Wrong leg in left rein canter
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moy
18 Nov 2008 21:53
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Hi, I am trying to collect an Irish Draught cross who has mainly done hunting. I am aiming to do dressage and have so far worked on his walk and trot which is becoming more balanced and soft. However my canter work is another story. Right rein is ok, long but on the correct leg. On the left rein he tenses up anticipating my tension and strikes off on wrong leg, or strikes off on correct leg, overbends and then is disunited, throwing me all over the place. I have tried bending his head in the opposite direction, working on my stright lines and am becoming quite disheartened. What else can I try? Should I shift my weight?
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Emsy99
18 Nov 2008 22:17
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My horse used to do the same. However, I later discovered he had a physical problem and really couldn't carry himself in balance on the left rein. After months of treatment and remedial farriery, he has improved and is now able to balance both reins in canter. So, first point, it's worth investigating his back, feet etc. Like you, though, I have had to get the issue out of my mind as then it becomes an ever bigger issue with him anticipating my anticipation! We now strike off fine, but to avoid my horse changing legs in left canter (part of the old habit), I have to sit remarkably still, not moving my leg position or shifting my weight. Just holding my inside rein fractionally higher, riding forward with my seat and making sure I don't block the canter in any way. Counter canter is also a good exercise for him.
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moy
18 Nov 2008 22:25
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Thanks for that....I have had his back looked at a few times, and there was tension there, so hopefully maybe with a couple more sessions there might be some more improvement. Oh and I will try keeping my position still as I do tend to overcompensate with my weight down the left leg.
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rachyrooster
01 Dec 2008 11:34
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My horse often strikes off wrong in left canter. I really have to make sure he is supple relaxed and has correct bend, even then he sometimes manages to give me lovely counter canter - naughty boy. In my case its juts allot of hard constant work, and rewarding him for correct lead!
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