tie my kangaroo down!

michelleice

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OK to explain-

Ive only ever cantered Ben once and that wasn't my doing he decided he wanted to canter home(stopped him) reason for this was because before i got him he wasn't ridden in 8 months so i wanted to slowly bring him back again and by the time he was ready he put himself on box rest so Ive slowly worked him up to it.

so yesterday i decided to canter him in sand school he at first extended his trot so i sat into it and pony kicked him he throws his head up and kangaroos for a few steps and goes back into trot with his head so far in air if i sit forward i could bite him!

hes in a running martingale and grackle.

i kept trying to get him to canter but after a while he tries to turn and bomb off! with his head again in the air i tried to calm him and he just went bonkers and was fast trotting round till point i gave up (shouldn't have) but i did and i un tacked

his teeth/back and shoes have all been done recently (within last 3 months) so now i don't know what to do, should i get someone else to ride him to actually see what he does feels like hes kangarooing his legs only way i can describe it

oh forgot to say i tried him on both reins same outcome

anyone have any idears??
 
How old is he? whats his history?

Have you tried asking for canter on the lunge? this would be my first port of call.

Sounds like a fitness / balance issue and some sort of evasion, either from pain or just from doing some work!!

Might be worth getting someone confident and knowledgeable like a well respected instructor to try him...
 
Agree wit CBFan. Try him on the lunge and if he can canter then it is prob a balance issue. It is prob all getting to hectic. Don't flap or do pony club kicks. You must not let him run in trot. If they are trotting too fast they cannot canter. He should 'pop' into canter from a balanced working trot. Use the corner, and ask as he comes in & is starting to bend round the corner. If this fails get an experienced person to try him. Work on vocal commands too.
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tbh i would have probably done it on a hack first cos straight lines will be easier for him and because they generally enjoy it more and relax into a hacking canter better than in a school... in my experience anyway
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good luck
 
[ QUOTE ]
so yesterday i decided to canter him in sand school he at first extended his trot so i sat into it and pony kicked him he throws his head up and kangaroos for a few steps and goes back into trot with his head so far in air if i sit forward i could bite him!

[/ QUOTE ]

crazy.gif
Perhaps you having some lessons would help....
 
You need a balanced trot before you can get a balanced canter so there is no point letting him trot faster and faster until he breaks into canter. Try and get a nice balanced, steady trot. Sit really deep in the saddle as you come to a corner and then use your seat and legs to ask for canter, if he just rushes his trot steady him up and try again when he is balanced.

Ditto what others have said though, cantering on a hack will be easier and more enjoyable for him and you.
 
hey all soz had busy day!

he will canter in lunge but again its a kangarooo thing not pain as ive had him checked and i do slow his trot down so i can ask for canter at right time he just rushes on in trot


ill try hack

thanks for advice
 
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