Canter help please...

[express_75]

Hi
My 5yr old Section D is still very green but is getting there apart from her canter in the school; she runs into it. Im concentrate mainly on her walk and trot as she's still a baby.

any ideas on correcting this?

 

[Natch]

Well... yes! I ride a seccy D that has been a real nightmare for this and is much improved(hmm will I be saying the same on Saturday after dressage?!)

1) Get the trot right first. Even rhythmic and not rushed.
2) Ask in the easiest place. I found it easier to ask in the corner going on to the long side.
3) Make sure you're asking without hindering. half halt, sit UP (I.e. don't be conned into leaning forward), clear sharp aid,and expect her to go, don't sit and worry. Don't be afraid to encourage her with your schooling whip.
4) If she doesn't break nicely into it steady the trot up again immediately. Try a few walk/trot/walk/ and halt/walk then halt/trot trasitions, make sure she GOES off your leg, and make sure she isn't on the forehand.
5) Get her used to the voice aid "canter" (e.g on the lunge) and use that as you're asking when ridden.
6) If she is advanced enough try walk or halt to canter transitions - it really worked for us, as it gave him the OOmph! to GO rather than rush into it.

most importantly...
8) find a nice helpful instructor and have regular lessons, and get him/her to set you homework!

When you do get canter the first thing is to get them going forwards - try not to restrict in any way. Rushing/motorbiking the corners? Try keeping to a few strides along the long side and gradually work a little longer each time.

best of luck, hope some of the above helps and please be reassured - we went through a really frustrating time with F's canter but there is an "other side" to come out onto! Our current thing is trying to slow down the canter - he's just so enthusiastic but at least he's not taking corners at 90mph like a motorbike these days!

 

[annunziata]

with one of my horses we used turn on the forehand to get the canter and this worked really well, another good trick is to use the leg yeild and lef yeild from the quaterline over and as you hit the track ask for the canter, by doing this your hind legs are under you and should make the canter easier, but your your quality of trot will make the canter easier!! Good luck I am in the same boat with another young horse