In this video, we will be going over a few tips for how to ride canter transitions. The universal aid for canter is inside leg at the girth, and outside leg behind the girth. Focus on getting a nice trot before the canter. This will help you to get a nice fluid canter transition. Once you’re in canter, make sure to follow your horse with your seat.
When you are practicing your canter transitions, it is easier to practice them on a circle at first. Before you ask for the canter, think of establishing a nice rhythmic trot with good bend and frame. Then, try sitting the trot and maintaining that same quality of trot. From there, you will give a half-halt with your outside rein and ask for the canter.
When you ask for the canter, the basic aids are:
· Inside leg on at the girth, weight on inside seat bone
· Outside leg indicates the lead, 3-4 inches behind the girth
Once you are in the canter, focus on getting a nice frame and quality canter. Your seat will follow a rocking horse motion and swish from the back to the front of the saddle. To transition down to the trot, squeeze a little with your thighs, and stop following the motion of the canter as much.
Your goal is to have seamless trot-canter transitions. Practice them on a circle line at first, and once you have them down, you can try asking for the canter on a straight line. I hope these tips help you with the canter!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
