Jumping exercises to get lazy horse on his hocks and encourage rhythm

[Morgan123]

... other than grids?? Any ideas? my horse does like jumping and has a seirously good jump, but his canter sometimes lacks a bit of sparkle (first owner used to let him just stop after cantering and he's never QUITE got it out of his head).

any help appreciated!!

 

[Kenzo]

Diet - think about how fit he is and if he's getting enough energy.

Tack - is everything fitting him ok, is he as comfortable and loose as he can be through his back.

Spice things up a bit, make his schooling seshions more interesting.

Lots of transitions, halt to trot, halt to canter.

Keep him fresh, don't over do things before you have started jumping, yes warm up well but jump him when he's still feeling motivated or less tired, depending on the surface your jumping on.

Sit up and sit deep, don't kiss his ears (as in a cantering in a light seat too much) because this allows them to stretch out a little (which is ok) but if yo have a horse that gets lazy on on the forehand during canter he'll slow down, so keep that leg on and push him into your hand for a bouncy canter.

Think forwards, make sure your not putting the handbrake on him.

Keep things fun, race him up the arena long side, like your back in pony club, gee him up a bit, then ask for collection then get after him again, basically just wake him up a bit if he's turned off.

Jumping a cross pole or small upright from a short distance away, so approach in canter then stop, wait a few seconds and straight into canter, pop the fence and maintain the canter round the school until you approach the fence again, so in a way, your doing the opposite to what he is used to.

Bob a pair of spurs on and give him a nudge, make him listen if he's got a bit lazy and not sharp enough with your aids, you may only need to have one session with them until the penny drops.