so, i have been doing some grid work with a young gelding that i lease. i can't canter him through it yet because his balance is bad, both on the flat, and jumping. so any suggestions to improving his balance?

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You can't compare jumping a horse to flying...because jumping is WAY more fun!

lots of collected trot and canter and cavalettis! they do wonders and so do trot poles.

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My horse is my life and my hero! I look to him for inspiration and acceptance and he gives it without question.

basically what you've been doing... a lot of it has to do with the horse gaining strength and experience. the first step is if you have trails available, doing a lot of hill work and doing dressage/ flat work to improve his muscles. then with jumping, try doing simple grids or even a single fence with placing rails on each side and let him figure it out for himself and try to help him stay in balance by supporting him with your leg and not getting left behind/ jumping ahead of him.... i know my problem is i like to pick before a jump when i don't see a perfect distance but i've been really focusing on staying still for the last couple strides before my horse takes off and its helped a lot with his balance and happiness without me flopping around up there haha (not saying you are!!)

good luck! :)

okay, thanks. i never have gotten ahead/behind this particular horse. he is easy to ride, but then again he is not, its really just making him go.

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You can't compare jumping a horse to flying...because jumping is WAY more fun!

How old is he, and what has he been doing before you leased him?

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Here, I can speak horse for as long as I want