Leading leg in canter

[NFK Dumpling]

I had a new saddle some weeks ago and the saddlefitter came out to check it. She picked up that Musk leads on the left leg in canter and, having checked, she is correct; he leads on the same leg everytime irrespective of whether we are going straight or on a left or right rein (these are something like 40m+ curves as he has had a issue with his sacroiliac).

Has anyone else had this experience, if so what did you do?

He is reasonably fit (too fit on a frosty morning!!) and willing to canter.

[cassey1988]

All horses have an 'easy' side, and with Musk that's left. What I've always done is take the horse back to trot and try over and over. You could try starting canter in a curve, so he's already bent correctly.

[harveydales]

Yes all horses are one sided to a degree, some more than others. Dolly still doesn't find it easy at all to canter on her stiff rein where as it's not a problem to Harvey, just his rider! If you look back there have been a few threads on this subject with plenty of helpful advice and exercises such as using poles in the corner to encourage the correct lead and various suppling exercises. I'm sure Musk will get the hang of it.

[dalesnfellfan]

I had the same problem with Briallen before she had her accident, my trainer told me to lift the inside rein just before asking for canter at a corner as this lightens the inside shoulder putting more weight on the outside shoulder which makes it easier for them to strike off on the correct leg. It never really worked for me, although she managed to get her to strike off with her right leg leading using this method, for me it just resulted in her anticipating and thinking that lifting the inside rein meant canter so when ever I lifted one rein I got canter but only ever with the left lead, but it might be worth a try.