Heather - I could do with your advice!

[emma]

Heather

I have, in the last couple of weeks, started back having lessons on my 15 year old horse. He has returned to work after being rested for about 12 weeks with a tendon sprain.

In my lesson last week, we worked a lot on getting him supple and forward but when I cantered him large on the left rein he kept striking off either disunited or on the wrong leg. My instructor asked me to ask for the transition on a 20m circle left and he gave me the correct leg.
Now his canter right was OK and his trot work on both reins was good, round and light, although I have to work to keep him straight especially on the left rein.

My instructor does not think that it is a problem with stiffness if his hocks, but more that it is due to lack of suppleness and straightness in his body. I do have a lot of trust in my instructors judgement, but obviously it is a worry niggling at the back of my mind.

I know it is difficult for you to comment without seeing me ride, but any thoughts as to what the problem could be would be much appreciated.

Also, I have had a new dressage saddle fitted recently which fits very well, so I do not think that is a factor.

Thanks

Emma

[Heather]

Emma, how long has your horse been back in work after his lay off?
Heather

[emma]

Hi Heather

He's been back in the menage for a good 5 weeks now and previous to that we did 4 weeks of road work at a walk.

I also have some more info now:

Monday night I lunged him and he gave me the correct lead on the canter left the very first time I asked for it and last night I had my instructor over for a lesson and we worked on the canter left and we think that it is me that is causing the problem because as I try to get him to bend into the corners I am applying too much inside leg and to much inside rein and causing him to swing his quarters out.

We tested this on a 20 meter circle with me not using so much inside leg when asking for the depart and also giving with my inside rein and 9 times out of 10 he cantered with the correct leg.


Any thoughts/advice?

[Heather]

Sounds to me as if it is working itself out. He may just have been stiffer and more sore on one side as a result of his lay off. Keep doing what you are!


Heather