"Need to get the trot more forward"

[phyzelda]

Above is what i keep being told in my dressage with Manny, hes not one of the most forwards moving trotters,

Is there anything i could try with him to get him travelling more forwards? The more leg i use the more he tries breaking into canter.

Thank you


And i actually have to eat my own words now, as i never used to like dressage but now i love it!!

 

[andreaB]

i used to have this problem with my horse , esp at comps rather than home as he could be a little cautious at new places

result was i ended up working alot harder than he

basically i did lots of work on getting him to listen to my leg so i could use it less , immediately backing it up with the whip if he didn't respond , may be a little more tricky in your case re canter issue but half halts should help to contain the forward movement , make sure you are giving firm clear aids & not constantly nagging which he may have switched off to

also at comps i wear spurs for some extra backup , but never at any other time