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Impulsion in my cob2007-11-24 21:17:42

she is very lazy, we hack out regulary and she is quite fit. She is very lazy and i find it very difficult to get impulsion for a fast trot or canter.

Answers:

She's not a believer, meaning she thinks she can get away with giving you a half-hearted effort.

If you have access to a large enough arena, try working a whole session just on her "go button." Starting at one end (facing the opposite end) cue her into an extended trot or a canter the way you normally would. When she declines to respond, quickly re-enforce your request for forward motion with the rap of a crop on her behind. (Please use care and discretion for your own safety here and do wear your helmet) When you get to the end of the arena, turn around and immediately ask for a fast gait to the other side. There is something about going in a straight line that helps them understand the simple request for more impulsion. She should begin to liven up and get energized in response to all the urging. Once she's moving out, then go on to what you had planned to do with her.

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I'm trying to get my horse to do the same thing. I'm just working him less and feeding him more. You can also let him eat lots of green grass; it really fattens them up. The when he gets fatter, he will be more energetic while working.

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It's difficult when they are like that! You need to be very strong in the leg and if necessary reinforce this with the whip behind your leg (I'm not suggesting beating the living daylights out of her, incase I get any stupid comments!), just a sharp tap behind the leg a second after the aide if she does not respond. Don't let her fall clumsily into trot or canter, make sure she is going forward before you let her change gait. Pracice this out on hacks when she is enjoying herself and more likely to respond.