Encouraging a young horse to move more forward...

[spotty_pony]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could suggest any exercises which I could try with my five year old to encourage him to move more forward. He is fine in canter but he is often sluggish in walk and trot. I know transitions will help but is there anything else I could try?

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[lannerch]

Does he move of the leg if not although it is an incredibly brave thing to do with a young horse, however you must get him too move as soon as the leg is applied.

Ask nicely and if that does not work loosen all contact so you are not giving cross messages and ask very strongly if he goes forward let him for a few strides reward him before you bring him slowly back to walk. then repeat the process until he moves of sharpish first time on the polite ask.

My young chap soon got the hang of it however he did respond with an almighty buck the first time I asked strongly .

 

[jenh166]

Take him for a few good brisk canters out hacking along long grassy tracks/sides of fields etc. A dressage rider I worked for used to pay me to take her 4yo for a nice canter to get him more forward thinking. Went to see him on sat and he's really matured now and as a 5yo is doing all the lateral movements aswell as collected/medium/extended work.