pony tanking in canter work

frazzled

frazzled

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Pony has started to tank in canter. He is absolutely fab in the trot working well etc but as soon as he is asked to work in the canter he is "fixing" on the bit and pulling. We have had him a year now and this is new to him. Up until recently he has been very balanced in canter. He is absolutely fine in every other regard. The only change being he is doing hunter trials at the moment rather than ODE so probably doing a bit less dressage. Any suggestions of exercises etc that might help with this gratefully received.
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As it is out of character for your horse I would consider his teeth, back and joints. If all OK, try up and downward transitions, walk to canter, leg yeilding etc, raised trotting poles and half halts, everything to keep him off the forehand and from fixing, keep him supple.
 
Load of transitions might help my instructor gets me to do 6 strides then back to a good balanced trot settle then 6 strides again. Mix it up a bit on the flat walk to canter , halt to trot etc always ask in a diff place. I find this helps as my pony second guesses me. You should have back and teeth checked too tho
 
Have you changed his feed or anything or put him on good grass- I know grass is loosing its nutritional value now but we swapped onto rested winter grazing recently and my friends horse went nuts for a week or so?
Just an idea if you are sure its nothing to do with pain
hope you get it sorted we have one a bit similar!
 
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