Gepetto Farms

Karen asks:
I have a 14.2 cob that wont' strike off on the right leg the right rein in canter.
I have had her back checked and everything is fine! I am sure I am giving
all the right aids as on the left rein she strikes off correctly first time every
time. Is there anything else physical that could possibly be wrong? I would
appreciate any adivce you could give.

This is an extremely common training issue, and I would like to preface by
applauding you for calling the vet first! All too often, training problems are
due to injury or pain, and our poor equine partners are punished and forced
to continue working because of our inability to hear their complaints. The
reluctance to pick up the right lead could be due to soundness issues other
than back pain, such as a hock or other leg problem, but in this case I
doubt that is the problem.
Horses are all one-sided to varying degrees, just as people are right or
left-handed, and most often, it is the right lead they have problems with.
Because you didn't mention that your pony is bucking or bolting when you
ask for the right lead, she is probably just weak tracking to the right. The
issue isn't just 'giving all the right aids', as I'm sure that your pony has not
read up on which aids go with which desired action. You need to be
concerned with how your aids are placing her body, as she needs to be set
up properly to pick up the correct lead.
When the pony picks up the right lead, the canter stide begins with the left
hind leg. This is the leg that your aids need to be most effecting. Before
asking for the right lead, you should be able to leg yield easily off the left
leg, as well as perform a haunches-in while tracking right. As you ask for
the right lead canter, her hip is swinging to the left in order to pick up the
incorrect lead. Be sure to hold her hind end to the inside (right) as you
depart to the canter. Often, a horse will not pick up the canter until she can
get the wrong lead, so this will take vigilance to keep her hip to the right
until you get her to canter.
A good exercise is to make a square, with very straight sides and square,
90 degree corners. Ask for the canter during the square turn, a brush of the
dressage whip on the outside hip can be very helpful.
Remember to stay patient and very clear with your pony. This may take a
good deal of time and practice, try not to get frustrated, and remember it
truly is difficult for her!