Want To Become A Better Dressage Rider? - View our FREE Resources!
Youtube Facebook Instagram Podcast
Academy Login
Login

Cantering her OTTB for the FIRST TIME!

Today’s video is for all the new partnerships out there! And for anyone who feels a little nervous about cantering! In this video I help a student at a clinic to get her cantering her OTTB for the first time! 

Walk and trot have a lot more manageability to them but when we get to cantering a new horse for the first time, it’s best to be super prepared to give both of you the best experience and make sure you maintain rhythm and relaxation so they learn that cantering can be done in a nice and controlled way!

Here’s the step-by-step guide to prepare you to canter a new horse for the first time, including coming back to the trot and repeating the cycle!

To prepare for the first canter

  • Flexion to the inside
  • Keep the horse going forward 
  • Stay on the circle
  • Keep your hands down

Gradually build up to the canter by trotting a little bit faster and faster and find a place in the arena where the horse naturally tips forward into the canter.

It’s more important that the horse stays relaxed and receptive throughout the canter transition than it is for them to do it exactly when you ask. 

If your horse speeds up and comes above the bit in the transition the best solution is to stay calm and allow them to canter through the tension until they drop their head down and relax again. 

In the canter you should:

  • Keep turning and softening – don’t forget to release
  • Bend your horse and keep your horse off your inside leg for control
  • Breathe, keep your hands down, and shoulders back!

To come back to trot:

  • Stay on the circle 
  • Stretch your body up tall
  • Use your voice to transition to trot

To re-establish the trot after the canter

  • Maintain a steady tempo (often horses will want to rush in the trot after the canter) 
  • Maintain a steady contact
  • Let your horse relax into the good quality trot that they had before the canter

Don’t forget to give them a walk break once they’ve achieved all the above steps and reward them for work well done! 

If you’re new to cantering with your horse, get used to circles as bending will help you improve suppleness!

Click here to watch the video of the first “Dressage” canter on this lovely OTTB!

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
A smiling woman wearing a helmet and riding gear stands beside a chestnut horse with a black bridle and white saddle pad, holding its reins outdoors in a sunlit, green setting.
Hey there.
I'm Amelia
I help foster a trusting, confident bond between horse and rider. By combining natural horsemanship with classical dressage, I create a holistic training approach tailored to the unique needs of each horse and rider.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
WhatsApp
RELATED POSTS
A person in riding gear is riding a white horse in a sandy arena. Text on the right says, How to ask for balanced canter transitions correctly, in white and aqua letters on a navy background.
  • Dressage Training
The Key to Smooth, Balanced Canter Transitions
A smiling equestrian in riding gear demonstrates posture while sitting on a brown horse. Text reads, Sit the canter and stay balanced. A teal circle highlights the rider's pelvis area for effective canter riding.
  • Dressage Training
How to Sit the Canter and Stay Balanced
Three images highlight the action: equestrian award ceremony on a podium, scoreboard inside an arena, and a rider performing dressage. Overlaid text reads: “BEHIND THE SCENES WORLD CUP 2026.” Spectators appear in the background.
  • Dressage Training
World Cup 2026 Recap & Highlights
A woman confidently riding a brown horse at a canter in an outdoor arena. Large text reads: How to Canter With Confidence—sit the canter with ease! A beginners guide to horseback riding. Arrolo Equestrian Program logo in the top right corner.
  • Dressage Training
How to Sit the Canter: A Beginners Guide
A person in riding gear is riding a white horse in a sandy arena. Text on the right says, How to ask for balanced canter transitions correctly, in white and aqua letters on a navy background.
  • Dressage Training
The Key to Smooth, Balanced Canter Transitions
A smiling equestrian in riding gear demonstrates posture while sitting on a brown horse. Text reads, Sit the canter and stay balanced. A teal circle highlights the rider's pelvis area for effective canter riding.
  • Dressage Training
How to Sit the Canter and Stay Balanced
Three images highlight the action: equestrian award ceremony on a podium, scoreboard inside an arena, and a rider performing dressage. Overlaid text reads: “BEHIND THE SCENES WORLD CUP 2026.” Spectators appear in the background.
  • Dressage Training
World Cup 2026 Recap & Highlights
A woman confidently riding a brown horse at a canter in an outdoor arena. Large text reads: How to Canter With Confidence—sit the canter with ease! A beginners guide to horseback riding. Arrolo Equestrian Program logo in the top right corner.
  • Dressage Training
How to Sit the Canter: A Beginners Guide
Like this article & video?

There are hundreds more! View the entire library here.

