canter work suggestions ?

[lizzieuk1]

well had a sj lesson yesterday, first one in quite some years so was very useful. thing is although H has a huge jump his canter is very on the forehand and a bit sloppy he's only just turning 6 and is an ISH so think quite late developing! instructor said that to get him jumping a bigger course he really needs to get the canter much lighter and sit on his hocks- was very complimentary about him though and thought he'd be a great horse once we get it sorted
its been a difficult pace for him since i got him as a 4yo- when he couldn't canter at all with me on him!
so it has come on but could really do with some suggestions to get it more bouncy and forward, he is so laid back i really need to give him a rocket up the backside to get going!

 

[mickey]

I believe that transitions will really help you, downward to trot, and upward to canter. These will help to build strength in your horse's hindquarters.
Try thinking, in canter, of pushing really hard with your legs, whilst at the same time thinking walk (well, the speed of walk), you should get a really bouncy collected canter (if that makes sense). I'd tend to lift your hads a little too if he is on the forehand.
Gridwork might help with his big jump as you can set the distances up so that he has to jump of a short stride. In order to clear grids (whether bounces or 1/2 strides) he will be using his backend and should become more athletic.

 

[lizzieuk1]

thanks for that i will give them a try.