Consequences of giving the contact away in upward transitions?

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royal

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Hi all,

For the first time in a long long time, we videoed our schooling session a couple of days ago and I've noticed that I tend to give the contact away on upward transitions and I have no idea why or how!

What are the consequences of doing this? I don't throw my hands forwards or anything, the contact just seems to become loose and floppy when making the transition..

Any idea's on what happens when you do this (I assume it unbalances the horse?) and how to correct it would be welcome!

Thanks
 
I'm no way an expert but I find that I tend to do this :eek: especially going into canter as I have to often rev my boy up and loose contact, it is then that he will go onto his forehand, be totally unbalanced and basically a rubbish transition if we do achieve it!!! If like lately numpty rider me :o actually keeps the contact with a half halt prior to that canter aid then we go on the right leg, remain balanced and engage his hindquarters. I'm sure others will explain it better but this is my experience with my horse. I have to say we've been working on this and I think the penny may have dropped for me and my boy :D
 
Hard to say why it's happening without seeing - can you post video (don't ask me how!).

Just a few suggestions:

Could it be loss of balance of your upper body - as in maybe you are tipping slightly forward on upward trans by anticipating it? Does horse hop into canter thereby shortening his neck and making reins loose?

I was always taught to ask for canter with a soft inside rein, which could be interpreted as a loss of contact, but depends on how you are riding it. I would rather someone had a softer contact than hoiked horse in the mouth as he moved forward.

What happens with the horse, does it affect him and his balance at all? If not, I would not overly worry about it, as long as horse isn't falling over or rushing off with the loss of contact. Probably need to have a chat with instructor for better idea, I am just offering suggestions in the dark here, but happy to try to help!
 
Thanks guys - Lavender, interesting as I also have to rev my girl up as she can be very behind the leg - walk to canter (recently achieved and a work in progress) does help...

LLewlyn - you raise some interesting points that I didn't notice on the video, but thats not to say they aren't there!! If I can figure out how to cut down the video and post it I'll put it on!! I'm not sure if it does unbalance her or not, she definitely doesn't rush off...I will be starting to have lessons next month but it was just one of the main things I noticed on the vid...
 
Royal, my canter transitions are much better on hacks hence I used to practice most then plus with open spaces it was easier than the confines of the school [was v.v.green]. Walk to canter is also easier on hacks but we are getting there!!!

Llewelyn has given good points and advice that I may also investigate for my own canter probs!! Thanks :)
 
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