Comments on: How to Canter Your Horse

on 6/28/2009 The method profiled is a method of training a western pleasure or all-around horse. Hence this technique is used for showing 4-H, Quarter horses, Appaloosas, and Paints who need to ride one horse in multiple disciplinces. I myself start horses using one leg to canter until I know what they are best suited for. In a world of showing when you can't be in a horses mouth and must show with loose long reins, the one leg canter cue causes there to be little movement which is preferred in the show ring. As an eventer I also understand the benefits of cantering using both legs, but that method of cantering is not beneficial for every discipline.

on 7/6/2008 Ughhh I don't like this article... nothing is right! First of all when it says move your foot back 6 inches to get the horse to canter, move it back so it is just behind the girth. Second, you should always use both of you legs not just one when your getting the horse to canter. That way your doing even pressure with your legs. Third, you shouldn't get in the habit of clucking to you horse, even more so if you going to do dressage. You can get eliminated in dressage to talking/kissing/clucking to your horse. Fourth, I disagree when it says 60% of your weight should go in the stirrups. That could cause you to lean forward to much. Fifth, in #6, I would just do half-haults about every 4-5 strides depending on the horse you ride. Well... there is more that I don't like about this article but it will work for you people that are just learning. Have fun cantering :P

on 1/11/2008 Please make sure you research your instructor and check references before you trust anyone with your body. I recently returned to the sport and was told not to "rock as if in a rocking chair" when cantering. This led to dealing with a high fever and pain from acute renel impairment a.k.a slight kidney failure. So frusrating because I'm also a mom of 4! Not worth it! I have a new instuctor and am once again enjoying horses with my 6 yr old daughter.We are having a blast!

on 1/11/2008 Please make sure you research your intructor and check references before you trust anyone with your body. Recently returned to the sport and was told not to "rock as if in a rocking chair" when cantering. This lead to me dealing with a high fever and pain from acute renel impairment a.k.a slight kidney failure. So frusrating because I'm also a mom of 4! Not worth it! I have a new instuctor and am once again enjoying horses with my 6 yr old daughter.

on 12/30/2007 Cantering-"The canter, or lope, is the fastest of the three gaits."

Actually, horses have four main gaits, but in truth the trot is the fastest out walking,trotting,and cantering.It might be an easier gait, and it might be said before the canter,but it's the fastest.

on 10/31/2007 The last time I cantered I only made it three or four beats and I fell off. I got back on and walked and trotted but I still absolutely scared to bring myself to a canter. The stable I ride at has a ton of horses, of all types to choose from. I'm thinking I should pick a horse who's canter is slow and easy, just to get back into the feeling. What do you guys think? Is this a good idea, or a bad idea?

on 7/15/2007 "The canter, or lope, is the fastest of the three gaits."

Actually, horses have 4 gaits: walk, trot, canter, and gallop. So a canter is the 2nd fastest gait.

on 7/2/2007 Saddle seat riders cue the horse to the outside. Therefore, for the left lead, tickle outside/right hand give a little with the left, use the right leg slightly behind the girth. Some riders kiss, some say 'canter', some cluck for a final cue. Sit tall and deep, round the lower back. Look ahead, and rate your horse's speed with gentle to firm hands, as needed. For the right lead, switch the cues to the left hand and leg. Practice guiding even at the canter; do large circles, come off the rail and go back without breaking gait or switching leads.

on 1/7/2007 yes, it can ALL be frustrating, one day up, the other day down, but eventually bit by 'bit' we will all get there. I hope.

on 12/20/2006 can anyone help me please !!! I have a problem with the trot to canter transition. I go out hacking twice a week and also have 1 intensive 1to1 lesson at my local riding school. I have been learning to ride for 3 months. I mastered the rising trot and sitting trot in my first lesson and have done work without stirrups. I have spent alot of time practicing trotting and am comfortable with that now. The problem i am having is the 'sit and kick' to go into canter. I have been working with these for many weeks now. When i am out hacking i seem to be able to do it and while cantering i am relaxed with no daylight between me and the saddle and well balanced. Its just that 'sit and kick' i dont seem able to do. I cant seem to sit deep enough in those first few strides to be able to kick. As soon as i try to kick i lose my balance and start bouncing around. Today i got so frustrated i ended up quitting my lesson early and walking out. Please tell me i am not alone here and there is a glimmer of hope i will be able to do it as right now i feel i will never master it. Has any one else struggled with this before and if so... you got any advise !!!!

on 12/20/2006 ok i am struggling with something i wondered if anyone can help me with as you all seem to have some good tips to share. I have been learning to ride now for about 3 months. I hack out a couple of times a week and i have a 1to1 intensive lesson at my local riding school. I mastered rising trot and sitting trot in my first lesson and can now do that comfortably and well balanced. My problem is the trot to canter transition. When i am out hacking i can 'get the horse' to canter no problem and can canter all around the field with confidence. but, when i am in the school i just cant for the life of me seem to be able to master the 'sit and kick'. I try to relax but i dont seem to be able to sit deep enough in those first few strides of canter to be able to kick. my bottom and legs dont seem to be linked in any way !!!! I'm really struggling with this and today in my lesson i ended up jumping off the horse and walking out i was soooo frustrated. Once i am cantering i am relaxed and there is no longer 'daylight' between me and the saddle !!!!! can someone please reasure me i am not the only person in the world to go through this, as at the moment i am feeling like i will never get it.

on 9/25/2006 Cantering/Loping, although lots of fun, can be scary and unsettling, especially if it is your first time. Remember to breath, and it's good to talk to your instructor before loping so they can give you some pointers. Be specific using your aids and try to follow the rocking chair motion. Even if you are bouncing and unbalanced, stick with it, both your body and brain will learn the lope in time. Safe riding.

on 8/12/2006 When asking a horse to canter, always use your legs before your whip. If your horse does not canter after three big kicks, give him a big whack on the bum, that's sure to get him going.

on 8/8/2006 You must do the following: If your horse doesn't canter when you do #1, do number two. If that doesn't work, do #3. Memorize the order so you do not 'over ask' your horse.

#1: Close your legs lightly against the barrel, sit, and push you bottom in a motion as if you are cantering.
#2: Give a gentle squeeze with your inside leg on the girth and your outside leg behind it.
#3: Use a firmer squeeze and finger the inside rein to ask for the correct lead.
#4: Give a small tap with your outside heel behind the girth.
#5: Kick firmly with both legs in the proper position (see #2).
#6: Make a kissing or clucking sound, push with your bottom, and give another firm kick.
#7: Give a light tap with the crop behind your outside leg.
#8: Give a firm smack with the crop in addition to a kick.
#9: Use the crop, your legs, your seat, and kissing or clucking noises to give your horse the clearest signal possible.

on 8/8/2006 When you are about to canter at a corner, do not tug on the horses mouth or wriggle your hands about. If you do, you are sending out more than one instruction by pulling and kicking at the same time. I have done it before and got chucked off by my pony, so if you won't your horse to trot or canter give one instruction. Either push them into it or carry on going as you are, they will get confused otherwise.