Exercises/Tips to get horse in front of leg

[Luckylocalian]

Also posted this in Competition but as it says really, he is woefully behind the leg and as a 17'2 warmblood I really don't have the energy to hold him together and keep fighting him in the transitions. Any advice gratefully received

Thanks

 

[Nailed]

transitions transitions transitions.

Walk to canter.
Halt to trot
Canter to walk
Trot to halt

Lou x

 

[happihorse]

As above : T-R-A-N-S-I-T-I-O-N-S - and lots of them!

Ask gently and if no response a good kick or smack with whip depending on horse.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

I feel your pain!!

My 16hh dumb blood can be the same - transitions would be nice if he would summon up the energy to do them - the trouble is as you say you get worn out before them. When mine is having a stubborn git phase I alternate riding with lunging him - I find a couple of sessions where he works to my voice seems to make him more responsive when I ride. With mine it is a stubborn/dominance thing - unlucky for him that I'm stubborn too!!

 

[Shilasdair]

I was taught by an instructor (ex Badminton eventer) that as soon as you get on the horse, sort yourself out, reins, girth, stirrups etc in halt in the middle.
Then ask it to walk forward onto the track, if it doesn't move forward smartly off your leg, give it a stronger leg aid (don't kick it though). If it still doesn't move forward immediately, use your leg aid again, simultaneously giving it one good whack behind your leg (as close to your leg as possible) with your whip.
However, at this point the horse should leap forwards and you MUST allow it to go - even if it is in fast canter, by allowing it with your hand, and following it with your body. Praise lavishly too, and stroke the neck.
After it has gone forward for a bit, while you sit quietly, ride a transition forward to whatever pace you want, for example walk. Make sure your legs are still - no nag nag nag business.
As long as you are clear that a leg aid must mean action, your horse should quickly get the idea, but resist the temptation to push with your seat, nod like a duck, or nag endlessly with your leg.
S

PS Waiting for the 'ban the whip' brigade to attack me now

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Thanks Shils - will add it to my repertoire!! Its a bit harder as my boy has been soured in the school at his previous home and knows every trick in the book!! Will have to find some new ones to teach him!!