Running into canter what does this mean?

shadowboy

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Horse will strike into canter perfectly and work in self carraige on the left rein canter. When asked onto the right rein she runs until eventually cantering no matter where in the arena and how I ask her. On the lunge she will happily activly pick up canter on both legs. Although occasionally picks up the wrong leg on the right rein. No tail swishing or any sign of resistance. Saddle is fitted and back has been checked- in fact I am lucky to stable horse with a therapist who can check her every month or so! What else could cause this problem?
 
maybe you are slightly unbalanced on one side of the body and stronger on the other?
just saying because this is what i think my problem is, as i think i collapse my hip which isnt very good for my youngster!
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she also may be stronger on the left rein, and finds it harder to "hold" herself on the right?
not sure just my imo!
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Has the horse always had this problem?
My horse used to be horrible to canter on the right reign, and 90% of the time would get the wrong canter lead.
He just had to have a lot of schooling and now he's improved so much.
So if it's not a tack problem would suggest just schooling to get it sorted.
 
Horse I ride used to do this, lesson lessons lessons has improved it so much. It could just be her worst rein anway? His was solved (touch wood) by exaggerated half halts (so almost back to walk) halt to canter tranitions, and lateral work to make sure he had a true correct bend.

Is she young/inexperienced? she might just have difficulty understanding your leg aids - if she responds to your voice on the lunge have you tried that too?

I'd just recomend a good instructor and try lots of different things until you find the one that twigs for her.
 
Sounds like a balance problem when ridden. Could be horse is a little unbalanced or because you think she's going to run you may not be sat straight so could be unbalancing her. Is she the same with a different jockey?
 
Might be worth trying walk to canter. That way you can get her really balanced before you ask her. It really helped one of my horses
 
I could be stiffness on the right rein which makes it harder for her. Most horses are stiff to the right.

Could also be coming from you - possibly you're stiffer on the right, or giving slightly different aids on the right rein to the way you give them on the left.

I think it's more likely to be a stiffness problem with the horse though.

I would keep it really basic and make sure that when you're in trot you've got the correct bend on the right rein, i.e. not head-tilting, swinging quarters in or out, or too much neck bend etc. Then, when you're sure you've got the correct bend, set up the transition by balancing her with a half-halt or three, then give a really clear transition to canter. If she goes to rush off or strikes off on the wrong lead, quietly but firmly go back to trot, establish the correct trot again, and try again.

and again, and again....

Good luck!
 
I agree with what has been said on here. I know that I am less balanced on my left rein and because of this, my command to canter isn't as definite and clear as it needs to be. This ends up with my horse unsure whther I want him to canter or speed up so he runs really fast!
Take your time, make sure you have a nice working trot and think about what you are going to ask your horse to do. Then sit deep, and give a definite, clear command. If you pony rushes off, come back to the working trot, take a deep breath and go again. Lots of transitions and practice, making sure you horse knows what you are asking him to do.
I hope this helps
 
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