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Discussion on Building up a stiff/weak side and training for collection...
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 20, 1999 - 2:12 pm:
Hi Ida,
I have heard of using an outside bend to pick up a canter lead but usually only when the horse is having trouble picking up the correct lead. By bending him to outside you are forcing him to strike off with the inside hind.
How young is your horse? In early training what you want him to do is to respond to cues willingly and quickly and carry himself straight (i.e, bent on circles and straight on long sides). He needs to learn how to carry himself and a rider before he can be collected. Jane Savoie has a wonderful book describing in detail the early training necessary for collection (Cross-Training your Horse). I wouldn't worry about collection on a young horse until he can do all his transitions smoothly and accurately (up and down), knows how to move off the leg/rein in turning, can shorten and lengthen his stride, leg yield, counter canter, half-halt and is physically fit. It takes a while for a horse to build up the necessary muscles for collection. If you start too soon he may just learn to lean on your hands and then you'll have more to work on later. If You work on the others the collection will come.
good luck
Teresa
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