In this video Amelia Newcomb Dressage gives 4 tips to Canter with Confidence. In dressage riding and dressage training, it can be challenging to learn how to canter. The canter transition and the canter seat are essential to having confidence in the canter. The correct dressage canter aids and dressage canter exercises are essential to gaining confidence and relaxation in the canter.
For many riders (and horses too) the walk and trot seem doable. Everyone stays relaxed, organized, and on the same page. When it comes time to canter, however, things often fall apart. The rider may lean forward and get tense, the horse may put their head up and bolt off! Part of the reason that the canter is such a difficult thing is that the canter transition can be tricky and helping the horse maintain their balance in the canter can be tough!
Here are a couple of tips to help you and your horse gain your confidence in the canter:
Work on trotting fast, like as fast as the canter. Building up your confidence (and your horses’) to trot as fast the canter will help a lot. Part of what is scary about the canter is the speed so getting used to a REALLY forward trot and making sure that you can keep your horse under control and relaxed in this super fast trot will make the transition in to the canter smoother and more gradual! Maintain your correct rider position. Often, I see riders that have a lovely position in then trot but the instant they ask for the canter everything changes. They suddenly lean forward, pull back on the reins, stop breathing, flap their arms, etc. It is so important to keep the same position so that you don’t completely freak out your horse and so that you can properly balance and maintain your position in the canter!
BREATHE!!! Breathing helps you and your horse stay relaxed. Take a big deep breath in and exhale as you ask for the canter. Keep breathing while you’re cantering, especially if things get tense! Safety first! Ask for help from a professional if your horse gets tense or nervous or has a tendency to bolt or buck in the canter. It is way better to seek out help and get assistance from a professional if you are having trouble. Also consider lunging your horse and getting them confident and balanced in the canter with just the saddle on!
