Improving canter in hackney/driving horses

[Jumbo]

I own a hanoverian x hackney who is a lovely, responsive ride. However, we have always had problems with our canter work. My instructor from the TTT trust was explaining how she looks like a hanoverian in walk and trot but in canter she looks every bit like a pure bred hackney! She uses her hindquarters well, is light in front and not on forehand but she finds it hard to balance and maintain and maintain a consistent outline. She has a high knee action and has a short stride length. Any ideas as to how I can improve her canter?

 

[RedVendetta]

I used to have a pacer. We had to teach her to canter!! We lunged her a lot to teach her to canter, then lunged her with a person on, then cantered with a rider without the lunge. It took a while as the main thing with her was strengthening her back so she could get her hocks underneath her (she was only 5 bless her). Have no idea whether this is any help sorry, just garbling on xx

 

[Jumbo]

Thanks for replying. Cantering certainly is choice of gait. I think strengthening the back to allow the hocks to come under is really important. She has definitely improved as she has developed but we are a bit stuck at the moment. My instructor is very helpful but It always good to talk to people in the same situation.

 

[RedVendetta]

I think the back legs take longer to sort than the front! With my pacer we used to pace in front, canter in back at first, but once the back was sorted the front just followed.... if you see what I mean. Im garbling again but was very chuffed at the time that I managed to teach her to canter! Also her back needed to be strong as I had to sit very firmly on her and ask in a corner in order to get any canter at all, so she needed to be balanced and strong through her back in order to use it.
I hope your horse improves as much as her, she now does Le Trec with her owner!