Cross cantering, difficulty taking or maintaining a lead at the canter is a common performance problem that can be associated with riding, training or as a result of physical conditions causing pain or dysfunction.

If simple training and riding changes are not solving the problem, there may be a physical cause. Even if the horse seems sounds to you, subtle lameness and neurologic deficit may show themselves as difficulty maintaining and changing leads.

With the knowledge that comes from a detailed physical, lameness and neurologic exam by an experienced vet, you will be equipped to either pursue and hopefully remedy a physical problem, or have confidence in knowing that training and riding changes should solve it.