dressage- counter canter serpentines help?

Question

I am working on my countercanter, and I got it to the point where we don't break out of it, and do a relatively decent semi circle and can collect up again on the correct lead afterwards. 

My problem is that she is rushy and unbalanced. Since I am not sure what to do, up until this point I have just gave her her head completely and steered with my legs. That has helped us develop the fact that we can do it, albeit crappily.

    Any exercises/tips to getting her more collected and less rushed at the counter canter? Do I switch my cues or keep them the same from the correct lead?
       Should her head be bent to the inside slightly, straight, or bent to the outside in the counter canter?

     Should the countercanter eventually feel just like the correct lead canter?

      Thanks in advance!

Ajierene · Accepted Answer

The counter canter will never feel the same as the correct lead canter.

The counter canter is a first level dressage move, it is introduced in this level.  So, you need the basics of training level first.

Have you worked on long and low with your horse?  Can she go around with her head well below her whithers?   And you have worked on collection - not being on the bit, just using her hindquarters.  She should be able to leg yield and bend well on the circle and when turning.  

To start working on the counter canter, you do give her her head.  Inside leg at the girth, outside leg definitely behind the girth.  Hips through the shoulder turn where you want her to go.  Ask her to head towards the center of the ring, then turn to ask her to head back to the rail - legs stay in the same position, hip throw shoulder turn to ask for the new direction.

Do these serpentines down the long side of the ring in both directions.  When she starts lifting her forehand, she is starting to balance up.   When she really starts consistantly cantering with her hindquarters under her and her forehand lifted, start working on collecting her  at the canter/counter canter.

If you have not worked on getting her to use her back (long and low), use her hindquarter and working rounded up, she will not be able to correctly counter canter.

dressage- counter canter serpentines help?

Related Questions

Trending Questions