I have an older (around 14) Saddlebred that I cannot get to canter the second way.?

Question

He is five gaited and whenever you ask him to canter, all he does is rack off. He acts (and feels) like he is about to step off into a canter but never does. He will canter the first way but will fall out of it into a rack if you don't keep pushing him. What are my best choices?

Answer 1

Sounds like he's gotten into a bad habit of not cantering. Maybe someone didn't feel comfortable cantering and just never let him. You might have a chiro look at him to be sure he doesn't have an injury that is causing him to be in pain in the canter.

I would honestly get a crop and when you ask for the canter and he falls out spank him, this will probably only take 2-3 times before he realizes that it is more comfortable (don't get spanked) to travel in a canter.

Answer 2

my qh had a problem with cantering and all i did was push her if she stopped before i asked her i got her i trouble (backing, one reined stops). Now she canters just fine!

keep on pushing him and dont give up or he will take advantage of that. and make sure u arent holding him back give alot of rein and get excited it helps him realize he should move forward to, really exagerate!!

hope i helped, good luck!!

Answer 3

Uhmmm I think you should... Are you trying to get him to pick up a lead?  Then you should push with you outside leg infront of the girth and your in side leg behind the girth.  I hope I helped.  Good luck with your horse!

Answer 4

Since he will canter on one side, but not the other, work on strengthening his other side.  Work on racking (or his fastest, most strenuos gait-- I'm not familier with gaited horses) a ton on his weak side.  If this does not improve him, get him on a longe line.  Get him up to a rack, then ask him to canter with a soft whip cue and kiss.  Slap his butt with your whip if he doesn't listen.  Canter him for a circle or two, then let him come back down.  Repeat.  After not too long, he will pick up the pace when you ask.  This will also help get him to respect you more, and take you seriously.  Transfer the same exercise to the saddle.  Bring a crop along, and if he doesn't pick up the pace when you ask, slap him.  Good luck!