We all dream of a harmonious, balanced canter. Once you feel it, it’s honestly the most fun gait, and I absolutely love it. But I’ve also been in that place where you’re on a green horse, a new horse, or you’re cantering for the very first timeāand it can feel scary and overwhelming.
In this video, I’m sharing five ways to help you stay safe and feel confident when cantering your horse. Whether you’re just starting or working with a younger horse, or you want to improve your canter transition and balance, these tips will set you up for success and help prevent a stressful or unsafe experience.
Before we get into the tips, though, I wanted to remind you that my 30-Day Canter Challenge is open for enrollment this week! Inside, I break down step-by-step how to prepare for and improve your canter! Hurry though, the Challenge starts May 1st, and this is the only time this course will be offered LIVE. Check out the course here.
Okay, now on to the tips!
1. Start with Groundwork – Before you even think about cantering under saddle, make sure your horse can canter confidently either on the lunge line or in a round pen. Groundwork gives you a chance to watch how your horse moves, tests their response to the saddle at the canter, and gets them comfortable with the idea of cantering before youāre in the saddle. This is a great way to build trust and set a solid foundation.
2. Build a Strong Trot First – The trot lays the groundwork for the canter. A forward, balanced, and responsive trot makes the canter transition smoother and safer. Donāt rush into the canter if your trot work still needs improvement. Take the time to get your horse round, listening, and moving off your aids. The more balanced your trot, the better your canter will be.
3. Bending and Turning is Key – Before attempting canter, make sure you can bend and turn your horse easily. Try riding simple turns and loopsācan you steer and change direction without resistance? This helps ensure that when you do canter, youāll have the control needed for safety and can more easily pick up the correct lead. Remember, a horse that can bend will have a better canter.
4. Wait for the Right Moment – Donāt rush the canter. Spend time trotting, relaxing, and waiting for that perfect moment when everything feels balanced and ready. Corners are a great place to ask for the transition because they naturally help shape your horseās body. Trust your instincts and your horseās rhythmātiming makes a big difference.
5. Prioritize Safety and Confidence – If you’re feeling unsure, ask for help. Whether itās having your trainer canter your horse first, using a lunge line, or simply waiting until you feel ready, prioritize your safety. Confidence is keyāyour horse can feel when youāre confident and ready, and it will help them relax too. I once asked Ingrid Klimke what she does when she feels unsafe, and she said simply, “I don’t do it.”
Cantering should be fun! But it’s important to take the right steps to feel safe and prepared.
Happy Riding!
Amelia
P.S. If you need more help with your canter or getting ready to canter, check out my 30-Day Challenge. Inside the challenge, I go through step-by-step how to prepare for the canter, improve your canter transition, improve your rider position in the canter, get your horse round in the canter, and more! Plus, I’m giving away $10,000 to the top transformations at the end of the 30 days! Don’t miss out! Check out the Canter Challenge here.
