Canter Exercises for a Young Horse

[nan_bit]

Hi There,

Can anyone give me any tips / advice / exercises to help my 5yo with his canter transitions?

When he is calm, his transitions are good and usually strikes off on the correct leg.

When he gets excitable, however, his stride gets very short and he stops concentrating altogether, usually resulting in his head striaght up in the air and striking off incorrectly and trying to bomb around the school... whereby it takes about two 20m circles to calm him down again.

In walk and trot he is very good, as are his transitions.

He is ridden in a single-jointed fulmer and running martingale - due to the high head carriage - and his saddle fits well.

Any tips would be great!
Thanks

 

[kez1001]

might be worth while popping him on the lunge to teach him. At five throwing his head would probably be a balance problem and will be easier to teach him this without you on his back.

 

[charliep:)]

I have the same problem!

 

[Tempi]

I agree with lunging as it will help him to find his own balance and to get stronger by himself - i would suggest lunging him with draw reins over his withers (kerilli from heres method and Laura B's) as this will help him to swing more over his back and stop him from throwing his head up too much in the transition.

I would also suggests some lessons with a decent trainer if you dont already have one as they will be able to provide you with invaluable advice and tips on how to improve it.

It is hard to give anyone advice without having seen what is happening first hand.