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  Discussion on Need some canter help
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Posted on Monday, Jan 21, 2002 - 11:04 am:

O.K., here is my training dilema of the week - if anyone has any ideas or suggestions of how to handle this problem, please let me know -

I have been spending more and more time working on my horse's canter, and have progressed nicely going to the left. She has really slowed down, has a soft jaw, and will actually round out for about 2 or 3 strides for me (thank god for small miracles!). HOWEVER, going to the right is another story. I work in a 20 meter circle to start, and she really resists me - she will raise her head WAY up, and turn it to the outside of the circle - and if I try to go bigger or along the long side of the arena, she literally grabs the bit and will run away with me. REMEMBER, this is only going to the right.

Here is what I am doing: Lunging a lot with side reigns in a round pen to the right at a canter. When riding to the right at a canter and she starts to do this resisting I sit up very straight and very deep and almost leaning back in the saddle, open my inside reign, and push her out with my inside thigh and calf. I have to remember to keep my hands very low, because as soon as I accidently raise them, I lose contact. I also use lots of squeeze release squeeze release with my fingers as I open the inside reign. By working like this for almost 5 minutes, she will usually start to soften her jaw for a few strides before evading me again. I always praise her BIG TIME as soon as she softens and try to let up on the reigns a little. SO, WHAT AM I DOING INCORRECTLY? Should it be this hard? Let me know, you won't hurt my feelings!

Posted on Monday, Jan 21, 2002 - 5:37 pm:

Marci,
Forgive me if I post twice but I think I lost my first answer. I'm not an expert but have worked through the problem you describe. I think all horses go better one way than the other and one of the major things we try to do is get them even on both reins. Check to make sure (on a straight-away) that your mare is not much stronger on one side, hollow on the other(I'd guess hollow on left side). If she is, work on that at a walk and trot before moving on to the canter. Bitting up can work to supple a horse but has to address if they are not taking hold of the bit evenly. And I think you are right to push with the inside leg but I would not open the inside rein. Additionally I would offer some support with half-halts on the outside rein and maybe even support with the outside leg to push the hindquarters over to the inside. Good luck -at least you've got one side going well. That can help you in your feel for the other.
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