Does anyone have any tips for cantering on trails? With my old mare, going out on hacks was the most calming experience. She never bucked or took off with me. se also always slowed down as soon as she saw people. I was just a passenger but in the best way possible. My 5-year-old, back then 4, also never had any problems. She was always brave and never even dared to buck as long as I was on her back. She was always manageable at any speed. Just over half a year ago, I bought a 6-year-old. Hes the most precious and kind horse I have had the pleasure to own, but once we're on the trails, I struggle to hold him, even at a trot. In the arena, he doesn't buck or do anything unpleasant, unless he is in pain. On the trail, however, he launches himself forward and starts bucking as soon as I ask him to canter. I'm sure that this could just be some sort of joyous expression, but my seat isn't good enough to sit his huge bucks (I'm used to ponies 15.1/15.2hh horses and he is 17hh). DOes anyone have any tips on how I can slowly introduce cantering out on the trails without getting thrown off?

Trail Horse Question

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ChrissyC

Equestrian PRO

My mare doesn't buck, but she does bolt on trails when I ask her to canter. I have had her for 15 years and we have been working on this issue for 13 of those years. The only thing I have found that helps is that we do alot of walk trot transitions and if she is nice and calm during the transitions I will let her canter a short distance and then bring her back to a walk. I do that a few times until I am confident that she will be civilized. It does get frustrating for other riders when we go out together because I can't guarantee that we can canter and the can't canter without me or she will dump me.

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10/04/24-20:06

LynnD

Equestrian Inspirer

I know your pain…my big boy does the same and doesn’t seem to know his own strength. When I’m with someone I try to walk/trot and only canter in certain areas when I’m alone (uphill is best) having a friend along makes him buck more. Also I change where I canter or the anticipation sets him off. Avoid cantering when you’re headed back home, believe me they know ….try short spurts in a controlled way and then slow to a fast trot but keep him moving forward, pent up excitement /frustration go up in the air if they’re not going forward. Weirdly singing helps, calms them to hear your voice and you’re more relaxed when you sing so not signaling to him you’re expecting shenanigans

10/04/24-15:36

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