The Canter Challenge

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Amelia Newcomb's

30 Day Canter Challenge

Canter with Freedom and Relaxation

  • Step-by-step Training System
  • Groundwork & trot prep
  • Canter exercises
  • Live Trainings & Rider Feedback
  • Lifetime access
  • Step-by-step Training System
  • Groundwork & trot prep
  • Canter exercises
  • Live Trainings & Rider Feedback
  • Lifetime access
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Your ride is going well…
until you ask your horse to canter.

Without warning, your horse’s head flies up in the air, every muscle tightens, and you have no brakes or steering.

You desperately want to love cantering …
You know it’s important…

You hold your breath, tighten your grip, focus on “getting it done” but your mind is filled with doubt.
  • What if your horse turns into a racehorse?
  • What if your horse throws their head?
  • What if you get the wrong lead?
  • What if you can’t turn?
  • What if you lose your balance?
  • What if your horse bucks?
A person cantering on a black horse in an arena, wearing a dark outfit and helmet. The rider’s face is covered with a shocked emoji. The horse’s bridle is pulled, with arena markers and trees visible—an Open Page moment in action.
A person riding a black horse outdoors, dressed in riding gear with a blue saddle pad labeled "Canter V1." The rider’s face is covered by a shocked emoji, and red exclamation lines appear near the horse’s head.
A person riding a black horse outdoors, dressed in riding gear with a blue saddle pad labeled "Canter V1." The rider’s face is covered by a shocked emoji, and red exclamation lines appear near the horse’s head.

You dream of an easy canter with no worry. Round, forward, and balanced… But you’re stuck and you don’t have a plan…

Introducing the…

30 Day Canter Challenge

The proven step-by-step system that enables you to ride the canter of your dreams.

Enrollment is now closed 🗓️

I’ve helped thousands of riders just like you:

More than just a program!

“This challenge has been much more than just a challenge for me, it’s been a community with like-minded people, a place for support, and a learning platform like no other I had tried. Amelia explains in a very good way, and if you didn’t get it, ask and she will explain again in a different way. I loved it, and I learned so much and will continue to learn as I have lifetime access to the content. “

Bettan, Online Student

A program that works!

“Loved it all… so much to say! Overall, the format really suited me with bite-sized chunks that were easy to digest on a daily basis. I felt guided and supported with an obvious route through it… yet I could dip in and out. The feeling of not being alone and that the whole group was experiencing the same bumps along the road… & sharing successes was so powerful & motivating. I’ll confess- its the first time I’ve really stuck at a programme, not only completed but am really sad it’s finished.”

Erica, Online Student

A person wearing a black helmet, black jacket, and beige riding pants is riding a dark brown horse with a white saddle pad during the Groundwork Webinar. Trees and blue sky are visible in the background.

If I can do it, literally anybody can do it.

“It must come from the leg first. I heard that for YEARS!!! I thought it meant literally forward as in more energy and speed and drive. But to me and my horse it means get off the inside leg and lift your back. I didn’t understand that until this challenge. 

Be patient with yourself and your horse. You will get this. If I can do it, literally anybody can do it. I’m not a great rider but I finally learned it. You can and will too.“

Amanda

Split image: Top shows a rider on a black horse with white leg wraps in a grayscale indoor arena; bottom shows a rider on a similar black horse with white wraps in a color indoor arena. Both horses are walking.

We have two divisions for this year's challenge. The 30 Day Canter Challenge is for you if:

Canter Cup

You want to improve your canter!

or

Trotter's Trophy

You’re not cantering yet, and need help preparing.

Develop your skills and you will canter with confidence and ease.

Here's how 👇

  • No more anxiety about your canter
  • Ride the canter with confidence and calmness
  • No more wondering what went wrong
  • Learn the correct aid and timing for the canter transition
  • No more gripping to stay on
  • Sit connected and finally feel balanced and secure in the saddle
  • No more losing control
  • Turn and stop your horse
  • No more wrong lead, head up, anticipating, or zero response
  • Learn the best exercises to train a smooth, balanced canter transition
  • No more breaking to trot, on the forehand, and out of balance
  • Develop connection and engagement as you improve the quality of the canter

Feel the joy of cantering!

 

Plus, I’m giving away $10,000 in CASH to the top transformations.

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ABOUT YOUR COACH

Hi! I’m Amelia

I’m Grand Prix Trainer in California but when I first started riding, I always got the difficult horses. I got the off the track thoroughbreds who only knew to bolt and run. Quarter horses that were stiff and bucked, horses that reared, and even big warmbloods that had no balance or coordination.

I remember feeling terrified when it came time to canter.  I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I asked for canter but having no idea what the outcome would be. More than once, I ended up on a run away or in the dirt.  The canter can be such a tricky gait to ride… teaching your horse to stay relaxed, round, and active, is a process. But once you’ve mastered the skill you will experience the magic that is cantering. 