A person wearing a helmet and patterned shirt rides a chestnut horse with white leg wraps, performing dressage on a sandy arena with trees in the background—perfect inspiration for your Free Cantering PDF.
FEATURED COURSE
Round in canter, a step by step guide
With this course you'll learn how to get a round and confident canter. If you're not sure how to sit the canter, if you're afraid to canter, if you want to keep your horse round and supple this is the course for you. With this guide, you'll get the canter you have been dreaming of.
Enroll Now
A person wearing a helmet and blue patterned shirt stands outdoors holding the reins of two brown horses, one on each side, with trees and bushes in the background—like a perfect image for a Sales Page Template.
Amelia Newcomb
LATEST POSTS
Two women are with a black horse outdoors; one is riding, the other demonstrates correct stirrup foot position for horse riding. Large orange text reads, How to Keep Your Heels Down. Trees and a fence are in the background.
Stirrup Foot Position: How to Keep Your Heels Down Correctly
A dressage rider in full riding attire rides a chestnut horse in an arena. Text reads “Ride Your Test with Confidence.” Dressage show tips and a test score sheet are shown in the lower left corner with an arrow pointing to it.
Dressage Training Tips: How to Ride with Confidence on Show Day
A rider in full gear is guiding a white horse in an outdoor arena. Next to them, bold text reads: Best horse training method to fix and prevent training problems.
The Horse Training Method Every Rider Should Know
How to Hold the Reins Correctly
How to Hold the Reins: A Simple Guide to Better Contact in Dressage
Two women are with a black horse outdoors; one is riding, the other demonstrates correct stirrup foot position for horse riding. Large orange text reads, How to Keep Your Heels Down. Trees and a fence are in the background.
Stirrup Foot Position: How to Keep Your Heels Down Correctly
A dressage rider in full riding attire rides a chestnut horse in an arena. Text reads “Ride Your Test with Confidence.” Dressage show tips and a test score sheet are shown in the lower left corner with an arrow pointing to it.
Dressage Training Tips: How to Ride with Confidence on Show Day
A rider in full gear is guiding a white horse in an outdoor arena. Next to them, bold text reads: Best horse training method to fix and prevent training problems.
The Horse Training Method Every Rider Should Know
How to Hold the Reins Correctly
How to Hold the Reins: A Simple Guide to Better Contact in Dressage
LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO
Rated 5 out of 5
I want to thank Amelia from the bottom of my heart for creating this group and learning module for us. I've followed your suggestions religiously even when it felt like we were hitting a wall at times. Finally, it all came through, all at once! I never thought I'd get a connection and have such light hands in the left lead canter, and yesterday we pulled off a 7 in left canter and an 8.5 in right canter in our WDAA Basic 1 test, with a total score of 67.3!
Amber Primm
Amber Primm
Holy Moly. I just learned that I earned 1st place at Training 1 with 5 entries in the class in a virtual show. I received a 65.00. Wow. This is starting to work. Thank you Amelia. Thank you supportive new friends. I encourage you all to try virtual shows. I have tried Greystone, Lower Puget Sound and Oregon. Very helpful for building confidence. I really support this idea. It works like this: you ride at home, send in your video, and then you receive your test with judge comments and your ribbon in the mail. See you all in Strides!!
Joanna Sachs
Joanna Sachs
We see and feel the difference!! Thank you Amelia for this difficult but very helpful program. Our #1 issue was giraffe head in transitions. Downward as well as up. Don't look at my position, I was giving everything to the aids for him to maintain roundness in the trans. Now it will be time to work on our position more!
Carol Anne Marano
Carol Anne Marano
I can't stop making progress, thanks to this awesome program. Today my horse and I could do the counter canter on both hands on the first attempt without our trainer.. Thank you so much for explaining my missing parts! I have to wait until tomorrow, 8 hours of time difference, to see who is the lucky one, but I think we are all lucky to join this incredible program!!
Sandra Künkel
Sandra Künkel
VIEW TESTIMONIALS
NEWSLETTER

Sign Up Now To Get Free Training & Tips In Your Inbox!

🔥 HOT RIGHT NOW 🔥
A person wearing a helmet and floral shirt smiles while standing beside a brown horse, holding its lead and gently touching its neck—a perfect moment showcasing horse training and the importance of good ground manners on a sunny day.
Our team is growing! Come join us! Summer 2026
VIEW POST
A smiling equestrian stands next to a saddled horse outdoors. Text on a dark background reads: “5 Training Principles Every Rider Should Know”—perfect rider training tips—with an arrow pointing to the number five.
Five Training Principles Every Rider Needs to Know
VIEW POST
A rider in a black helmet and outfit is riding a chestnut horse in a sunlit arena. On the left, bold text reads Arena Rules with a subtitle: Follow horse riding rules to stay safe and have fun on a dark blue background.
Riding in a Crowded Arena: Five Rules Every Rider Should Know
VIEW POST
A rider in riding gear stands beside a horse, gently guiding its head while the horse steps sideways. The text reads: What is Turn on the Forehand? Every Rider Needs This Horse Training Exercise!.
How to Teach the Turn on the Forehand Step-by-Step
VIEW POST
A person wearing a helmet and floral shirt smiles while standing beside a brown horse, holding its lead and gently touching its neck—a perfect moment showcasing horse training and the importance of good ground manners on a sunny day.
Our team is growing! Come join us! Summer 2026
VIEW POST
A smiling equestrian stands next to a saddled horse outdoors. Text on a dark background reads: “5 Training Principles Every Rider Should Know”—perfect rider training tips—with an arrow pointing to the number five.
Five Training Principles Every Rider Needs to Know
VIEW POST
A rider in a black helmet and outfit is riding a chestnut horse in a sunlit arena. On the left, bold text reads Arena Rules with a subtitle: Follow horse riding rules to stay safe and have fun on a dark blue background.
Riding in a Crowded Arena: Five Rules Every Rider Should Know
VIEW POST
A rider in riding gear stands beside a horse, gently guiding its head while the horse steps sideways. The text reads: What is Turn on the Forehand? Every Rider Needs This Horse Training Exercise!.
How to Teach the Turn on the Forehand Step-by-Step
VIEW POST
Explore More with Our Featured Courses and Workshops

