Schooling tips to produce a bit more impulsion

[Daisy2]

I have two cobs and well sometimes I feel like riding something with a bit more go, so any ideas on schooling tips for cobby plod along type, not looking to transform them into race horses but maybe lose a few comments as we walk through the village..." ah they're falling asleep or sarcasm like training for the grand national. On the whole we love it and some days are better than others, but I have set up a schooling area in the field and looking for some tips...its more the lazy walk and trot we need help on, getting them to canter is no problem. Thx

 

[blitznbobs]

Transitions transitions and transitions... From one pace to another and within a pace. DO NOT NAG WITH YOUR LEG if they don't jump first ask back up with a whip behind your leg... The secret is consistency and within 10 minutes you should see results. If you just kick and kick then the horse will deaden to your leg and in the long run this is harder on your horse than the techniques outlined above...

 

[Kenzo]

Work on improving there fitness first, so if there carrying a few extra pounds (not presuming they are but many cobs do) then this will help in time.

Work on getting an active walk every time you hack, which may mean changing the way you normally ride, maybe the odd lesson every so often just keep you on the ball.

Lots if transitions, so your horse is listening to you rather than just enjoying the views.

Be clear with your aids, leg on means forward and a change of pace within a pace, so being a little more strict in making sure they respond straight away, so no nagging with legs, double up with a schooling whip in each hand if that helps until they learn.

Make sure there diet is adequate for the work your expecting of them.

A few little changes in time will make a huge difference.

 

[blitznbobs]

Oh just noticed... If you can get acgood canter, use this impulsion into a good downward transition into a forward trot... Useful to improve the quality of the pace.