Ex-pacer???

Question

my horse is an ex-pacer, and although it took ages, now she will trot/canter on hacks (changing directions, circling etc) and when we free lungue, but when we put a lungue line on, she doesnt want to know. Also, in the school, she will canter, but will not change the rien, go round corners, circle etc. when shes in trot. Any tips on how i can combat this? She's really not happy pacing and once shes taught something, she usually picks it up very quickly. Thanks

Answer 1

I had an ex pacer who would trot and canter (and even jump) well under saddle but not when loose. It was down to balance. When your mare is being ridden she has you to help her balance but not when she is loose. More work under saddle is needed to balance her. Transitions, half halts etc. to get her off her forehand should help. Mine never truly cantered 3 time though. He still qualified for the David Broome Showjumping Championships of Great Britain. We got him on death's door but he pulled round :-)

Answer 2

She needs time.  Her muscles are all developed for pacing, and switching to trotting takes new and different muscling.  Keep working her at the trot as you have been to help her develop her muscles for trotting.

In the school, practice changing the rein, corners, circles, etc. while walking, then add in bits of trotting.  For example, do the turn of a change of rein walking, then trot the diagonal and finish the rein change trotting.

She needs work on balance as well.  Try trotting a large circle and spiralling it slowly down.  Sit the trot, and keep your weight to the outside to help her balance.  Try to start spiralling out again just BEFORE she's going to break.

Really, it's not a matter of teaching her, it's a matter of conditioning.

Good Luck.