When to get strick on rushing into canter with youngsters?

sandi_84

sandi_84

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Ok so you may know by now...
Loki is a 5yo cob who came to me with no schooling, rubbish balance etc etc.
He is progressing really well and becoming very good in the school thanks to my instructors lessons.
I was wondering about the above ^ question though. I know it is very normal/acceptable for a young horse to rush from trot to canter when he/she is learning as they have to work their legs out etc but... when does it become unacceptable?
Loki is now far more balanced and although he does not always strike of on the right leg in canter (he attempted to correct himself by flying change today with not a lot of success - ended up falling back into trot and going again :D ha ha!) when we do get it right he does very well except for the rush into it. We have only been trying for canter for the last 3 lessons. We have 1 lesson weekly atm, will be upping it to 2 in the coming weeks as he is still a bit unfit from being unwell.
 
I find its better working on canter transitions with an unschooled youngster on a bridleway or in a field rather than a small arena, as the balance issue is removed. Gradually, the more you work on them in other paces, the more the balance comes and the easier it all gets..
 
So it's just a case of let them work themselves out then?
We are attempting small hacks atm as well but I usually go out with the mothership who after a fall is not up for canter just yet :o
 
Not totally let them get on with it - you need to work on keeping hold of the front end too and riding them through the transition too. Its just easier on a longer straight line with a green horse sometimes than in a small school..

If he is improving with your lessons thats great - keep doing what she tells you then - its working..
 
It can take quite a long time to get trot - canter and canter - trot transitions perfect. After a sacroiliac injury 15 months ago and not being about to canter more than 2 strides without going disunited and back to trot, we are ALMOST able to do correct transitions up and down 95% of the time without rushing/ going
disunited etc. He's rising 7 warmblood x and we have weekly lessons.
As long as you are making progress just keep going!
 
sugarpuff said:
It can take quite a long time to get trot - canter and canter - trot transitions perfect. After a sacroiliac injury 15 months ago and not being about to canter more than 2 strides without going disunited and back to trot, we are ALMOST able to do correct transitions up and down 95% of the time without rushing/ going
disunited etc. He's rising 7 warmblood x and we have weekly lessons.
As long as you are making progress just keep going!
Click to expand...

Oh gosh I'm not wanting perfect transitions yet! :D I'm just happy he doesn't fall over when I ask him to do something ha ha! :D
 
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