Won't stay in canter.

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Hannah♡

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My loan horse Charlie is lazy when he is in trot his is ok but getting him from trot in canter is difficult he does a few strides then falls out and I squeeze and kick but he doesn't stay in canter for very long . When i've ridden other horses i've been able to keep them in canter so what else could I do to keep him in canter ?
 
Has this always been a problem? Could be worth getting a health/saddle/physio MOT if he's lazy all round, saddle fit can really affect the canter in my experience (amongst lots of other things obviously!).

If that all looks fine your best bet is one on one lessons with a good instructor. There's no quick fix if its training and without being able to see you both it's very hard to help. If everything health wise is OK it can be improved and is a really common problem so don't lose heart but an instructor is definitely the way to go!
 
Is he comfortable and fit enough for the work you're asking of him? Are you giving clear aids and not restricting him from going forwards?

If yes to all of the above, one hard smack behind your leg as soon as he ignores you might shock him into doing as told...
 
He falls out to his strongest side so he’s not balanced or strong enough in his core for a school canter. Work on getting him straight in trot and ask for increases in pace and decreases. If you are sure he is straight ask for a few strides of canter and be happy with a few straight strides. Build on this over time. He’s quite obviously not strong enough or straight enough and horses that get tired will default to the stronger side. Include lots of transitions and lateral movements. If you can lunge this will help strengthen the core. Just ask when balanced and be happy with a few straight strides to begin with. If you see him duck under or escape, take it slow.
 
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