Cantering

So on Sunday I took thunder out on a nice trail ride that went over 200 acres of farmland. We were with 3 other horses trained. I was able to get him to canter when the other horses would go for it, but not when asked to do so. I am currently training him on the lunge line and he is unbalanced going to the left, but beautiful on the right. Any advice as to how to train him on command or am I moving in the right direction?

It sounds like he just didn't want to leave his buddies. I think you are going in the right direction though. If you want him voice trained then every time you ask him to canter with your leg you need to say "Canter". But he won't be able to be voice trained until he listens to your leg. On the lunge line just make sure you do the same thing, say "trot" or "canter", etc each time he does it. You wil have to be very consistent with it if you want him to do it. Good luck!

Ya im pretty sure he's just not completely balanced on the left side and that's why he bolts when I ask for a canter on the lunge. Should I push him forward with a crop or kicking? Or just keep asking and EVENTUALLY he will get it?