Breaking into trot!

[toohorsemad]

How can I stop my horse from breaking into trot from canter? Is there any schooling exerises that I can use? Or is it just my riding?

[Peanut]

I'm certainly no expert, but my horse does the same and I find it is just leg, leg and more leg! When he breaks into a trot from canter of his own accord, I collect him up and make him canter again even if only for a few strides until he realises that he only stops cantering when I tell him to! Try cantering in 20 m circles, rather than using the whole school, using inside leg for bend and outside leg for impulsion.

[toohorsemad]

Thanks for the reply buttercup!

[ponylover88]

...

[toohorsemad]

Although today he didn't do it as much I think he just needs to get used to me and I just need to get used to him!

[jenren!!]

how old is your horse? it is very common for youngsters to do this.

X jenny X

[toohorsemad]

He's six but he doesn't like working! Prefers playing and jumping, not fond of flatwork!

[kedwards]

How is he if you get up in galloping position and bridge your reins on his neck?

In this position, there is minimal interference from seat or reins, so it may help you to assess what is going on. If he continues to break even when you do this, then he may be lacking in fitness or still needs to learn to stay forward without reminders.

If he stays cantering or even speeds up when you do this, then perhaps it's more a matter of how he is responding to your seat or rein contact than a general lack of forward energy.

[toohorsemad]

There is no problem galloping him! Once you get up in your galloping seat and ask for gallop he will gallop! Our canters are getting better as we I ride him! Maybe I just was too nervous up on him!?!?!

[kedwards]

If you are feeling nervous, that could certainly contribute. Any stiffness in your body or rein contact can be read as slowing cues to the horse (which really makes him a pretty good boy, don't you think?)

If you are comfortable enough to do it, perhaps you could try lightening your seat (as if to gallop) to get him forward for a few strides, then sit for a few strides and ask him to come together a little. Just before he breaks, send him on again and lighten your seat for a few strides, etc.

[toohorsemad]

Yes he is a very good boy! I was nervous because I always am when I get up on new horses first!

[Gothika]

You should be able to feel it when he's about to break into trot, and then give him a boot :D. If he won't listen you can always back it up with a small tap of your stick, but don't stop using your leg! Only use your stick if he doesn't listen to your leg. Also, if this doesn't help, it might be an idea to try spurs, it just soemtiems goes that extra mile to make horses listen. Good luck!

[jacstar]

I agree with all the above.

Leg, leg, and more leg. :D

Oh i had this problem with my mare and my instructor said to exagerate your hip movements in the canter position as she will find it harder to trot when you are pushing from your seat.

Jac