What are solutions for my standardbred crossfiring?

Question

crossfire is when the back leg comes up and hits the front leg while pacing

Answer 1

definitely but some bell boots on his front to keep from injury.  tighten up some hobbles to shorten up his stride.  he is obviously getting to extended.  keep some contact with his mouth and don't let him get to strung out

Answer 2

My current theory is that cross firing is caused by three things:

- too much tension

- incorrect muscling

- lack of balance

I have seen this problem alot with horses that get little turn-out time to develop natural movement.

Your horse needs as much exposure to free-run open pasture as possible, preferably with a group, so the horse can be free to run and build up muscle naturally!

Restricting movement by applying more pressure to the mouth will only cause more discomfort combined with frustration your horse already has.

Commands should always be 90% leg and weight shift and 10% rein.