French Trotter - 4 beat canter

[Horse7673]

Hi - I was just wondering if anyone out there has a trotter that did or does have a 4 beat canter and if you have ever over come this problem? The horse in question is 10 years old and I am wondering if this is to late to teach her to canter correctly - any advice would be a great help. Thanks

 

[horsesforcourses]

Yes, I've a trotter. Initially had her to bring on and sell for a local farmer.Had her for 2 summer seasons each time just concentrating on jumping her. Then this spring, decided to buy her ourselves. So have now started in earnest with her flatwork. With plenty of slow lunging, getting her to work long and low and really using her back, she can(albeit for a short time) canter in a three beat canter.
Initially we got her cantering up a slope so that she understood what we were asking of her, and praising her lots when she cantered. As the love of her life is jumping, we find that this also helps as she's more inclined to want to canter when she spots the jump. Take it slowly, just accept every canter step she gives you and praise her. They are so intelligent, she will soon pick up what you want of her.

 

[Horse7673]

Hi - many thanks for your reply, how old is your mare? I am curious to know if she is a youngster or in her teens as I have been told it is much harder to re train a horse that is 8+.

Also does you mare look very unbalanced, disunited in the 4 beat canter? Thanks

 

[horsesforcourses]

Hi, Flame was 7 this time. So still young. Luckily she never raced, but she did go into training.
Her 4 beat canter is unbalanced, though this is not helped by her head coming up when she does it. Comments from dressage judges ( yes,dressage

) "canter not yet established".
http://www.horseproblems.com.au/retraining_the_pacer.htm
Above is link to a good website that i have found useful.
I would reccomend a standardbred to anybody now. They are so polite, jump like a stag and easily trainable.
Have fun.