Through training and working with thousands of horses over the years, I’ve developed a step by step system that will work to teach ANY horse or rider how to ride a relaxed and balanced canter. Very few horses are naturally round and balanced in the canter.   The secret is in the training.  Once you understand how to train your horse step-by-step:

Cantering will become your favorite gait.

In the 30 Day Canter Challenge, I am going to teach you the exact method that I use with all my horses and students. It works for me and I know it will work for you. I’m here to make your riding journey easier and to save you time, frustration, and confusion.  Thousands of online students have used my techniques to achieve unparalleled levels of success in their riding.

Invest a little time now and before you know it you will be riding the canter of your dreams. I guarantee it!

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A person wearing riding gear and a helmet is cantering a dark horse with white markings in an outdoor sandy arena, surrounded by trees and a fence, enjoying the fresh air on this Open Page of their riding journey.

What's inside the program

Canter Preparation Guide

A step-by-step process to set you up for a successful canter. 27+ pre-recorded video exercises including groundwork, trot exercises, canter checklist, and more.

Value: $599

Rider Position for Canter

How to sit the canter, keep your heels down, and maintain a soft steady contact.

Value: $399

The Canter Aid Playbook

Timing and the aid for the canter. Where and when to ask for canter, and how to pick up the correct lead.

Value: $399

Canter Exercises and Patterns

For smooth and easy canter transitions with no fuss. Plus, develop your canter to become round, active, engaged and adjustable.

Value: $599

Lesson Plans for Canter

Is your horse lazy, tense, crooked, hollow, stiff? Learn which exercises will work best for your horse.

Value: $599

LIVE Trainings

Dive into Canter Biomechanics, Rider Position, Canter Exercises, Troubleshooting and more.

Value: $388

You can do anything for 30 Days.
Commit to this Program and change your ride

With over 27+ training videos, you are set up for success. Inside this course you get:

A person in equestrian attire leads a white horse across a sandy riding arena on a sunny day, with green trees and a building in the background. Dressage letters mark the edge, creating an ideal setting to Open Page or practice skills like Canter V1.

Groundwork Exercises

A person wearing a helmet, blue patterned shirt, and riding boots is riding a brown horse in an outdoor arena surrounded by trees. The horse moves calmly along the sandy ground near a marker labeled “E” as they prepare to practice Canter V1.

Trot Exercises

A person wearing a cowboy hat and western attire rides a light gray horse at a graceful canter in an outdoor arena, surrounded by trees and a fence, as if ready to Open Page on a new adventure.

Canter Exercises

A riding instructor stands beside a woman sitting on a black horse, giving guidance in an outdoor arena as they practice Canter V1. Both wear helmets and riding gear, with trees and a hill in the background.

Rider Position for Canter

A person in riding gear stands on a sandy arena, watching another canter V1 around the ring. Trees and greenery fill the background, with the letter K sign visible—an inviting scene for any Open Page of equestrian life.

Lesson Plans

A rider wearing a helmet and equestrian gear is cantering a black horse with a blue saddle pad in an open page of sandy outdoor arena, passing dressage markers labeled V and L, surrounded by trees.

Troubleshooting

Plus, you'll get lifetime access to the materials.

By the end of this course, you will have everything you need to canter with confidence:

Prepare your horse for canter

Transition smoothly into the canter

Sit balanced and connected

Maintain a steady, soft contact

Teach your horse to round and move forward

Develop jump and engagement

Enjoy and have fun riding the canter!

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You can canter! Here's how:

1

Submit your before video (if you’re not cantering, just show us your trot).

2

Study & practice the 27+ step-by-step videos

3

Ask questions, post videos for feedback, and participate in live trainings

4

Watch your canter improve day by day

5

Submit your after video at the end of 30 Days. Our judges will review and select the top transformations for CASH prizes

Who IS a good fit for the 30 Day Canter Challenge?

  • You’re struggling with the canter
  • You want to become a more effective and confident rider
  • You value education, community, and support
  • You’re committed to consistent training and improvement

Who IS NOT a good fit for the 30 Day Canter Challenge?

