Canter help

5 replies

Kate1556 · 02/05/2019 23:22

I have started lessons again after a decade break from riding but am having so much trouble transitioning to a canter.

I think I have my leg and rein aids correct but I just can’t get it going and keep it going.

Any tips?!

OP posts:

landgirl1 · 02/05/2019 23:29

Have a good working trot, not too fast, try a circle in the corner you want to canter and lift the inside hand , hold the outside rein, inside leg on the girth, outside leg slightly back, sit tall and go! Sometimes a pole to engage over can help or land in canter after a cross pole and keep it going. Definitely worth working with an instructor:)

DuesToTheDirt · 02/05/2019 23:32

Some horses are easy to get into canter, some aren't. Do you always ride the same one?

Original poster

Kate1556 · 02/05/2019 23:38

Thanks so much landgirl! I will defs try your tips and work further with my instructor. I think I just struggle getting my head around all the aids and using them all at once.

With the leg aids, should I be keeping pressure on inside and out to keep the forward pace?

I’m starting to get really frustrated that I can’t get it!

OP posts:

Original poster

Kate1556 · 02/05/2019 23:42

I do always ride the same horse, but I have seen another rider transition him beautifully.
He is wonderfully trained so does tend to get stroppy and arrogant if he thinks you aren’t doing everything exactly right.
I’m thinking other horses I have ridden were more forgiving but I do love that he forces me to do the right thing rather than become complacent

OP posts:

landgirl1 · 03/05/2019 06:55

It’s easy to rush the trot/tip forwards/ flap the reins , get in a tizzy and then it goes to pot meaning even more stress firnext time. So yes sit tall , keep those hands up so you don’t collapse on the neck. Sometimes it helps to think to drive the transition with inside hand/leg but the outside must maintain balance and stop the horse falling to the outside shoulder. It will come! Can you hack out ? Sometimes it helps just to let it happen rather than feeling pressured to perform at a specific place. Is there another horseyou can ride to practice on? It also sounds like the horse is a true schoolmaster so amazing when you hit the right buttons but totally ignores you otherwise

Flip