Ugly transitions

annaleah · 10-21-2009, 01:39 PM

I'm working a horse right now that when doing a transition sticks his head high in the air and does a a weird hop. When ridden I can easily get him into frame and working nicely, but during transitions it just all falls apart for those 2 seconds! I've been trying to keep his frame and head down during transitions but he still does not feel right. Anyone else having these issues and can spread a word of advice?

barnprincess · 10-21-2009, 01:59 PM

lots of work on transitions haha i have the same issue but mine is only from the canter down to a trot. walk to trot -- trot to walk and trot to canter are all fine. You have to be quiet with your seat and hands and keep good contact. I notice if i slow her canter down and really collect her then sit tight and ask for a trot she'll go nice into it but most of the times if its a working / semi working canter she'll throw her head in the sky untill i can slow her down and collect her again lol. its a lot of realy hard work . i can vouge for that. my thighs are killing me !

JBandRio · 10-21-2009, 02:25 PM

Since there are so, so many possiblities, it would really, really help to see a video.

It can be anything from physical discomfort, to rider error, to the horse just not knowing what to do.

If it's the last thing, then what you do to correct it really depends on exactly what's going on.

GotaDunQH · 10-21-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBandRio

Since there are so, so many possiblities, it would really, really help to see a video.

It can be anything from physical discomfort, to rider error, to the horse just not knowing what to do.

If it's the last thing, then what you do to correct it really depends on exactly what's going on.

Agree! Once you establish the source of the problem, then it can be remedied. Many times a horse will "throw" itself into a lope or canter (for example) by lifting the head and front first for balance, instead of engaging the hind end first (because this is where the lope/canter depart starts). The horse should still be on the bit, head/neck steady, poll flexed, shoulders up as it uses it's "engine"...the back end....to initiate the transition.

Jennifer

annaleah · 10-21-2009, 02:54 PM

i will get a video

I've seen him do this with other riders so i'm hoping its not my fault

PinkHorse · 10-21-2009, 05:29 PM

I agree with JB & GotaDunQH, a video would help narrow down the possibilities. 90% of the time when a horse leaps into a transition, it's just what GotaDun said - the transition is starting in the front rather than hind end. When this happens, I find it helps to really get them engaged in the hind end and correct through the back and shoulders before asking for the transition. When you ask, pay very close attention to your body position and don't throw the horse away into the canter/lope. If you get an ugly transition, immediately come down into the slower gait and start again. They eventually get it but it takes time to correct the bad habit.

Looking forward to the video!

Gutter_Doll · 10-21-2009, 05:45 PM

Upwards or downwards, or both? It sounds like he's not giving to the bridle at all.
But, as it's been said, video would be needed to get a better idea.

annaleah · 10-21-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gutter_Doll

Upwards or downwards, or both? It sounds like he's not giving to the bridle at all.
But, as it's been said, video would be needed to get a better idea.

only upwards transitions.
Will get a video maybe tomorrow!

10-21-2009, 01:39 PM	#1
annaleah Full Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 159	Ugly transitions I'm working a horse right now that when doing a transition sticks his head high in the air and does a a weird hop. When ridden I can easily get him into frame and working nicely, but during transitions it just all falls apart for those 2 seconds! I've been trying to keep his frame and head down during transitions but he still does not feel right. Anyone else having these issues and can spread a word of advice?

10-21-2009, 01:59 PM	#2
barnprincess Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Long island NY Posts: 839 Images: 1	lots of work on transitions haha i have the same issue but mine is only from the canter down to a trot. walk to trot -- trot to walk and trot to canter are all fine. You have to be quiet with your seat and hands and keep good contact. I notice if i slow her canter down and really collect her then sit tight and ask for a trot she'll go nice into it but most of the times if its a working / semi working canter she'll throw her head in the sky untill i can slow her down and collect her again lol. its a lot of realy hard work . i can vouge for that. my thighs are killing me ! __________________ GINGER Bella Luna I love my girls !

10-21-2009, 02:25 PM	#3
JBandRio Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 32,003 Images: 196 Blog Entries: 12	Since there are so, so many possiblities, it would really, really help to see a video. It can be anything from physical discomfort, to rider error, to the horse just not knowing what to do. If it's the last thing, then what you do to correct it really depends on exactly what's going on. __________________ - JB Acres, owned and operated by Dynamite animals. - It's a wonder horses as a whole don't just kill us all and be done with their misery. - Keep your voice soothing and low - even when things get western (buck1173)

10-21-2009, 05:45 PM	#7
Gutter_Doll Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central West, Australia. Posts: 1,431 Images: 36	Upwards or downwards, or both? It sounds like he's not giving to the bridle at all. But, as it's been said, video would be needed to get a better idea. __________________ photography new site. "Orana Quest" - tricks (bow, lay down, kneel, smile, sit, count, pick up a saddle pad) and in reining training.

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10-21-2009, 02:54 PM	#5
annaleah Full Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 159	i will get a video I've seen him do this with other riders so i'm hoping its not my fault

10-21-2009, 05:29 PM	#6
PinkHorse Senior Member+ Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: My Desk Posts: 1,021 Images: 50	I agree with JB & GotaDunQH, a video would help narrow down the possibilities. 90% of the time when a horse leaps into a transition, it's just what GotaDun said - the transition is starting in the front rather than hind end. When this happens, I find it helps to really get them engaged in the hind end and correct through the back and shoulders before asking for the transition. When you ask, pay very close attention to your body position and don't throw the horse away into the canter/lope. If you get an ugly transition, immediately come down into the slower gait and start again. They eventually get it but it takes time to correct the bad habit. Looking forward to the video!