The transition from trot to canter can be a tricky thing to get right, (particularly the right lead canter!). We’re moving up from the two-beat trot that’s reliably symmetrical, to the three beat canter, that’s asymmetrical and needs the correct leading leg! It’s also moving up a gear into a gait with more velocity, which can be daunting if you’re new to riding, or riding a horse that’s new to you!
This is ESPECIALLY true when you’re working with an off-track Thoroughbred! Thoroughbreds are athletes designed to run, so taking one that’s been trained in the environment where speed is the main objective, and bringing them to a place of calm and connection, can be a challenge for even the best of riders!
In this week’s video, I’m on the ground, while my assistant Caine is on board a beautiful OTTB called Luke and they’re struggling with their canter (especially the right one!). He’s not overly reactive, but if he does spook, he can get a little panicky when he’s asked to work harder!
We’re trying to get to the middle ground of not too hot, but listening to the aids. Here’s some tips to help you master your canter transition with your OTTB:
Slowly does it! – Don’t let them rush into the transition. Try to establish a slow trot, and then transition into a slow canter.
Canter out of it! – If they get over excited and start running in the canter, ask them to canter out of it. Instead of restricting them back to trot, you stay calm and consistent and allow them to find regularity and rhythm in the pace and then reward them with a downward transition!
Inside Leg Under! – If they’re running in trot, counteract this by getting their inside leg underneath them. You can do this with some shoulder in, or by asking for a small circle, this will take their mind off the rushing and bring them back to your connection.
Stretch it out! – Finish your session with some stretchy trot to stretch out their muscles and show them that the connection exists at all lengths of the rein!
Watch the video where I coach Caine and Luke through their canter transition issues and see him transform even in the short duration of the video! Let me know if you find this video helpful in the comments!
Thanks so much for watching and happy riding!
