Steering problems!

[jackson555]

I'm riding a horse called Jackson he's a light weight cob x trotter so he is slightly chunky! I have been riding him around 4 months now so not very long. He's not very well schooled eg: when I ask him to stop he will carry on for a bit and then stop or stop then swing his bum around. The thing I'm finding most annoying however is turning whenever I turn to change the diagonal or to do a 3 loop serpintine or anything he drifts out to the side and doesn't turn when I want him to. Also he will be working on a good contact but when I turn he doesn't keep it up he stops working from behind and goes all giraffe does anyone have any tips on how to solve this? Would be really greatful thanks x if you need any more info just ask he's 9 year old so not young but has neve been schooled properly and I'm ment to be doing a dressage test on him next wednesday I don't think we're ready but I've been asked to so thought I would give it a go wich is why I need your tips As soon as possible

 

[Pearlsasinger]

You wouldn't be able to use it in a dressage test but I've found a PeeWee bit very helpful with horses that don't properly understand turning - once they've got it you can change back to your usual bit. Otherwise I think you just have to be careful that you are not giving unintended signals by changing your own position slightly and be very firm and clear (but not forceful) with your leg and seat aids. Do you have any-one who can watch on the ground and pinpoint exactly what is happening? I think you're right, it does sound a bit too soon to be entering a dressage comp but it will all be good practice.

 

[jackson555]

Thank you for your advice he has a full check snaffle on at the mo so that helps his steering I'll check out the bit you mentioned I have booked 3 lessons with a dressage instructor that knows him well before the test do tht should hopefully help us out

 

[PaddyMonty]

Issue is likely to be you not having sufficient outside rein contact when you ask for the turn. Not enough inside leg and not supporting with outside leg.

 

[jackson555]

when I turn him I have a short outside rein with my hand held slightly higher to support his shoulder I push with my outside leg as if I'm pushing him over sort thing I don't kick him with it I keep my weight onto the outside so he can balance around the turn but look and turn my shoulders to the inside I also have my schooling whip in the outside hand and give him a little tickle On the bum to get his hind legs moving what do I need to change or do more of to get a better turn?
Also this is a habit he has had all his life no one has ever thought to correct him wich is why I am riding him do you think I need to exaggerate everything?x or will that not help? Thanks for your advice

 

[evehardwick]

This may sound extremely obvious, however have you moved your pelvis left/right and used your seat? Try and sit deep into the saddle when asking for a halt as well as using the reins minimally. If his bum swings around have you tried placing the leg that is on the side that he is swinging out on behind the girth? Hope you get him behaving well soon!

 

[Elbie]

I keep my weight onto the outside so he can balance around the turn but look and turn my shoulders to the inside

I would think about what you are doing with the upper body. I had the exact same problem (still do sometimes ) where I would be turning my shoulders and 'jack-knifing' as my instructor calls it. Instead of using my whole torso, I got into the habit of literally just turning my shoulders. The horses head would then move to the inside but she would just keep going straight

 

[highlandponygirl]

You say that it was part of his early schooling that was never really covered? It would be worth going over this stage from the beginning. You may need to exaggerate the aids a little to begin with till he understands what you are asking him to do, but be consistent in the aids. You can use poles or cones at corners or dotted around a circle to help guide him at first. Also what i some times do is put cones in a straight line down the arena and get them to bend in and out, ridden and long reined. Eventually he will start to develop the right muscles to bend and flex and it will become easier for him to do.

 

[highlandponygirl]

I keep my weight onto the outside so he can balance

Get your weight shifted to the inside. Your horse has to stretch to the outside and cant do that properly if your weight is on the outside.

 

[jackson555]

Thank you his halting is becoming much better now it's just the turning

 

[jackson555]

Yes that is my problem! Thanks I will try never thought about it like that x

 

[jackson555]

Thank you very helpful!

 

[jackson555]

Ok I was told that you need to put weight onto your outside to keep their outside more balanced around the turn because if the weight is on te inside they search for more balence on the outside so carry on going straight? This is just what I've been told I may be completely wrong I will try leaning to the inside next time!

 

[highlandponygirl]

Its the weight on your inside seatbone and leg that creat the turn and your outside seat should be a bit more freer movement so he can bend his body with your outside leg behind to prevent his hips from swinging off track.

Oh and dont lean or he may fall in the track at the shoulder

 

[starandgarfy51]

Turn your circles into squares! I know it sounds weird, but you then have to think about both sides of the horse. If you struggle to be accurate then place some poles, or whatever you can find, drain pipes etc. Make a square, not too small and practise in walk first, just keeping the same rhythm but making the turn accurate. make sure you have your correct inside and outside aids. If he swings his bum out on the turn you can correct it easily as on step in the wrong direction, really feels odd when you main focus is on staightness. As soon as you make one turn, the next is apon you, so hard work for horse and rider!
Make sure that you are sitting straight first, so if you can manage to close your eyes when mounted, not easy! Then do it because sometimes, we are crooked without realising it. listen to your body and if you are straight then you will feel so many smaller indications of crookedness,and also any other physical issues with the horse.
Remember that as the rider you have a responsibility to your horse to give the correct aids, otherwise the horse becomes confused! And rightly so. Work like this takes time,and you need to take notice of small improvements from each session. Reward when good and correct when not, you are then consistent and hopefully your horse will respond.

 

[jackson555]

Turn your circles into squares! I know it sounds weird, but you then have to think about both sides of the horse. If you struggle to be accurate then place some poles, or whatever you can find, drain pipes etc. Make a square, not too small and practise in walk first, just keeping the same rhythm but making the turn accurate. make sure you have your correct inside and outside aids. If he swings his bum out on the turn you can correct it easily as on step in the wrong direction, really feels odd when you main focus is on staightness. As soon as you make one turn, the next is apon you, so hard work for horse and rider!
Make sure that you are sitting straight first, so if you can manage to close your eyes when mounted, not easy! Then do it because sometimes, we are crooked without realising it. listen to your body and if you are straight then you will feel so many smaller indications of crookedness,and also any other physical issues with the horse.
Remember that as the rider you have a responsibility to your horse to give the correct aids, otherwise the horse becomes confused! And rightly so. Work like this takes time,and you need to take notice of small improvements from each session. Reward when good and correct when not, you are then consistent and hopefully your horse will respond.

That's a great idea thanks I've got a few lessons so my instructi will be able to point out what I'm doing wrong an I'll mention thy exercis to her thanks x