Learning to Canter

Everyone that rides horses likes to go fast. The feeling of speed while on the back of a horse is exhilarating and rewarding. The equestrian term for running is cantering. Cantering is a three beat gait, meaning the hooves hit the ground three consecutive and quick times with each stride that the horse takes. A canter is the same gait as a gallop, only it is not as fast. The walk and trot are four beat gaits, meaning the hooves each hit the ground separately with each stride.

Learning to canter can be challenging at first, but it is something that everyone can learn with practice and good coaching. I do not recommend cantering for the beginner, but if a student has mastered the basics of walking and trotting, it is safe to advance to this quick and exciting gait. It is important that the horse is well-trained at the canter before deciding to teach a novice how to proceed.

The horse and rider should start from a halted position. The reins should be fairly tight, and the rider should make sure his weight is in his heels before asking the horse to canter. If a rider has most of his weight in his seat, rather than his heels, he is merely sitting on top of the horse. It is important that his legs are wrapped around the horse snugly. This style of riding is the safest because it protects the rider from losing his balance during the transition from halt to canter.

In order to canter, the rider should bring his outside leg back so that it is slightly behind the girth, and he should then squeeze the horse with both of his legs. The horse should begin to canter. Some horses are lazier than others and may need a little kick before moving into the canter. The rider should sit in the saddle and let his body move gently with the horse. The canter feels similar to a rocking chair motion, and it is the easiest of all gaits to maintain rhythm and consistency.

When the rider wants the horse to stop, he should sit back, pull the reins, and say "whoa." This technique is the basic for cantering and stopping. Many students advance quickly at this point in their training, and they can hardly wait to gallop after feeling the thrill of speed.