Keeping contact in canter and what is wrong with my right hand...??

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ChestnutConvert

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I can keep a decent contact in walk and trot but when we come to canter we lose it and only have glimpses of a good contact. Are there any exercises i can do to practice my contact keeping? is it just a case of canter is making me lose my leg maybe so then the contact drops?

Also for some strange reason i have started to not be able open my right hand to turn!!?:confused:
Will try to explain... on the left rein my hand and leg works fine leg to hand etc but on the right i seem to move my hand to the left instead of opening it to turn and we then end up with leg yield or a clumsy corner.
Any ideas on how to get out of this habit would be great, i can't understand why it only happens on one rein although i might have a weaker right leg... bit puzzled! :(
 
Lots of no stirrups work, maybe some lunge lessons so you can focus on your straightness, and a good instructor (if you don't already have one) to point out when you are doing it, so you are aware every time you do it.

Also, try some strengthening exercises, maybe yoga / pilates for straightness, core strength and to even up both sides of you bod :)
 
Have been thinking of Pilates for a while so def will now.
And the dreaded no stirrups work - good idea, it's just strange how it's started recently, funny what our body can get used to and how quick.
 
With the turning your horse is probably not really straight so you are subconsciously trying to use the rein to hold him out, then pushing more when you get to a turn. Be careful you are not opening the left hand too much causing him to rely on it too much, the aid should be hardly noticeable if he is working from your legs and seat.

It sounds as if he is not going forward in front of your leg and taking you in the canter, this will contribute to the above comment about straightness and the two things are linked.

Plenty of transitions, try to get him working really forward and straight in walk and trot, even more transitions, short periods of canter trotting before he drops you then picking up canter again within a few strides, always aiming to get him more forward and carrying himself not you steering him or holding him up.
Pole work is good for improving straightness, both in a line and on a circle or turn. If you get the distances correct he will have to move evenly through his length.
 
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