Today I rode a different horse then I normally do. He is stubborn to canter, but with a whip he goes in to a really fast canter and wont stop (happened last time I rode him) what should I do to make him canter as soon as I tell him, just without a whip? To tell the truth ... last time he went into the crazy canter it really scared me into not using a whip ... even though I really like him. Please help.
Squeze harder, try on lunge first? Get somebody in the middle with a lunge whip:)
He's heavy on the forehand, which is why he goes so fast in a "crazy canter". The only way for you to control the canter better and get him to pick it up without falling into the canter-what is happening right now-and also get control and brakes is to improve your seat so you can control his balance better. Then you can use lots of half halts and such to help keep him balanced.
Unfortunately, the only way to improve your seat quickly is lunge line lessons on a very quiet horse. The reason this is unfortunate is because most people don't have good lunge line lesson horses or just don't even bother with them, considering them a waste of time. Try to get some good lunge line lessons and work on the seat, and the other horse's canter will improve. Remember that the horse's gait is almost always a direct reflection on the rider/riders that condition him.
Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze whilst sitting deep in the saddle and flick the whip so as he can see it and hear it but it doesn't touch him. Once he breaks into canter spur him on with your voice, even if you're on about nonsense and just think forwards, even sit in the two point position if it keeps him going!
well you could keep trying to squeeze him harder on the inside then the outside. When you use a whip you could make a sound and do the squeeze thing. You could keep repeating it then maybe he will remember it! hope it helps
Put your inside leg on the girth and keep squeezing him, giving a little kick if necessary. If he continues to ignore you, flick your reins at him. Remember to use plenty of voice.
If your instructor is a good one they should be teaching you how to get him to canter without the need for a whip so ask them for advice.
