Caritas
Well-Known Member
I have had my horse for 4 years and we have always had a problem, sometimes it has been major and sometimes it has been slight. At the moment it is a slight problem but bad enough for us to get maked down in our dressage. Its the tightening of the back in canter which restricts the hind leg coming through quick enough and causes tension throughout. The trot is lovely and consistant, round and relaxed. Then when you ask for canter, the head slightly raises, the jaw tightens, the back tenses which then in turn slows the hind leg. He becomes unsettled in the rein and it is hard to sit on which makes the seat not so light, which in turn doesnt help with the tightening of the back which is a vicious circle!! Now I have tried tapping himup with the stick, which obviously makes him buck. I have also tries a stronger bit than the snaffle to keep the submission, this seemed a lot better (but do i want to ride in a stronger bit??). The only thing I havent done is gone back to basics, cantering on the buckle. Its funny cos i actually think that he will find this hard cause he is so used to being tight. The only problem I will find with this is once I try to bring him up again in front he will tighten again. Then we will be back to square one. My instructor says that no matter what, I should hold the contact and kick him into it but this isnt easy. When his back is so tight he cant go forward no matter how much he wants to. PLease dont come back with any questions regarding pain issues as there deffinately arent any, this has all been thoroughly checked. Look forward to receiving your replys. Many thanks