How to train my horse to canter when riding him?

Question

hi, i have a 8yr old sb that hasn't been trained to canter when riding. he bucks like crazy when you get into a fast trot/ start of a canter. i have heard cantering up hills works as they cant buck when going up hills, what other ways can i help him canter and not buck me off?
thank you.

Answer 1

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He will be struggling to balance himself with your weight on top, this scares him and he takes refuge in bucking.
I would continue to do plenty of ridden work in walk and trot (also sitting trot) so that his overall balance with a rider on top improves. When working in trot increase and decrease impulsion.
Also lunge him in hand and include canter with this. You could lunge him with some weight (such as a big bags filled with straw or shavings) attached safely to his saddle. Obviously you have to start with something light and small and then work with something larger and heavier once he's comfortable with it.
Ride him out with an experienced horse in front and include short canter periods. If he follows the horse in front in a manic trot, that's ok for now, don't force him to canter yet. Try sitting in a light seat.
Work over short uphill and downhill areas is a good idea, try asking him to go uphill over short distances where he HAS to canter, even if he only does a few strides.
You could also have a look at some natural horsemanship games (Parelli) that you can do with him to increase his trust in you.
Don't over-face him, make sure he enjoys his work, it might take some time but he will get there eventually.
I assume you have had his saddle checked for fit and that there are no physical problems that would want him to buck.
Hope this helps.

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Asker's Comment:

thank you :)

Answer 2

yeah i agree with the savannah person. just keep persistent and use the lunge line a bunch. but keep in mind that you just might get bucked off. it's mostly necessary if you want to get your horse to canter.

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life

Answer 3

US the bridle and a long rope ,sometimes traming him away from the other horses is good so it wont show off and show of its strength.Its dont ever hurt animals but a wild hourse is the only animal that I would recommend a little love tap here and there ,it may take along time to train the horse if your not strong enough to handle it you may need a training if a horse doesnt respect you when your on him it may not when your off of it so training it to be still and walk with your pace is a first in a ring or enclosed area then .Teaching the hourse to stop when you stop and move when you move during your training periods are crucial to earning the respect of the horse.Dont beat the hourse to death its an animal that can help its reactions but a little love tap i.e light wip will put it in check then after awhile you will be able to rid it and it will do as you say .