Crossfiring

Question
I have a 7 year old QH gelding.  He crossfires when loping to the left. He doesn't do it on the right lead.  How do I fix this?

Thanks!
Paula

Answer
Hello Paula,
Assuming that there is no physical problem with your horse- here is the solution. When you are going to the left at a trot shorten your outside rein to the point where your horse is pretty much bent the wrong way- you can use the wall the help you so he doesn't change directions. Then ask him up to a canter and he should take up the correct lead. Remember that its the outside hind leg that picks up the lead- he is a little disconnected and needs some help arranging his body, but soon, after you show him what you are looking for for a while, he sould begin to pick it up with a bend to the inside as well.
So your factors are:
How much he respects your request for a canter (let me know if this becomes the issue), and tucking his hind end to the inside to help him get his right hind leg engaged, it will feel very different asking for a canter this way-but stick with it, its a great training tool!
Best Wishes!