Going into canter is a sticking point for many riders, but gaining control of a horse’s hips could be the ticket to a smoother transition, finds Mel Beale
Many riders are nervous about their horse’s reaction when asking for canter, but teaching him hip control can help to prevent him from charging or bucking to make the transition PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK YOUR HORSE RECOMMENDS WEARING A SAFETY HELMET AT ALL TIMES WHILE RIDING
IFA POLL was run among riders on which transition makes them the most nervous, chances are that the majority would vote for canter. But why is this?
“I find a lot of riders who have confidence issues are fine in walk and trot, but they can’t canter. It seems to be a big sticking point, especially the upward canter transition,” says Western rider and trainer Emma Chapman. “I think this is mainly because it’s done wrong. When riders are nervous, they will often end up getting the horse to trot as fast as he can and they then hope that he will move up into canter. However, this is like a bullet coming out of a gun.”
Being able to move a horse’s hips opens up the possibility of teaching him to turn on the forehand, counter canter or even perform flying changes
Some horses will fall into canter, and as they are off balance they gradually get faster and faster, and this can scare a rider. Others will make the transition with a buck or a cow kick which can unseat their pilot. Therefore, the next time they ask, they are tense and so the cycle continues. A smooth transition can feel like an unreachable entity and so the rider with a crisis confidence
