nose diving novice 21

[parsley]

My boy and I are only just starting novice level so we aren't expecting perfection yet but I am doing novice 21 on him on Sunday at a local unaffiliated. The problem is the half circle at the end of each canter that ends at F or K - he isn't ready for counter canter yet as he breaks into trot so I have been told to end the canter at K or F. However, he does nose dive onto the forehand as He is ending canter and directly turning the corner (and hes a 16.2 heavy weight cob). I know that in the long run we have to improve balance and collection and I am trying to start half halting before the transition but does anyone have any more helpful advice please so we don't nose dive on Sunday quite so much

 

[carthorse]

Make sure you ride the movement to your best advantage and go right to the top end of the school in your half 15 meter circle then the movement is easier.Many don't they start the half circle too early, also make sure you keep the bend over the leading leg and that your own position is good and you are holding yourself upright.Good luck.

 

[parsley]

Thanks for the help - we did much better this evening - we worked on trot - canter transitions first and by the time we came to do the circle and I made them big enough there was a definate improvement