28 August 2008 13:42
My six-year-old TB x NF gelding has a balanced and lovely canter on one rein, but on the other he speeds round the school as if it were a racetrack. He also puts his head down so far it pulls me forward. I want to compete him in dressage, so how can I sort out his paces?
Answer
By Your Horse
Natural Horsemanship Expert Charles Wilson advises:
First, check the fit of your saddle and have his teeth checked by a vet or equine dental technician. Then go back to square one in your schooling.
A canter that’s better on one rein than the other suggests either you or your horse has uneven muscular development. Also, check you’re not pushing him along with your seat muscles. This causes tension and resistance through his back, and can make him speed off and pull you forward. Instead, make sure you’re sitting up on your seatbones, with your hips upright and firm abdominal muscles. Keep your thighs flat against the saddle, to hold him steady, and your knees pointing forward to help you keep a close contact with the saddle – you’ll need this if he shoots forward. Remember that pulling on the reins can just result in a futile battle of strength. If he’s working in a correct balance, you should have a comfortable, elastic contact through the reins.