Pole exercises to get horse off forehand

[c-bx]

Hi all,

just wondering whether anyone has any pole work exercises to help a horse to sit more in the canter? My mare is quite on the forehand in canter so looking for any exercises or tips!

thanks in advance!

 

[sbloom]

I'm not sure that polework is your best option, I would be concentrating on transitions as well as any ridden or in hand wok that lifts the thoracic sling as I suspect she might be a little the same in her other paces. If just the canter then take it slowly, transitions, very short periods of canter, either on the bend of the straight depending on what makes her drop onto the forehand. For most horses they can stay reasonably up through the transition then get more an more onward bound so the answer is clear, don't let them canter for long enough to get like that.

 

[c-bx]

I'm not sure that polework is your best option, I would be concentrating on transitions as well as any ridden or in hand wok that lifts the thoracic sling as I suspect she might be a little the same in her other paces. If just the canter then take it slowly, transitions, very short periods of canter, either on the bend of the straight depending on what makes her drop onto the forehand. For most horses they can stay reasonably up through the transition then get more an more onward bound so the answer is clear, don't let them canter for long enough to get like that.

Thank you so much for your reply! I will give that a go!

 

[StevenMcNeil]

Start with halt to trot and trot to halt. Then walk to canter and canter to walk. Then rein back to canter, and canter to rein back. Quarter turn on haunches into trot and especially canter also very good as engages hind leg for you (this is good for anyone struggling with correct strike offs too).
aessuccess

 

[wren123]

Some great suggestions, I'd add leg yielding to track and asking for canter as you hit track and agree with @sbloom never ever continue with a bad canter.