Canter Help

[Summer Sun]

Hi - can anyone offer some canter advise please.

Horsey is pretty unbalanced in canter after being out of work for two years. Struggling to strike off on correct lead and remain in the canter.

Any suggestions for exercises that would help her strike off properly and start to build up some of the required muscle.

 

[Bexaco]

lots of lunging, in a correctly fitted passoa if possible or with 2 lines, lots of transitions to get her working from her hind quarters. she will likely get the right leg on the lunge as it is easier without a rider, then when riding have a pole in the corner, sit up and give a clear signal to canter over the pole, again with lots of transitions, don’t ask her to do circles to start with but try and keep her working from behind in both the upward and downward transition.

 

[posie_honey]

ditto above - i'd also be using nice straight canters on hacks to build up her fittness/strength (off her back too to ensure no rider restrictions) that's what i had to do with my mare - she was v unbalanced after having beenjust hunted for years and never schooled - now she works nicely

 

[Summer Sun]

thankyou both - good advice. Its been ages since i schooled a horse like this. Years even. The pole i remember now

Its funny you mention about the hunting. This one has been left in a field for nearly 2 years and previously only hunted. I doubt ever schooled as rides like a baby and a bit wary of everything. Lovely horse though so am hoping she will come good .

thanks