Easy ways to improve your horse’s canter
QI can’t get my cob to canter. He’s six years old and when asked he just bucks. I don’t think it’s excitement. What could be the problem? Kirsty Robinson, Doncaster
AFirstly, it’s worth knowing if your cob canters on both legs naturally when turned out in the field. Watch him and if he’s unable to then you should consider having a vet or physiotherapist check him over. Get your saddle checked to ensure it fits comfortably without pressure. Once you know he isn’t in pain and he accepts the bit happily in walk and trot, then work him on a good surface either hacking or in an arena. If you can lunge, it may be worth asking for canter on the lunge without you on board at first. If he manages to do this, try riding and continue with trot to canter transitions. When asking for canter, don’t move your legs too far back as it could irritate him and cause a buck. A handy tip to remember is that using leg-yielding through a corner in trot before giving a clear canter aid often helps his hindleg to step under into canter. Another reason he might be finding it difficult to canter is if he has most of his weight on his front legs – he may find it hard to lift his shoulders up into the first stride. He might find it easier if you ask for canter from walk. Ride a 10m circle in walk and maintain a clear contact on the outside rein to prevent trot as you give the leg aid. Once he strikes off into canter, go onto a 20m circle.