How to Canter on Horseback

Nonverbal communication is key when directing a horse. Here's how to be convincing while in the saddle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Horses
• English Saddle
• Western Saddles
• Horse Halters
• Horse Reins
• Horseshoes

1. Gather up the reins, taking up excess slack, while walking the horse in a fenced area.

2. Turn the horse's head slightly toward the fence, and use your outside leg to push its rear away from the fence.

3. Shift your weight forward and to the inside, keeping your inside leg close to the horse's side.

4. Move your outside leg behind the girth, squeeze or give a light kick, and loosen the reins slightly so as not to jerk the horse's mouth.

5. Follow the motion of the horse with your hips.

6. Trot the horse slowly. Be sure to shorten your reins before going into a canter.

7. Squeeze your outside leg behind the horse's girth, keeping your inside leg passive but close to the horse's side.

8. Keep your heels down and lean back slightly, following the motion of the horse with your hips.

9. If the horse does not break into a canter, slow it down and try again.

Tips & Warnings

• Bank on turns.
• Try making a kissing noise as you signal the horse to canter.
• Avoid leaning forward or too far back, hanging on the saddle, or tightening your legs.
• Always wear a hard hat and proper riding boots when you ride.
• Avoid riding alone.
• Horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

[koolkat11]

on 7/19/2009 sometimes its good 2 stay in 2 point(jumping position)

[CowgirlCal]

on 7/7/2009 Ok thanks!! You can also nudge your horse in the sides with your heels.

[Ponygirl21]

on 8/27/2008 I would recommend turning your horses head towards the inside of the circle and keeping inside leg pressure on at the girth to encourage the horse to pick up the correct lead.

Some trainers make you turn your horses head to the outside in hopes that the horse will "fall" on his correct lead but this is typically reserved for "green" horses.

on 8/8/2006 Before you begin, make sure you shorten your reins. Roll your hips slightly backward and be sure that your head, hips and heels line up in a slight diagonal line with your heels down! Start out slow, don't push your horse too hard too fast. Check and release if you start to feel out of control or uncomfortable. The most important part is that you stay in control of your horse and gradually you'll improve.

on 8/8/2006 Here are the things that really helped me learn how to canter.
- Gather reigns.
- Don't hold onto your horse's/pony's mane or put all of your weight on it's neck.
- Keep your heels down.
- Keep looking forward.
- Allow your hips to move with the
horse's movement.