Struggling to get right lead in canter - Ex racehorse

[Rakshasa]

Hi there
So I’ve recently got an exracehorse. He’s only 4, so young and inexperienced. He’s a fabulous horse however on the right rein he will not pick up right canter lead. On the left rein he is fine and will even sometimes land on right canter lead after a jump.

I’m really struggling to get him into the canter lead on the right rein. I’ve tried so many different things; lunging, circles, rein/leg pressure etc.

Does anyone have any tips or advice on how to get the correct lead on the right rein.

Thanks!

ps- I’ve had him vetted. No muscular or bone problems. During his race career he always galloped left.

 

[be positive]

First you need to ensure he is genuinely working straight on both reins, most horses like us favour one side and are slightly crooked and in a horse it will show more in canter than other paces so work on that to build his strength evenly, when cantering left be careful to avoid him bending too much to the left so counter flex him and move him around in left canter to get him really straight and balanced on that rein as the better he is on that the more strong and balanced he will be generally and that will help him on the right rein.
There are many things that will help get the other lead some work well for one and not for others, a pole on the ground or small x pole on a corner or circle tends to be my go to and I will use it until they are really well established and on the aids, as yours does sometimes land right over a jump I would make more use of it and keep going with that method, keep the canters short while he builds up, do a downward transition before he loses balance, reorganise and approach the poles again only when he is in a good trot, you have to ensure you are also well balanced when asking, try to avoid getting too much inside bend, sometimes looking to the outside will help.

Also try not to make a big deal out of it, if he goes wrong bring him back quietly and don't rush to ask again, regroup and take time, he is still young and if he gets tense about this that will be no help to getting him working confidently on what is going to be harder for him, it could take a while until he is totally reliable but I have found once they are you do not have it as an ongoing issue, they straighten up, build up and often it becomes their better rein.

 

[JillA]

I have found if you bend them towards the lead you want, sometimes you cramp the shoulder so they can't pick up the correct lead. Keep on the right circle for a few circuits and when you ask for the strike off, just ask for him to look to the left for that moment. That will make it easier for him by opening up the shoulder.
I do know a few trainers who say carry on on the wrong lead if they strike off on it, so that they find out how difficult it can be for them, and for a young horse who isn't balanced that could be an option to keep them in canter rather than constant transitions