Sharpening up Trot to Canter transitions

doratheexplorer

doratheexplorer

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My horse and I need "a kick up the arse" :o

We have got very good at doing lovely bouncey walk to trot transitions and back down again, but trot to canter has gone out the window!!

My question is, when I ask for canter he often quickens up his trot, if I keep the pressure on he will canter, but he is running into it and I obviously dont want that. Is it better that once I have asked for canter, regardless of what he is doing (running) get it, or ask for canter nicely, if it doesnt happen get our trot back, ask for canter stronger (growling, whip etc)

Any hints and tips would be greatfully appreciated!
Fry up for all!!
 
My boy was doing this a lot when we first started cantering again. I used a schooling whip for a session (he's a quick learner!) to reinforce the leg aid. He soon realised what was needed so after a couple of transitions (more on the left rein, which he finds harder) he understood and the transitions improved.

Make sure you're in a slow balanced trot too - it will be easier for the horse and a much better transition if he has his hocks underneath him and has time to work out what to do with his legs :)
 
I've found doing walk to canter, trot to halt, halt to trot etc, just gets more engagement and it helps the direct transitions like trot to canter.
 
You need to make him listen. trot to canter is actually harder than walk to canter!
Ask and back up with whip, and lots of it, count say 6 to 8 strides of trot then canter repeat repeat.

Sounds like he is just being lazy so don't let him

Also work on the walk to trot too, make it really up and forward, not trrrooooottt nag nag until he is forward enough, You should go from a forward walk to a good working trot, if not then again, ask back up with whip.

don't forget to reward him when he gets it right
 
Thank you for all your hints. 90% of the time our walk to trot feels really good, and he is snapping into it.

I really need to be disciplined with him and make it clear exactly what I want!!

Pork chops for helping!!
 
Echo the above :) Transitions, lots of :) Look at your rein backs, and invest in the half halt. Circle work, and maybe some pole sessions. :)
 
Right, I might be rubbish at explaining this so bear with me!

Snip always struggled with trot to canter transitions and I worked on it using lots of transitions etc, but one particular exercise really helped.

I'd trot large around the arena, then trot across the diagonal to change the rein, but NOT sit to change my trot diagonal...then as you hit the track, instead of changing your trot diagonal, ask for the canter.

The angle of approach to the fence meant it discouraged him from running as you also have a corner to rebalance, and for some reason striking off from the ;wrong' trot diagonal seemed to help (I'm sure it was partly rider related!)
 
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