Left lead at canter - query for Sue C.

[Cathy Reynolds]

Hi all

Henry is getter better by the day. We managed a panic-free lunging session this am, with sloow walk, trot, canter and neat transitions. What a joy.

And a request for left lead canter when ridden no longer gets a total flip-out response. We are getting there slowly. This week saw the first 'try' to lead off correctly (my trainer was watching closely). But any ideas, Sue, why he can do left lead on the lunge no problem, and tangles up with a rider on board?

I try to put into practioce all I learnt in Devon, which seems to be helping. He no longer leans on the bit and we are developing some topline. He has had major teeth work (ramps causing total block in jaw), decent saddle fitted and rechecked last week, two sessions of general IR light therapy, feet now better balanced etc etc so all the obvious things are sorted. Was fully bone scanned last year and no trouble noted there.

[Sue Carnell]

Could be one, or more of a thousand things. Watch his right hind. Does it twist a little when he walks? Is it the weaker hind? Check your weight. Make sure you're level and think shoulder in. Slightly raise your left hand. Check your saddle isn't tighter on the left side. Look at his hindquarters and his shoulders when he's stood square. Are they even? Does he find it as easy to bend to the left as he does the right? Are his other transitions as easy/difficult on both reins. Try going from rising trot, but on the wrong (inside) diagonal. Ask him for the canter transition over a pole on the ground. Give him a bit longer and get decent halt/trot, or even rein-back/trot transitions and see whether with repetitions over only a few strides he begins to collect himself and offer canter.

Hope something in the suggestions helps Cathy.

Good luck.

Sue Carnell
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[Cathy Reynolds]

Thanks a lot. Will try suggestions. Should keep me busy for a few weeks.