slowing/collecting canter

[Firehorse]

tips pls! canter to my pony, even in the confines of our smallish school paddock, is weeeee, lets go, head up, stop listening to mum. i've done loads of schooling sessions just in walk and trot. doing loads of transitions, trot to halt is coming on nicely. he just gets excited if we go faster, but i would like more control and instant downwards transitions. he's 14 and fit and more than capable.

 

[ChesnutsRoasting]

I find working my pony on a 20 metre circle with frequent changes - every half circle - trot-canter-trot helps to get her backend working more and lessens the rushing.

 

[Tickles]

Something I probably shouldn't recommend: share horsey wasn't out today (alternate days whilst fields recover) so when we went hacking I let him have a tiny graze after each canter. Steadiest field-canters we've had in a while ;-)

Seriously though make the downwards transitions fun (and, as mentioned, frequent). If horse likes pole work/jumping (bad idea if they don't/are prone to stopping) try trotting over a pole/jump and then cantering away from the pole/jump, then a downwards transition when you next come round to it and so forth.

Or, just wait until spring fever wears off a bit - even I'm over-excited!

 

[Firehorse]

ha ha! mine has spring fever everyday!!

 

[MilosDad]

Two options really:
1 When going to canter collect him up first so he doesnt throw his head up, that way the message is still one of control.
2 Ride through so that he may whizz off initially but collect him up and slow him down so that he understands that you do it at your pace not his.

My lad at 18hh sometimes does this if he is feeling full of it during our dressage training and those two options work best.