When i hold my horseback she changes canter lead - help

[Simbacat]

Has anyone else experienced this evasion and have any tips. My mare is pretty hot but has improved immensely in the last 2 years since I have had her. One last little issue I am left with is that when she feels stressed, and would like to go faster on the trail, she listens to my hand and body aids but annoyingly changes canter leads behind. I know it's a kind of evasion but am not sure how to help her. Its surprisingly annoying if she does it every few strides, she especially does it cantering down hill, where I also feels she is leaning on the bit a little for support. I have just been on an amazing riding holiday in Mexico where we cantered and galloped plenty downhill so have really really felt it coming back. Any handy hints??

 

[littleshetland]

Do you mean she goes dis-united behind? I should keep her steady (why on earth would you want to gallop down a hill?) keep you upper body weight back to encourage her to keep her weight more behind her and lighter in front so she's not leaning on your hands. make sure she's not in any discomfort (bad back, saddle etc) if she keeps changing behind.

 

[Simbacat]

No she's not disunited, she was a polo pony and polocrosse and so used to being stopped and changing direction so that's why I think she defaults to changing legs when checked. Maybe she just isn't used to cantering downhill?, I'm trying to lean back and balance her. They loved doing it in mexico, well at a full gallop really, it certainly stiffens your resolve for such things in the UK.

 

[Equi]

If you are going down hill does it really matter? She will be balancing herself to keep from slipping and falling more than trying to be smooth for you.

 

[littleshetland]

Well I think you answered your own question a bit - she's obviously very adept at working on a flat surface - if she'd been eventing or hunting I'm sure she'd have more confidence going downhill. It does sound like she's trying to keep her balance. Perhaps try and slow things down for her - more of a gentle 'uphill' canter while you go downhill.....