Comments on: Canter Transition Troubleshooting

By: Stephanie King

Stephanie King — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:56:12 +0000

Fantastic article. I have one more suggestion to help a horse improve his canter and that is to canter him uphill on trails to strengthen his rear motor. It’s easier for you to balance over his withers to help him at this time too. I have a part Friesian and he has been challenging in this area.

By: Chloe

Chloe — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 03:37:36 +0000

I have recently rescued a 16yr old Welsh cross, he is a very willing pony and is always trying. However I cannot get him to canter without him becoming terribly unbalanced leading to him bucking. I have been working on his trot, in circles and pole work and if I’m honest am becoming too nervous to ask for canter in case he throws me off. I was going to in the school the other day but his trot just becomes faster and he may give me on or two strides before possibly bucking. His back has been checked, and his saddle. Any suggestions please?

By: Cyndy Hunt

Cyndy Hunt — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 12:25:01 +0000

Upon cantering my horse he suddenly comes to a halt and firmly plants his front legs downward – sometimes throwing me forward onto his neck. Scary and I really need some suggestions (help!) with this recent problem.
Thanks!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:40:48 +0000

Really helpful!!

By: Ruth

Ruth — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 14:19:21 +0000

It would be great if I could read the txt, it’s far too small, and u have to keep zooming in to read it and u then un zoom to read the left and right hand sides, then rezoom in, annoying which is a great pity cause the article is good but it’s too difficult to read!

By: Patricia

Patricia — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 21:40:04 +0000

A horse uses its head and neck to balance itself in walk and canter that’s why we must go with the horse through our shoulders and arms.

By: Nadia

Nadia — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 10:10:34 +0000

I have never heard someone say ” use his neck to balance” and that’s very misleading. Balance and collection comes from top line and forward movement, not just the neck curved. The author does say that this will take a long time. People who rush into collection get fake results.

By: Briana

Briana — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 07:56:22 +0000

Good advice.

By: TD

TD — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:21:56 +0000

i disagree a bit with the author. to canter well the horse first has to learn how to use his neck to balance. no green horse will be able to rock back on his hocks; that takes a long time to develop.
leg-yielding followed by a canter transition is a great way to work on the depart itself, as it sets up the hind leg that takes the first canter step for the depart.
working on the transition and the quality of the canter are to different things. to work on the canter itself, first establish good stretching at the trot, and then canter from there. give your horse his head so that he learns that HE is responsible for his balance. he may break a few times, but will pick it up quickly. it’s ok if he’s on the forehand; in fact, it’s impossible for him not to be at this point. also, never sit the canter on a green horse; get up into half seat.
working at the walk can also help improve the quality of the canter.

By: Lena

Lena — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:21:45 +0000

My horse has benefited from this emmensly! Thanks!