The Canter Depart
Question: My gelding canters on the longe line with no problem. However, when I'm riding, it's difficult to make him take up the canter. And, then when he does, he takes off very fast. Do you have any suggestions on how to train him to be more willing and consistent? Also, is there anything I can do to make him more collected at the canter? I would like to slow him down a bit. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it! Sincerely, Elizabeth
Answer: Elizabeth, The behaviors you describe are typical of a horse that is afraid of the canter transition. Some horses have been hurt so many times in the canter departure by the rider hitting him them in the mouth and slamming down on their backs, that they become emotional train wrecks when asked to canter. They throw their heads up in the air and run off; running in fear of the pain they are sure is coming. It's a self-defeating behavior that soon becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy for the horse because it causes the rider to stiffen and hold the reins tighter, which in turn causes the rider to hit the horse in the mouth and back. READ MORE>>
