I have a 14 year old arabian gelding and he has developed a cross firing problem. About 1 month ago I noticed him breaking his canter at the right lead. At first i thought he was just being lazy, but when i lunged him I noticed about every 6 or 7 strides he would break to a crossfire and immediately break to a trot and then go back into the canter and repeat what he was doing. But i also noticed he only does this on his right lead and not his left. He has never had any serious injuries, and is very well taken care of. Does anyone have any idea what might be happening and/or how to fix the problem? If so please help.

My Arab used to do that too. Since it's only on one side work on strengthening that side at the canter. Do lots of counter bending. On the line it's harder to correct but do your best. Break him to a trot then have him pick it back up or pull him in a tighter circle. Much luck.

Training my own Arab from a baby:)

Cross cantering is not a pretty thing nor is it easy to sit. My Canadian likes to counter-canter but will sometimes cross canter as well. He is left sided like yours. I would have him trot as soon as he canters incorrectly. Then have him pick up his correct lead, even if it's only for a stride or two. Also go trail riding up and down hills to strengthen his muscles. Working on turn on the haunches might help to. It's easier to get a horse to follow his hind end then the other way around. If that makes any sense. One more thing I would try is ground poles and cavaletti. Any exercise or anything that will help build up his muscles should help. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Hope this helps! Good luck!

You did not say whether he was grabbing the wrong lead on the front or the hind leg. If it is a left hind leg that he is grabbing when he should be on the right lead. If he is not hurting anywhere and he is correct in the legs you could try this.

It would be easier if your horse will move his hind end away from leg when you ask. I would think if you could work him in lots of circles and keep his hind end on an inside track on these circles and when he does that well, work on figure 8,s next the round close figure 8s not long loopy ones.
When you get to the center, pick up on the reins, kind of a half hault to let him know you are going to change something and if you are going to your right, put your weight in the left pocket and squeeze with your right leg and put his hinder to the inside of the left circle.(you put your weight in the outside pocked to free up the lead side) Put his hinder in to the left if you are asking for a left lead and visa versa. than hold him in that circle keeping his hinder in. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Often when a horse grabs a wrong hind lead it is because his hindquarters drift to the outside of the circle.

I have used this method a lot of times for horses that were just unwilling to take one lead or the other and it has always worked for me.

Were you doing circles with him while he cross fired? Some horses will change leads in the front/back because they are off balance.

I highly doubt that this is the problem but:.... My horse kept cross firing while going into the corners or doing circles. The cause? A fractured hock! We found out that he has a calcium deficiency, and without a calcium supplement, the fracture can come back. Once again, I doubt that this is the problem... but you never know!