Helping a 5yr old balance in canter

[SALLYT]

I went to try a lovely gelding at the weekend who had just turned 5 his walk and trot were fine his canter needed alot of work which is fine.
When I popped him on to a circle we just kept drifting in and I couldn't keep him on the circle in canter, he has just arrived from Ireland and needs a lot of muscle particulary on his hind quarters which I know will help him balance in canter.

Any suggestions on helping him become balance when ridden I am not a fan of gadgets and would prefer to take my time and get it right.

Thanks in advance

 

[KatB]

Transitions. Keeping the canter spells short and also doing lots of hacking/hill work if possible to build up strength and muscle. My irish horse has only just started cantering properly at 6!

 

[jsharpe]

Hi, this reminds me of yesterdays lesson with my 4yo! So, straight from my instructors mouth so to speak.... To get a canter transition in the 1st place we do 'baby' leg yeilds of the inner track, or spiral, this will engage the correct hind leg to come underneath him, carry his weight and push forwards. Baby will find this hard to do and will want to fall through his shoulder, especially on the right rein. Once in canter lift yourself out of the saddle taking your own weight, keeping you chest up. Canter is using different muscles tp walk/trot and this will make life easier for him while he learns and muscles up. Keep a contact with you outside rein - important! Do not obstruct with your inside rein - this will only lead to pony becoming disunited or go on incorrect lead. Ask pony to become nice and round with inside leg/outside hand aids. A practice in short stints - its hard work for the poor baby

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

My baby struggled with canter in the school - it was only when I gave up and just did loads of it out hacking that she got the hang of balancing, then we went back in the school and it was much easier.

 

[SALLYT]

Thank you , we did plenty of transitions when trying him trot to canter then canter to trot and back again and he was on the correct lead leg on every ask.
My instructer said to help him on a circle outside rein wide and plenty of inside leg to encourage him back on the circle, and yes plenty of transitions.

KatB , the only problem I have is that he has to learn to hack out on his own and I can't guarantee that I can always find someone to hack out with so I know I will have work to do on his hacking because he WILL need to go out alone. He turned 5 in March.