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Discussion on Switching leads at right leg canter
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 11, 2001 - 5:09 pm:
My 4 YO TB gelding likes to switch his lead at the canter when going to the right. He only does this when we attempt to do a straight line at the canter on the right lead. I have myleft leg way behind the girth and my right leg at the girth. He is very stiff to this side so I find it impossible to keep a slight bend to the inside without him falling in and then switching. My instructor started flying lead changes with him a month earlier and now I think he is confused. He maintains the lead to the left no problem but I haven't been able to canter a straight line to the right in several days. Now it has become a battle and I'm afraid that this is becoming a habit. Any suggestions?
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Posted on Monday, Aug 13, 2001 - 6:11 pm:
HI Sandy,
I think that you described the cause of the problem in your post when you noted that he was stiff and unwilling to maintain the correct bend. Does he also do this on a circle or when being lunged? I would do lots of exercises to help him with his bending and build it from there. You could also try the 'moving circle' exercise in which you pick up a canter at A, circle 20 m, then proceed to E and circle 20 m and then to C and circle 20 m. That way you are limiting the straight time to what may be more manageable for him and reinforcing the bend that you want. You also want to look at your position on the horse as well, perhaps you are putting too much weight one outside stirrup. I wouldn't keep my leg way behind the girth the whole time as it will put you off balance.
good luck
Teresa
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