Canter Transitions

 Sometimes it is easy in our attempts to have every aspect of a transition perfectly under control to lose sight of the clarity of the aids and response. In other words your horse should clearly step into canter every time you ask with no hesitation or uncertainty and stay in canter until you ask for a downward transition.

 Practicing prompt transitions is one way to clear up the aids and the response. When trying the following exercises be sure to sit evenly in the saddle and keep your horse on the path of the circle from nose to tail. Be sure to stay centered over your horse and the path of the circle.

Training Level Horses:  Start on a 20m circle and pick up the working trot, count 8 strides.  Each stride is the up OR the down of your post.  On the 8^th count ask for canter and count 8 canter strides, on 8 trot. Count out loud to help yourself stay focused.  Count 8 trot strides, on 8 canter……

Continue until you are able to get the transition exactly on the 8^th stride for several repetitions.

Hints: 

Make yourself count accurately and count every stride. No fair waiting until the trot is organized to start counting.

If you get the wrong lead finish your eight strides anyway. Repetition will help with the leads. Within a circle or two the transitions should get more prompt and obedient.

 Training Level/First Level Horses:  Master the exercise above then try to see if you can stay on the count for 8 trot-8 canter, 7 trot-7 canter, 6 trot-6 canter, 5 trot-5 canter, 4 trot-4 canter, 3 trot-3 canter, 2trot- 2 canter.

Hints:

Again, be accurate with your counting to get the most out of the exercise.

 Second Level to Fourth Level Horses:   Master the exercises above then try a variation of 6 canter-2 walk, 6 canter-2 walk, 6 canter-2 walk. This should really help with collection and balance in the canter.

Hints: 

Stay on the circle and be accurate with the count.

Having trouble staying deep in the saddle?  Try this exercise without stirrups.

Fourth Level and FEI Horses:  Master the exercises above then try this variation, 4 canter-3 walk, 4 counter-canter-3 walk, 4 canter-3 walk, 4 counter-canter-3 walk, etc. If this is too difficult or confusing at first leave the 20 meter circle and try it on the rail of your arena. Once you can reliably perform this exercise on the rail return to the circle.

Hints:

Be sure to clearly change your aids for the lead you want.