When a horse is cantering, the lead he is on is a big part of determining how well balanced and coordinated he will be.
Of course this is important if we are navigating a jump course or riding a dressage test or reining pattern.
But it is just as important out on the trail, to know if our horse will be able to canter around that sharp corner ahead.
Or when a new rider is learning canter in the arena and wants a smooth, comfortable, balanced canter.
In this week’s video I will show you:
- How to tell if your horse is on the correct lead
- The difference in how each canter lead feels as you ride it
- How to ask for a lead change (simple and flying changes – and what the difference is!)
Click play below to watch the video!
After you watch the video, leave a comment below and let me know which of the exercises you found most helpful.
See you in the comments!
Callie
p.s. For a complete resource to create 100’s of training sessions to improve your riding skills, check out my book Stay in the Saddle – 67 Exercises for Horse and Rider.
4 Responses
Thank you for your lesson on Canter leads today. The video and commentary was very helpful. Your explanation about practicing balancing and bend in the lower gaits was particularly helpful for me as I never thought about balance and bend when entering the canter lead. As I increase my riding knowledge, I appreciate the amount of thought that goes into the actual practice. I am working toward becoming a softer, more thought filled rider, imagining what I would like from my horse and myself to assist with the implementation of the process. Thank you.
Hi Callie: What I liked about this video is your teaching about the horse being soft, balanced and strong enough. I also liked the reminder not to rush the horse. I find your horses in the videos always look relaxed and happy.
Hi Callie
Thank you for your video, you explain it so simply that even I can understand the lesson. 🙂
Thank you for this great video, it has helped me so much and I have learned a lot.