  • You are not consistent or committed
  • You expect instant results
  • Your horse isn’t able to physically canter due to a previous condition
  • Your horse is dangerous or unsuitable for you
Split image: The top half shows a rider on a horse in a black-and-white indoor arena; the bottom half, labeled Canter V1 Open Page, features another rider in a color indoor arena, both riding parallel to the wall.
A split image shows a person riding a horse in a paddock; the top half is in black and white, while the vibrant bottom half, captured with Canter V1, is in color with green grass and trees in the background.
Two images show people riding horses in fenced outdoor arenas. The top image, labeled Canter V1, is black-and-white with a rider on a black-and-white horse; the bottom image is in color with a rider on a brown horse. Trees appear in the background.
A split image shows a person riding a horse; the top half is in black and white indoors, while the bottom half—labeled with Canter V1—is in color outdoors on sandy ground with leafless trees in the background.
Split image: The top half is a black-and-white photo of a person riding a horse on a path with trees in the background. The bottom half shows someone cantering in color—part of the Canter V1 series—inside an open, tree-lined, sandy arena.
Two images, titled Canter V1, show a person riding a horse in an outdoor arena. The top photo is black and white, the bottom in color. Wearing a helmet, the rider moves along the fence with trees in the background. Open Page for more details.
Two separate images show a person riding a horse in an outdoor area. The top image, featured in Canter V1, is taken in a grassy field, while the bottom image shows an urban or enclosed setting. Both horses wear white saddle pads.
Split image shows a person riding a horse at canter in an arena. The top half is black and white, the bottom in color—both under a covered riding area with trees behind. Explore more with Canter V1 on Open Page.
A person wearing a helmet rides a horse at canter V1 in an outdoor sandy arena; the top half of the image is black and white, while the bottom half is in color, both depicting similar open page-like scenes.
Two photos from Canter V1 Open Page: The top black-and-white image shows a horse entering indoors; the bottom, in color, captures the rider and horse along a sandy arena wall.
Split image: Top half shows a rider on a horse in an outdoor arena with jumps, captured in classic black and white—showcasing Canter V1. Bottom half reveals the same pair walking through a sunlit arena, with buildings and trees behind.
A split image features a person riding a horse in an outdoor arena during the canter; the top half is black and white, while the bottom, labeled Canter V1, is in color. Both rider and horse move along a sandy, fenced area with trees behind.
Split image: Top, a person rides a black-and-white horse at canter V1 in a sandy paddock. Bottom, a rider enjoys open page views atop a brown-and-white horse, surrounded by trees and wooden fencing. Both riders wear helmets.

These riders are just like you! 30 Days from now, you could be showing off your transformation too!

Are you next?

A person in a riding helmet and jacket participates in an equestrian event, riding a white horse in an outdoor arena with trees and empty bleachers in the background. Another rider on a brown horse is visible in the distance.

Kara

Rated 5 out of 5

…Especially in the past 30 days, she has transformed from a nervous, uptight horse to a more relaxed, supple, and balanced horse. I will continue to utilize everything we have learned from [this program] and keep incorporating the exercises into our daily routine.

A rider in formal equestrian attire guides a brown horse along a dressage arena bordered by white fencing and letter markers P and PP, with green trees and grass in the background.

Anne

Rated 5 out of 5

I’m not going to be able to take part in the video challenge, but for the best reason. I was too inpatient and had to get started straight away and the improvement has been so staggering that my ‘before’ video would not show where we started. It’s a weird feeling to be slightly disappointed about such a fast turnaround!

A person wearing a helmet rides a dark horse indoors along a wooden wall with windows, exemplifying the finesse taught in the 2024 Training Scale Masterclass. The rider is dressed in a blue shirt and breeches, with the horse fully equipped for training.

Sophia

Rated 5 out of 5

Seriously I was amazed watching the comparison. It was such a huge improvement. Amelia taught us over the course of 30 days how to balance and achieve true relaxation. It was an amazing experience.

⚠️ Warning: Safety first

The safety of you and your horse is the number one priority. This course will prepare you step-by-step for the canter, however you must not rush this process. Please seek in-person help if you or your horse has a history of canter challenges. For those of you who are not yet cantering, we have a 'Trotter's Trophy' Division that we will be giving away prizes for.

The 30 Day Canter Challenge will Transform your Canter

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You're backed by a 15-day money back guarantee!

If you’re on the fence, or had other online training experiences that left you feeling skeptical, give this course a try. Within a few days, if it’s not for you, I’ll give you your money back- no questions asked.

Thousands of my students use these techniques to help their horses, and I know that this program will work for you.

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Split image: Top, a person rides a black-and-white horse at canter V1 in a sandy paddock. Bottom, a rider enjoys open page views atop a brown-and-white horse, surrounded by trees and wooden fencing. Both riders wear helmets.
30 Day Transformation

Huge Improvement in Just 30 Days

“Seriously I was amazed watching the comparison. It was such a huge improvement. Amelia taught us over the course of 30 days how to get the horse round and relaxed and she shared a lot of different exercises for us to do. It was an amazing experience and journey and I wish it had never ended. I am so thankful for taking part in it.

I recommend Amelia’s teaching to anyone out there.”

