carrying quarters to the left, schooling ideas please

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beaconhorse

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My horse sometimes carries his quarters to the left on either rein but worse on left rein and need some schooling ideas to work on this specifically.

I have tried putting my leg further back and using whip to tap him over with no response, despite the fact he does lovely leg yield, tof etc so knows the aid.

I think it is connected to the fact he is also leans on the outside hand while on LR I am working on this and it is improving

He also finds it much more difficult to use himself and go forward properly on the left rein

any ideas appreciated

thx
 
Lots of bending to the right (on both reins)... also see if you can do a small circle on the right... and then try and push out onto a larger one, keeping a right bend

Remember that when you bend to the right you need to give with your left hand a bit...

Hope that helps..
 
Have you ruled out him doing it to alleviate discomfort? I see a lot of horse on 3 tracks- often due to back or hock problems?

If definately not lots of leg yield and shoulder in to the opposite direction and off a circle helps.
 
Thanks I do do spiralling circles but should do more no doubt lol

he doesn't show any other signs of hock problems and my instructor and I disagree which hind is the weakest, I say it is the left one, he says the right lol
 
Are you sure you are sat straight? Bring your knees up to the front of the saddle in 'jockey' type position and you'll feel if you are even on both seat bones - that could be part of the problem?
 
I always find this works - takes some time though, so don't expect the problem sorted in a week as it is basically strenthening the muscles in their hindquarters, getting them more flexible and teaching them to understand what you want from them:

Start in walk and on the long sides, ask them for quarters in one way, straighten them up for the corner and the short side, then quarters out down the other long side. When they have the hang of this, repeat the exercise with shoulders in.

When they have the hang of this, start doing the same in trot and when they have the hang of it in trot, try canter.

BE WARNED - it may take months to get to the canter stage as it takes time to build up their muscle development and co-ordination to be able to do this. Also, just devote about 10 mins or so to this every schooling session so as not to bore the pants off them!

I awlays find that after all this, they realise that it is actually easier for them to go straight coz their muscles are more evenly developed.

Hope this helps.
x
 
Try pushing the right shoulder across, like a shoulder in, this will help to straighten him up. Also, if he leans on your left hand, make a point of taking the weight more in your right hand and not letting him hang on the left, a sharp kick with the left leg will stop him falling in or out. I know this because my horse does exactly the same!
 
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