mention of suppleness for the first time in a while, glad as we have been working on that.!)
I know its often each to their own as far as judges opnions often go but I think he has imporved so much over the last few months that I would really like to nail the canter too.!
As I have yet to sort out an instructor for some flat lessons (will be v soon.!) I am hoping that there are some ppl out there who might be kind enough to suggest some exercises that we can do at home to help his canter, aside from the usual circles/transitions..

Thanks in advance..

Krissi.
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shoulder fore in canter is great for creating jump, it helps the hind leg to come under more - do it along the long side, but you should only really have the inside fore slightly to the inside with the head and neck straight and into a relaxed contact to let your horse jump up and through from behind.

Counter canter is a good one too, not just in a half circle/return to the track but keep it going through the corners (cutting them off slightly to aid your horse in balancing). This will make your horse more supple and able to come through and over the back more in the canter.
 
I second what PG has said. I had the same problems with my mare. There wasnt enough jump and she liked to hollow. Ive done loads of work in the canter getting her to take weight back. Loads of counter canter but make sure it is counter canter and not just canter on the wrong lead.
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It has straightened the canter loads.
 
Also, as worked on in my lesson yesterday, turning down the 3/4 line and asking for leg yield back to the track, then adding a trot pole around the corner on the opposite long side, we got a lovely bouncy light canter.
 
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