teaching young horse to canter

[pixiebee]

After all that hassle I had with a time waster (previous post!!) I ended up looking for something bigger for me and letting my son have my new forest(he is a bit big for my son but perfect in every other way!) I got a 15hh cob x tb, he is 4 yrs old and has been backed approx 7 weeks, he has only really done cantering out hacking but since I got him a week ago I have ridden him in the school, he is doing very well with walking and trotting and is getting the idea of a figure of 8!! The only slight issue is getting him to canter, I am applying the correct aids but I dont think he really understands what I am asking and just runs instead bless him!!! I am not particually worried as he is such a gem and I know he hasnt been broken long! He will pop over a little cross pole and sometimes lands in canter which enables me to get a few strides with me saying 'canter good boy!' Any tips??? He does lunge well but have the same issue on the lunge!!

 

[checkmate1]

When I was teaching my youngster canter I had the same problem, I did lots of canter transitions out hacking, always asking with correct aid and voice command 'canter' or whatever, Lots of lunging, loose schooling with canter transitions and voice commands, and eventually she just got it! hope this helps.

 

[DollyDolls]

I'd stick to schooling whilst hacking. Plenty of transitions & with the help of another horse in front, your new boy should make the connection.
If he's a little off balance, he'll rush rather then pop into canter & a school can worsen this due to its shape.

 

[ihatework]

Stick with the canter out hacking, make sure you give a clear leg and voice aid even when out hacking.
Then have a go in a field/paddock, behind someone if needed.
Then just keep at it on the school, and don't be tempted to accept a couple of stides, push for at least one long side of the school then build up