Legs everywhere...helppp

[Katyharriet]

Hey everyone, any suggestions or exercises i can do with my Dave to help his canter?
He can be very babyish even though he's 9...
His upwards transitions to canter have improved and his trot is now more consistent and balanced.
However he can't maintain his canter. After maybe a circle or half a circle even, he seems to loose concentration and becomes completely disunited. His back legs change and canter on the wrong leg and his front legs are still cantering on the correct lead. Que *massive leap in the air, major panic and legs everywhere!*

He has had his back, teeth and saddle checked etc. and sometimes he can maintain his canter. I'm just not quite sure how to help him 'get himself together'.

any suggestions appreciated

 

[Damnation]

Sounds like he has balance issues. What I would do is canter a few strides, trot a few strides before he gets flat/unbalanced and disunites. Trot and canterpoles I find help too because usually if they disunite and you point him at the poles it gives them time to correct themselves.
What is he like to lunge? Perhaps lunging him in canter so he can find his own feet and balance may help too.
Izzi

 

[Katyharriet]

yes he is fine to lunge. I think thats what I'll do. Iv sprained my ankle atm so no riding for me

But lots of lunging for Dave Thanks alot

 

[Damnation]

Glad I could help
If you do it judt on a headcollar and encourage him to stretch and balance himself he will probibily be much better when you get back on. It does wonders for their topline too