need advice re: bringing youngster back into work

[Scheherezade]

I could really use some advice as I feel as though I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place!

The last time I brought my youngster back into work after a break I let him "run into" canter, as he wasn't balanced at all and struggled to hold himself in the school. Outdoors he is a saint.

He has had time off for OCD treatment, and is sound currently. I have cantered him outdoors and he is lovely, but the same problem indoors. Yesterday he had to really run into canter, and struggled to make the transition. Now I really don't want to do this, as I'm well aware going at light speed on a circle in trot is very, very bad for his joints.

To make matters worse, mad YO has banned us from riding on the estate grounds, and fields to canter in are a long hack away.

I'm not sure what to do last time I used a small cross pole as I found that helped, but is it too early to be jumping? Or maybe that is less bad than risking damage through the trot.

Tea and biscuits for help

 

[Booboos]

Regarding the OCD recovery and what is best I would be tempted to call the vet. If you are at a stage where you can canter in an arena, I assume you are quite far into the fittening work and all is well, so I would imagine that a fast trot is not a risk, but best check with the vet.

As for the training issue, do you have an instructor? The easiest thing is to get some help from the ground as there could be a number of different ways to help.

If he is responsive on a hack he probably understands the aids for canter, but is he finding the school a bit too small? Can you try in a large field instead? Or try applying the aids in a clear and decisive way and if he does not respond bring him back to a more controlled trot and ask again with a small tap of the whip. Or try a stride or two of leg yielding to get him to bend and then ask for canter. Or try a lot of walk-trot-walk transitions to wake him up a bit and then ask for canter.

 

[Scheherezade]

Thanks booboos

Yes, we are onto the 9th week of work now. Built up in walk for the first 5 weeks, then gradually introduced trotting, increasing the duration and speed (from a little shuffle to striding on and tracking up). My vet is not much help, he's of the "see how he goes" variety.

No instructor, I had a jump instructor (BSJA coach) but i'd feel daft getting her out for something so basic.
I definately think it's the school, he is better in the outdoor which is larger than indoor. I'll try your suggestions, thanks!