Is it me (yes) how to stop horse slipping in 6 days?

Breezesbenefactor

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 January 2007
Messages
6,563
Location
Norfolk
Visit site
We have a dressage test this coming sunday however it all goes wrong when we have to canter a circle. In the sandy school it is a doddle but she is a cob and heavy on the forehand and though we are improving greatly on this the grassy arena where we perform is uneven and she slips. Part of the problem is me having difficulty keeping the balance as she just charges at it it an attempt to keep her balance....any quick tips or is this going to be another dressage of shame for me & yet XC is becoming a doddle...perhaps I should stick to what she likes?
 
I know how you feel! I was at a dressage competition and when we were in the practice arena, Super slipped and tripped over her own legs! We both ended up on the ground and Super got up and decided to join her friend who was in the middle of his test! His poor rider didn't realise Super was following her across the diagonal in trot! It was funny at the time but it made the poor rider cry
blush.gif


After that I go nowhere on grass without studs for peace of mind and confidence!

Good luck in your competition
smile.gif
 
She isn't shod on the rear which is the problem wouldn't dare put studs in the front!!! Thing is if we do for of these sorts of events a year that's as much as we'll do ironically we'll be getting a new school soon so this will become academic..thanks for the advice all the same
grin.gif
 
That makes me feel better though last outing she took a crap, tripped slipped and stood on the boundary causing it to fling in the air....and then to top it off when we left the arena she took a mouthful of grass, fortunately for her there wasn't a gun handy...she hates me
grin.gif
 
There isn't really a quick fix for what is happening, & quick fixes rarely last anyway. You need to do loads of transitions & leg yielding. This will teach your horse balance, he will bring his legs under himself & balance himself better & it won't feel the need to charge & it will steady up & give you a much more controlled circle.
 
Totally agree that leg yielding spirals (smaller and larger circles) and leg yielding serpentines is the key to better balance behind, an as the impulsion moves back with practice the transition to canter will be less rushed. In the short term be very positive with half halts before asking for your canter strike off to rebalance your horse as much as possible.
 
Just to reassure you, my pony isn't shod behind & I use two studs in each front foot with no problems at all, & have done for years, might not be in any manual but works for me. I completely agree with the other posters, work on your transisitions etc etc to help with the balance issues, & the slipping will improve. Good luck.
 
Try to find a turnout field on the side of a steep hill/cliff face. It works wonders for my girls balance...and by an evolutionary process of survival of the fittest, you are left with the athletes of the equine world.
S
smile.gif


PS This method is not RSPCA approved.
 
Nope you're right transitions & leg yielding tonight saying that we were leg yielding last night & she did good, I think I've got a mind set she is going to slip...will work on it...thanks for all the advice
 
Top