Improving gaits of a 10 year old

[Maesto's Girl]

Hi all

Recently been to see a lovely mare who ticks all but a couple of my boxes. One is vetting related and the other is where I'd like your views. She is 10 but her canter is quite unbalanced on the transition. She runs into it by her front in canter and her rear legs almost jogging. Once you push her through she is fine.

What I'd like to know is, is it possible to improve the canter of a 10 year old? I'm not talking competing standards but more balanced. My concern is she is slightly too old to make any real difference

Any opinions/experience welcome!

Thanks all

 

[JillA]

Yes. My 19 year old (having had several breaks from work) is just getting a balanced canter. Lots of exercises to engage his hind end, and walk - canter transitions and lots of them have made all the difference. 10 is nothing so long as there isn't a physical reason for it.

 

[be positive]

As long as there is no physical reason for the problem then they are never too old to improve, although I would counter that by saying if you are more experienced or confident than her current rider, often issues with the canter transition are caused by poor riding or the horse being given mixed signals by someone that is nervous so is saying go but holding back.

I have worked with many slightly older horses with various issues, often cantering on the incorrect lead or going disunited and with confident consistent training they have all improved but only if they have no underlying physical problems, so you do need to ensure she is sound, will pass the vetting, has a well fitting saddle and you can get her fit enough to do the job required, 10 is no age I have backed a 13 year old that had been a brood mare all her life that went on to an active ridden career.

 

[Maesto's Girl]

Thanks all. Obviously I'd have the vetting to check for underlying issues that may be the cause but it's good to know it can still be worked on 😊

 

[dazzling_edition]

Yip totally agree with the others, as long as there is no physical reason why shes unbalanced there is absolutely no reason it cant be improved. My horse was totally unbalanced when I got him as a 12yo. Always swapping leading legs, getting disunited and just getting his legs in a right muddle. But after only a few months training the improvement was vast. I found lunge work to start with until he had a bit more strength was the best and then add ridden work.