Pony unbalanced in canter

[Billy Pig]

Hi all, looking for any similar experiences. I have a 10 year old 14.2h Welsh D x Hackney, who I broke as a 7 year old. I have been working endlessly on his canter and there has been so much improvement but I just feel as though it's as good as it's going to get.

His transitions are fine - trot to canter & walk to canter, but sometimes he becomes unbalanced and I feel as though I really have to help him out to keep him going. He is not lazy - in fact quite the opposite, and he is fit being worked every day, but I can't help but feel this might just be his way of going...? As soon as I give him something else to think about i.e. jumping, or out hacking with plenty to look at, his canter becomes really unbalanced (unless he's following another horse). He has never had a problem with being disunited, but just feels like I need to give him loads of leg to support him.

On the flat he's fine and works really well, but if I don't keep him collected and in a contact he becomes unbalanced again. What exercises can I do to improve his 5th leg as it were?

Could it be down to the fact that he's got hackney in him and struggles conformationally? TIA

 

[My_breadbagel]

Could be conformation and I’d probably call out the vet, saddle fitter and back person to have a look just in case.
I’d keep trying to get some balance while jumping and make them get a good canter before pointing at the jump.
mine was really bad for ages until we started going on more gallops, and he eventually sorted it out. Even now he has the odd moment when he wobbles but that’s usually when he rushes on the flat.
good luck!

 

[VioletStripe]

Rule out all the physical aspects with vet, dentist, saddle, and physio.

Other than that, lungeing and lots of pole work is fantastic with helping them engage and build strength. On younger and greener horses I am also a big fan of plenty of hacking - cantering up a gentle incline and even on the flat outside of a school is fantastic for building strength, engagement, and forwardness. Transitions are so important, as soon as you feel the canter begin to falter, bring back to trot and start again - quality over quantity and build it up. You mention he finds it harder out hacking... just practice! It might be a confidence thing as well, so hacking in company and building up alone time could help too. The more you make the occasional pole and hacking the norm, the easier it will be.