Canter problem

[express_75]

Having major problems in my lessons now and it’s getting canter on a straight – I have no idea why this is happening as I have done lots of ridden shows this summer and have always been able to have a lovely transition into canter during my lessons and for the last 3 lessons I have been unable to ask for canter going down the long-side and asking just before the corner – im tense and throwing myself up her neck and last night she got annoyed with me and shot up the school – im like a total beginner and I so, so disappointed. I took her down the beach last weekend and cantered there no problem so what’s up with me in the school? Im a Competant rider and my mare is well schooled; ive done quite well at shows (section d) and it baffles me now that I’ve just gone to pot
Any advice would be great as it’s getting worse…

 

[picolenicole]

I used to do the same and a friend told me to think of a place where I was relaxed before asking for canter(I used to think of the river where we fish and canter).

I would try to think of your canter on the beach, and try to relax then ask her.

Hope this helps.

 

[ester]

sit up! and think really tall and relax and ask quietly, sit trot, leg back, squueze dont panic about not getting it

I was completeky guilty of what you are doing, tense up lean forwards, not sitting on a*se and attempt to chase them into canter = cob trot (I also have a D) and the more you do the more stressed you get with it the worse it gets

 

[express_75]

glad im not the only one...i don't even think ive been asking with the leg back even or even sitting! duh! I only had to think canter and we'd be off a couple of weeks ago..it's mad but im getting so stressed about not getting it right away.

Thanks for your replies

 

[posie_honey]

i've had similar problem! jumping/competing fine round xc and jx but lost canter in the arena!! v frustrating but the more i thought about the it worse i got! ended up giving up arena work for a few weeks and remembering to enjoy my riding again

relaxed again and now back on track

 

[OrangeEmpire]

I've been doing some walk to canter transitions to tackle this very same problem. Really seems to help me anyway!