Problem Solving for Horse and Rider 101

 Canter:

                If it is difficult to get a lead in one direction or the other then once you get the lead you need to canter 75% of the time on that lead and 25% of the time on the other lead.  That does not mean that you canter 100% of your riding time.  The canter is a lateral (or motion from side to side) gate.  When picking up the lead the rider must use his or her outside leg and rein almost to the point of bending the horse slightly in the opposite of the direction they are attempting to get the lead. What happens is the rider displaces the weight of the horse to the outside.  In this case the horse is being forced onto the inside leg by weight displacement.   Remember the first step of the canter occurs in the outside hind.  Once you are able to get consistent leads then you must work on the consistency of the gate its self.  You can do this by cantering ahead on the long side of the arena and collecting on the short side of the arena.  Cantering circles is also very beneficial.  Departure into the canter is best learned from a slow sitting trot. 

Note: The aids used in straightness are very important when asking for leads and eventually lead changes. 

 Poles and circles:

                Set up 4 poles in a line 35ft apart.

1.       Trot over the center of the first pole, and then make a 33ft circle that takes you back over that pole a second time.

2.       Proceed over the second pole, followed by another 10 meter circle in the opposite direction.

3.       Continue through all four poles in this manner alternating directions.

Note: learn to feel cutting in or bulging.  You can correct this by proper use of your legs, seat and hands.  Circles make all of your future training easier. 

Important things to remember:

1.       Practice your release over ground poles before jumping.  It allows the horse to increase or establish its pace, and it also allows your horse to use their head and neck over the jump.  Eventually your hands should only be used to maintain a straight forehand. 

2.       The rider must strive with their aids to make transitions smoother.

3.       There are five factors to jumping.

1.       There is always a track to the jump that you must consider.

2.       Consider your pace and stride.

3.       The different type of jump requires a different type of impulsion. You need a slow pace with a slow stride with a lot of upward motion. 

4.       Balance or lightness of the forehand, the weight of the horse is taken off of its hocks and on its forehand.  Lateral balance is important as well.

5.       Distance, the comfortable take off zone.  This is also known as timing or eye.  This is the ability to gage the horses stride to the obstacle.  This takes all four of the previous elements.