Suggestions please for whizzy ex racer in school :-)

[ReadyTeddyGo]

Ive got a rising 6 ex racer who I have had for just over a year now, really lovely boy who had done nothing before I had him. We have now got our first event at ALW in a couple of weeks, jumping side of things is fine, he has done a few rounds at Yateley clear and xc schooled at Tweseldown and Boomerang without any probs. His flatwork wasnt the best to start but as he has muscled up it has improved loads I am having probs with his canter in the school though, he rushes the transition then wants to really lengthen out and fall in, when I ask him to come together a bit more he flings his head up. We can work through it and he does eventually settle but does anyone have any suggestions or excercises for getting him more relaxed with the transition and also shortening the canter without a fight? Any ideas or advice greatly recieved as I dont think we will stay in the boards at this rate!!!!

 

[skippyduke]

Repitition just keep doing transitions they won't get better unless u keep practising instead of letting him run into canter slow the trot and make sure ur giving him correct clear aids and ride his impulsion into ur hands once he has done a good transition carry on in the canter and keep him focused I find a good exercise is to do a 20 meter circle at each marker around the arena they don't have to be exact or if u overlap but push him out to your outside rein on the circle don't let him motor bike around the corner he will find it difficult and it will feel and look gross to start with but you have too keep at it and if he gets stressed or annoyed about find it difficult go and do something else to ocupy his mind don't get stuck in the same place everytime u ride u need to make sure its not u worrying about the canter and going on and on at him so it turns into a issue rather than just a balance thing! U know when he's starting to work properly from behind becuase ull just feel him coming up and from behind whilst carrying himself! Keep a good contact with him while he finds it difficult! I hope this helps and u understand my babling! X racers find it difficult to work in a normal canter for a long time my old boy took him years before he could do a good canter and trasition without me having to nag nag nag everyday!! Have fun at your event !! X

 

[flyingfeet]

I am going to get shot - but - this is the situation for draw reins!

I would use them just so he gets the general idea of coming back without the head flinging. Don't use them for hours, but just to get over this bit of training so he understand what you are on about.

Should find you can then take them off and perform the canter transition in a neat form

Short cut? Well maybe, but so easy for a judge to mark them down for head flinging.

 

[ReadyTeddyGo]

Thanks guys Will have a go with both your suggestions. For the record I did do a few sessions with him draw reins when I first got him and it helped get the idea across to him really well so maybe a couple of go's in them with this may help him understand we dont need to go flat out!!!!! Will let you know how we get on

 

[Baggybreeches]

Something that worked really well for my very weak big horse, was to set 6 poles out around a 15m ish circle, and start by riding the outside, then inside for 1, then inside of 1, outside of 3, etc etc, until you have the engagement and flexibility to literally weave in and out at your leisure. It is really tough so I would only do 10 minutes max to start with but each session will bring a huge improvement.
BTW you will probably find it easier with spurs!
Draw reins are not really my thing, but if they help you ride him more effectively then do it.
ETA the poles should look like a 50p piece!