canter help

[Sámie]

hello, my horse just picked up this really bad habit that when he drops outa a canter, he puts his head to the floor and I nearly come of the top, he also chews his bit alot. please can someone give me some things to try out so he stops it, thanks xxxxxxxxx

[AndrewM]

You may have given a clue to the answer when you say that he drops out of canter. Horses/ponies use their neck and head for balance, so it may be that he is loosing his balance slightly and regaining it by putting his head down.

[Sámie]

I supose but he's only just started to do it, like only yesterday! It's ever since I took him over a few jumps and he knew that if he put his head right down, I had to stop!

[Tangle]

Where are you asking him to canter (in a school? small field? big field/track?) How long does he canter for before dropping back to trot?

[Lindsayanne]

Does he drop his head when YOU ask him to transition down, or when HE decides he's tired of cantering? Could be he's just figured out if he stops and plunges his head down he gets to rest and gets to pull the reins out of your hand and avoid contact with the bit. If it's just him being naughty, I'd put an overcheck on him for a ride or two prevent him from plunging his head down. After he learns to yield to the overcheck, correcting him with your hands will be easier. Just MHO.

[Slewster05]

I have this problem with my TB right now and am in the process of correcting it. Right now at the canter he will drop his head and pull on the bit. The best thing to break this habit is when your horse starts to pull and drop his head, gently message the bit in his mouth until you get the head set that you desire. Once he/she give it to you stop messaging. Horse learn through annoyance. As for breaking at the canter, horses will generally break in the same spot. If you are using a whole arena use just a corner and make your own circle. Once you horse breaks the first few times learn his cues before he breaks. Once you feel this cue apply leg aid prior to the break and force him through it for one circle and then reward him. Repeat often and within a few weeks hopefully you will have a better frame and nice canter.

[Sámie]

It's on a massive shell track with few bends then he will canter and then just drop outta it when he feels like it, but he puts his head really low and and I pull it back up, then make him do it again. Ive only just started to do that though!

[Tangle]

He might be dropping out of canter because he's on his forehand. Exercises that will help get his weight back include anything that makes him bring his hind legs under him (so transitions, circles with correct bend, transitions, lateral work, transitions, etc ;)).

Try to bear in mind that he's still only 3 weeks (?) back in regular work and cantering with a rider is very hard work for an unfit horse. He might well just be telling you he can't keep it up any longer :(. How much work can he do in walk and trot for before breaking a sweat? Might give you a clue as to his fitness level and whether he's really capable of what you're asking :)

[Sámie]

I have done alot of things with him, I took him about 1 mile and a bit speed walk, trot but mainly canter when he was full of energy one day and he didnt sweat, he took my mum who heavier than me and galloped home and he was fine, then I took him again and he cantered most of the way then he started to sweat a bit under his saddle. He's improved so much! I think hes ready for a sponsered rides next month but I will wait until the october one.