Canter transitions on a 3yo

[Scribbles]

Hey,

I'm having trouble getting my 3yo to break into canter in a shool. Out hacking he is fine, but as soon as we are in a school he runs onto his forehand, maybe does one big leap, then breaks back into a fast trot.

How can I encourage him, and what position should I be taking? I'm finding myself leaning forwards which I know is wrong, but if i sit back he just can't get his back up...


Thanks

 

[Thistle]

Perhaps he is trying to tell you he is not quite ready yet at 3. He will still be very weak.

 

[Maesfen]

Echo Thistle completely.
Also some youngsters find it very difficult to manage their balance with a rider on, even a good one! Personally, I wouldn't be asking for canter in a school at all at that age, far too young as he's not fully developed or even muscled up yet.
Patience is a virtue and don't forget what's happened to Chocolate Log's young horse just this week, it is so not worth hurrying youngsters until they are physically and mentally ready if you want it to last.

 

[Donkeymad]

I would agree that you are probably asking too much too soon.

 

[scotsmare]

I wouldn't be cantering yet - too much pressure on undeveloped muscles.

 

[Colleen_Miss_Tom]

Ditto .

Hes obviously not ready .

 

[cruiseline]

Why not keep the canter transitions just to your hacking for now, if he is more comfortable with that, or go into a very big field and do some there (but don't forget your arm bands and rubber ring

)

Young horses can get quite claustrophobic in small arenas, the worst thing you can do is make an issue of it at this point.

He really is still a baby.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

I had the same issue so concluded she wasnt balanced enough and only cantered where she was comfy out hacking. A year on she can do it anywhere and is fine with it, it just takes time.

 

[eoe]

Try placing poles in the corners on the diagonal so one end is in the corner and the other pointing to the middle. Then only ask your horse to canter when you have the two short sides coming up and ask him as he goes over the pole, if he runs just half halt and bring him back to a nice active trot. After a couple of goes he should canter, if he canters for no more than a couple of strides make much of him and leave it on that rein, then try the other rein, if he doesn't do it after a couple of goes leave it there and then try again next time you are in the school, but would not advise you to make him bored of trying. I would try twice on each rein, if he does he does, if he doesn't he doesn't. Just remember he is only a baby and just needs time and patience.

 

[vieshot]

maybe your horse is saying 'please let me be a baby and dont ride me again until im 4'

 

[lauraanddolly]

I'd agree with others that have said it's too soon, I personally wouldn't ask anything like that of a 3 yr old. Plenty of time once it's 4 better balanced and developed.

 

[Biscuit]

I agree with the comments above - it might be fine just given some more time for him to grow up. Personally I have not put my 3yo in ridden work yet.

 

[Kallibear]

Echo the others 100% - he's far too young to be cantering in the school. In fact, if he was mine, he won't be canter at ALL, just short gentle walks and trot.

 

[Scribbles]

Oh ok,

How strange as I'm sure I went to a demo with Pippa Funnell who mentioned doing transitions with her 3yo once a week....

 

[SpottedCat]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh ok,

How strange as I'm sure I went to a demo with Pippa Funnell who mentioned doing transitions with her 3yo once a week....

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you ride as well as Pippa Funnell then? Just because a pro can and does do something, does not mean mere mortals have the same ability...

 

[Faithkat]

[ QUOTE ]
Personally I have not put my 3yo in ridden work yet.

[/ QUOTE ]

Neither would I. . . . at least, not if I wanted it sound for a good few years . . . .

 

[Scribbles]

My last 3 yo was raced at two, and we were doing same as I am with the current one now, and he is still jumping BSJA strong at 15.


For goodness sakes I'm not jumping or going round a school. He's almost 4 and I'm working on transitions once a week (if that).

And no, I don't ride as well as Pippa Funnel, but when it comes down to it - strain on a horses legs is the same with a rider on top regardless of their experience. There is the same weight pressure, and a horses soundness is not afected by how well the person rides, but by how much they do. Surely is you took a baby round a 3* event course with a top rider then there would be more strain than a novice walking the horse round a field for 5 minutes?

BSJA runs 4yo jump classes, mine turns 4 in January, and hasn't been near a raised pole! Vet has been out and checked him (due to a cut in fied) and is happy with what he's doing.


Honestly.