welsh D canter transitions

NeverSayNever

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just wondering if this is a common 'welsh' thing, or just a green thing...

My mare is 8 but in the school, had only really worked at intro level. Ive been working to get her canter better established and we are getting there. Initially it was a wall of death with no balance and no chance of getting the correct lead. Now, with the help of a fab RI, I can get the correct lead every time... I have to really think 'lean back' and focus on keep absolutely everything still, contact, seat and inside leg, and slide the outside leg back. Im finding short bursts and bringing her back to trot before its had a chance to deteriorate, re-balance in trot then ask again, coupled with strong half halts every couple of strides then giving the rein to encourage her to self-balance, is really helping and we can now canter a 20m circle, yaay! However the upward transition:eek: to get herself on the right lead she totally leaps into the transition, to the point i feel my head snap back with the force, like whip lash! Im getting more used to it now, but Im wondering if it will always be this way or if it too, will improve as she becomes more balanced...
 
My greenish welsh d does exactly the same thing on her upward transition to canter. I do feel that as the canter is becoming more balanced and established that this is improving... Slowly! I'm not sure if this is true or not but someone told me welsh d's can find trot/canter transitions tricky due to their higher stepping leg action?

I'm hoping that practise practise practise and we'll get there in the end! ;) x
 
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