How to Train Your Horse to Canter On The Correct Lead

This article explains in detail how to train a crooked or thug horse how to canter on the correct lead.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• patience
• understanding of the horses anatomy

1. Understand your own aids when asking your horse to canter. Remember that your horse has to be calm and at a reasonable trot speed and tempo to canter. Your horse's inside leg should always be his leading leg. Make sure that your outside leg is going back behind the girth far enough that the horse notices the difference in your aid. Be sure you are not perching with your seat, and instead using it to drive your horse forward Also be sure your horse is walking and trotting with strength and balance.

2. Try asking your horse to canter on a circle. Do not allow him to "run" into the canter. Use a strong, sharp leg aid.

3. If your horse still does not respond, you need to counter bend him. Trot a circle at an energetic pace. Next, bend your horse to the outside of the circle. this will make him lengthen more to the inside. Next, ask him for a canter. Keep him slightly counter bent until he is cantering in a forward, balanced manner. Then ride normally again.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your horse lots of breaks
• Praise generously
• Do not ask for too much, especially if the horse is accustomed to getting away with cantering on the wrong lead.
• Do not get too strong with your leg, otherwise, your horse may buck.