Improving Canter please help

J

JessPickle

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 October 2005
Messages
13,049
Visit site
I made a post about cantering pickle a while back, am really struggling as he just wont go off my leg. He needs to be constantly reminded which is tiring and impossible and causes me to rock. He is like this with everyone that rides him and. Excuse heels in latest video think riding in wellies make it worse but forgot my riding boots. Out hacking he has the nicest canter!
When I am on other horses I am nowhere near as bad! Anyway we need help soon! So advise please even my instructor is struggling with ideas!

Me cantering pickle a couple of months back



Me cantering pickle recently




trotting pickle just to show how much leg he needs!
 
You need to shake him off your leg- a constant thudding kick isnt going to do either of you any favours.
Carry a schooling whip, you need to take your leg off and give him a sharp thump with the legs and tap with the stick at the same time. Let him go forward, dont pull him back. Walk again and repeat until taking your leg off gets the reaction.
It may sound harsh but it's a lot nicer for both of you in the long run!!
 
It looks like he has a nice canter. My pony used to be lazy off the leg and it has taken years to finally get him to move forwards! Loads of transitions walk/trot halt/trot etc...

Do the things that he likes, if jumping gets him a bit revved up make sure you don't just hammer away at the schooling on the flat.

lunging is also key. Just sending him forward first and then into side reins.

I am not one for gadgets but my instructor recomended I use a pessoa and we have never looked back, everything has improved.

Remember it is supposed to be fun!
 
I have the same problem with Morris - big lazy horses!!

My instructor doesn't like whips, so basically told me if i had to use my whip, use it once, hard, and i won't have to use it again! I was told he got one short, sharp kick and if he didn't move off straight away, then smack him! Sounds harsh, but one smack with my long whip, Morris bucked and went cantering off! The next time i even started to move my legs, he moved off straight away. If you're consistent with the 'only one kick' thing, then he'll improve. And i haven't used my long whip since that lesson (about 5 months ago!) and he's much sharper.
Try to do lots of transitions too, which will stop him switching off, and he'll be waiting for the next aid, so will move faster lol!
Also, your stirrups look slightly long, if you put them up a hole or 2 that might improve your leg postion so your aids are better? Just a thought
smile.gif

Hope that helps.

x
 
Yep he does enjoy his jumping and I jump him once a week, he is schooled twice a week. Then just lunged/hacked the rest of the week. At the moment feel nice horse shame about the rider!
 
probably shouldn't suggest this, but... spurs!
tongue.gif
use them a couple of times and he should respect your leg a little more when you take them off.

also, pick up your hands, sit up a bit and push him forwards with your bum, if that makes sense
tongue.gif
 
I couldn't watch video so only saw couple of photos. If you have a steady leg I would say try spurs because if you continue nagging with your legs he will just become dead to them. You also need to use your seat and sit up proud to help his balance. Try working on the lunge and get him used to voice commands so that you can also use your voice to encourage him when riding at home. My mare was always lazy so I started to use spurs, I would ask her once and if she didn't respond I'd ask again but a bit firmer. I also did lots of transitions. I'm not saying it was easy but she's now very responsive and once she's asked she stays in that pace. I still wear spurs but very rarely need to use them. Good luck
smile.gif
 
Wouldn't do the spurs just yet. Your legs are a little too mobile. Have you tried having some lunge lessons so you can concentrate on your position and not worry about the horse? Also try riding different horses if you can as well.

Don't worry, it'll come.
 
[ QUOTE ]
He's got really lovely paces tho! Light on his feet for such a big lad
smile.gif


How tall is he?

x

[/ QUOTE ]

17.1hh, his nice paces is what made us buy him, was completely different to any other horse I looked at
 
He is completely dead to spurs my instructor tried some on him, he doesnt even flinch to them! I agree about spurs I am always unsure about them till lower leg sorted out! Hence instructor tried them on him
 
Have you tried doing lots and lots and lots of transitions whilst warming him up? It'll wake him up and get him thinking. If he does'nt respond straight away flick him with a schooling whip to back up your legs.
Hes a lovely boy though.
 
Well will try out the advise and report back. Thank you for the comments though he is a lovely horse I just know he has so much potential.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top