Cantering on the right leg.

CalliChristmasTree

CalliChristmasTree

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I have been asked if i want to ride a horse at the local show some time in july.
I had a little practice last night but the only thing is the horse wont go on the correct leg in canter on the right rein.
It's only a local show but if possible i still want to correct it.
You can't do it using a pole on the ground as the horse goes a little crazy.
Are there any other ways to encourage the correct leg?
Horse is 17 years old, can you teach an old horse new tricks?
Show is at the end of July, so have lots of time to practice.
Thanks for any advice.
 
I have the same problem with George on the right rein, what works for us is to leg yield from the 3/4 line to a corner and then ask for canter and hey presto he strikes off correctly.
 
i'd do my best to get the owner to get the horse's back and saddle checked... a horse of that age really should understand the canter aids, so i believe there is a physical reason why he doesn't want to canter on that leg. watch him in the field - if he happily canters on both leads, that indicates that it is a saddle/rider problem most likely.
if saddle, back (and teeth... i knew of a top sj pony that refused to canter on one lead if its teeth weren't rasped very regularly, that was its first recourse) are all fine, then work on a circle and ask for the canter just as you come into the corner of the field or arena (e.g. before H on the right rein) so it is obvious to the horse that he has to get round two corner immediately in canter.... 99% of horses are smart enough to make it easy for themselves and go on the correct lead if you do this. just make the aid calm and clear, and repeat gently if necessary, don't get uptight about it no matter what he does, because that'll only make it worse!
best of luck!
 
Thanks.
I have just asked the owner and he goes on the correct leg on both reins when on the lunge. So looks like its a rider balance promblem.
Will tell the owner about teeth and back checks anyway and if everything is ok there looks like we'll have to start from the begining.
 
Hi Agree with Gorgeous_George, try leg yielding. Its usually the harder of the reins to get the back leg to engage. All of the horses balance relies one the one leg on the canter strike off and if he's collapsing with his shoulder he won't be able to get the lead. If you leg yield in, the hindquaters are engaged and he should strike off correctly. I hope that babble makes sense
crazy.gif
 
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