Lorena Klingler

This Format Works

“This is Working!!! I just had the best ride on my difficult mare Poppy. No pre-lunge, straight walk off the block, good communication between us. And willing which is huge! … Thankful for this forum which has given us the confidence to keep going!!!“

Janice Zultek

A split image shows a person riding a horse; the top half is in black and white indoors, while the bottom half—labeled with Canter V1—is in color outdoors on sandy ground with leafless trees in the background.
30 Day Transformation

Here's what you’ll get

when you enroll in the challenge:

A smiling person in riding gear waves while sitting on a Canter V1 white horse outdoors. Trees and a fence are visible in the background, highlighting a joyful moment captured in an open page of adventure.

+27 Training Videos:

These comprehensive sessions cover everything from biomechanics, the aids, rider position, exercises, and troubleshooting.

LIVE Trainings

Join Amelia and Team on LIVE sessions throughout each week. Learn and have your questions answered on Rider Biomechanics, The Canter Transition, Canter Exercises, Troubleshooting & Problem Solving.

Lifetime Access to Course Materials:

Once you join, the materials are yours to keep forever. Refer back to video lessons whenever you need a refresher or face a new training challenge.

Exclusive Facebook Group Support:

Get 24/7 access to a community of fellow participants and direct feedback from experts. Post videos of your training sessions and receive personalized tips and encouragement.

USDF Accredited Credits:

Earn credits towards the United States Dressage Federation programs, enhancing not just your skills but also your professional equestrian qualifications.

So… Any Questions? We have the Answers!

The challenge ‘officially’ starts on May 1st, 2026, but as soon as you purchase you get lifetime access and can get started!

And the sooner you start the more of a leg up you’ll have on the competition!

The Challenge ends on Tuesday, May 31st, 2026, at 11:55pm PST.

You will have lifetime access to the material! While the competition itself and the guided live feedback is only during the competition period (ending May 31st 2026). You will always have access to the material to keep working away at it! 

We have cash prizes totaling $10,000 USD to give away to the top transformations!

That’s ok! It’s important that you stay safe above any competition. This course is all about giving you the skills to canter safely and in balance. We will be doing a lot of work in trot and you will see a big improvement in your horse even if you aren’t cantering yet. 

Plus, we have a special division of the competition that doesn’t require cantering at all: The Trotter’s Trophy!

No. This program is acceptable for all ages of horses. 

Consistency is key to getting a big transformation. If you only ride a lesson horse 1-2 times a week you will still see results by joining this challenge. But the more you work with your horse the better they will be, we recommend 4-5 times a week. Remember though, this is quality over quantity. Every session doesn’t have to be a long one (sometimes it’s only 10 min!) and it’s important to listen to your horse.

No problem at all! This can be a challenge with yourself! We often have students who don’t submit transformation videos due to life constraints and still expressed value in the program.

This course is designed for horses and riders of ALL levels. Whether you are a beginner rider just learning, or you are an FEI rider, improving your canter is something you’re always working on. 

This challenge is designed for riders and trainers of all levels. Whether you are just starting out or riding FEI, you can still be competitive in this challenge. Winners are selected based on how much they have improved compared to the start of the challenge. Not who is the best overall.

To put it simply: Who ever improves the most, WINS! Our panel of judges reviews and compares your beginning and end videos and uses the following categories to judge: Groundwork, Gaits, Impulsion, Submission, Rider Position & Seat, and Participation.

You should still join as we only do this challenge once a year (and we’re not sure if we’re going to do it next year!)! While you need to find time to film & submit videos to be eligible for prizes, this challenge is chalk full of valuable information that you have LIFETIME access to that will save you time in the long run! And you can go through it whenever you want -and at whatever pace you want.

Yes! From the time you join the challenge, to the end of the 30 days (May 31st 2026), you get access to myself and my team to ask questions, get advice, additional lectures, support sessions, review videos in the facebook group, and more!

  • A sound and healthy horse
  • ASTM approved riding helmet
  • Bridle
  • Reins

(bitless options are also acceptable)

No.  You don’t need to be on Facebook.  You can download all of the educational content to your phone. If you have a question or want to join a LIVE session we recommend joining Facebook! This will allow you to ask questions, share videos, successes, and more! It’s also where we’ll be posting supporting videos and lectures. If you don’t have facebook, I would suggest joining just for this challenge.

We want everything to be fair for everyone. A few days before your ‘before’ videos are due, you will get a codeword that say at the beginning of your video to ‘date’ it. The ‘after’ codeword will be released near the end of the challenge.

Full instructions on filming and uploading videos are available in the course. I have a great tech support team and I never want technology to hold you back from improving your riding.

A smartphone and a laptop display images of people riding horses outdoors with Canter V1; the phone shows a rider on a sandy area, while the laptop’s Open Page features a rider on a dark horse in an arena.

Still have questions?

Send us an e-mail at: [email protected] 

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