We’ve curated a selection of courses, workshops, and masterclasses designed to help you refine your skills and achieve your riding goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, these offerings are here to support your growth. Explore and take your riding education to the next level!

A person wearing a helmet and patterned shirt rides a chestnut horse with white leg wraps, performing dressage on a sandy arena with trees in the background—perfect inspiration for your Free Cantering PDF.
Round in canter, a step by step guide
With this course you'll learn how to get a round and confident canter. If you're not sure how to sit the canter, if you're afraid to canter, if you want to keep your horse round and supple this is the course for you. With this guide, you'll get the canter you have been dreaming of.
ENROLL NOW
Amelia Newcomb schooling a dark bay horse in a dressage arena.
Transitions Workshop
Learn to ride fluid and smooth transitions with this workshop. Transitions are a test of your communication and connection with your horse. They are also a test of your horse’s balance and suppleness. Learn the theory and a number of new exercises to improve your transitions!
ENROLL NOW
A person riding a horse with an independent seat is silhouetted against the bright sun, creating a lens flare effect. The rider is wearing a patterned shirt and sitting in a saddle. The background is softly lit and slightly blurred.
Independent Seat
A focused, step-by-step workshop to help you develop a secure, balanced, and independent seat so you can move in harmony with your horse. Through simple, practical exercises both in and out of the saddle, you’ll learn to follow the motion, give clearer aids, and create a more relaxed, connected ride. Perfect if you struggle with sitting trot, stability, or feeling truly in sync with your horse.
ENROLL NOW
A person wearing a helmet and patterned shirt rides a chestnut horse with white leg wraps, performing dressage on a sandy arena with trees in the background—perfect inspiration for your Free Cantering PDF.
Round in canter, a step by step guide
With this course you'll learn how to get a round and confident canter. If you're not sure how to sit the canter, if you're afraid to canter, if you want to keep your horse round and supple this is the course for you. With this guide, you'll get the canter you have been dreaming of.
ENROLL NOW
Amelia Newcomb schooling a dark bay horse in a dressage arena.
Transitions Workshop
Learn to ride fluid and smooth transitions with this workshop. Transitions are a test of your communication and connection with your horse. They are also a test of your horse’s balance and suppleness. Learn the theory and a number of new exercises to improve your transitions!
ENROLL NOW
A person riding a horse with an independent seat is silhouetted against the bright sun, creating a lens flare effect. The rider is wearing a patterned shirt and sitting in a saddle. The background is softly lit and slightly blurred.
Independent Seat
A focused, step-by-step workshop to help you develop a secure, balanced, and independent seat so you can move in harmony with your horse. Through simple, practical exercises both in and out of the saddle, you’ll learn to follow the motion, give clearer aids, and create a more relaxed, connected ride. Perfect if you struggle with sitting trot, stability, or feeling truly in sync with your horse.
ENROLL NOW

Enjoyed this article? 

Saddle Up and Search for Your Next Read!
Canter, Rider Position, Strides, Tips
A person wearing a helmet and patterned shirt smiles while riding a brown horse outdoors on a sunny day, with green trees in the blurred background.
Free Resources
Unlock Your Potential as a Dressage Rider with Our Free Resources!

Are you passionate about dressage and eager to enhance your skills? Our Free Resources section is here to support your journey, offering a wide range of courses, guides, and tools designed to help you become the rider you’ve always wanted to be.

Access Now!
Download Our Free Resources
A simple white envelope icon on a light background, outlined with bold lines to represent a closed envelope.
Free Training & Tips In Your Inbox!

Say goodbye to the fluff and hello to real value. Our newsletter delivers actionable insights, expert tips, and the kind of motivation that pushes you to the next level in your dressage journey. Ready to make strides in your riding? Let’s do this—straight to your inbox. You in?

Join the community

Get weekly training to your Inbox

Enter your name and email below and you’ll be added to my list to get weekly training videos each week. You’ll also be the first to hear about all my news, courses and offers! You can unsubscribe at any time!

PS-Good things are coming. Please be patient with this form, it sometimes takes a moment to submit your details!

Free Training scale webinar

Tuesday, May 19th, 4pm PT

Please be patient with this form, it sometimes takes a moment to submit your details!