I got my horses head down, but she won't engage her hind end?

Question

I finally got my horse to lower her head and flex at the poll. Still, I get the feeling that she isn't propelling herself enough with her hind end. Is there anything that I can do? I've tried deepening my seat while staying soft in my hands to encourage her forward movement but to control the movement. I've been lunging her everyday for three weeks for about 15-20 minutes; mostly at the canter so she can develop those muscles better, now she's practically ripped. Her balance is amazing especially for just going through EPM. I just need to know how to get her to propel and engage her hind end for a nice supple control and balance. She looks ok right now, but in the future I plan to teach her the extended trot (she's a Morgan and she loves learning new things).

Answer 1

The trot is the gait you want, not the canter.  

Also I've always heard to get the hindend correct first and then the head will naturally follow..you did things a little backwards...back up and worry more about the hindend and less about the front.

Answer 2

GIVE VITAMINS

Answer 3

Your biggest problem is that you've gone about this backward.  First you get engagement of the hindquarters and THEN you lower the head if you need to, which, if done correctly, you don't.  If properly engaged a horse will hold their head exactly where they are built to hold it.

Cantering in circles for 15 to 20 minutes won't do what you want it to do.  Yes, you've got muscles, but not necessarily the ones you want.  Lots of long trotting, lots of hills and cavalletti work will get the strengh in the ring of muscles that controls the body.  I do think you'd do well finding a really good instructor to help you.

Answer 4

Perhaps find a dressage instructor and get some pro help.