Sometimes the mention of a canter (or lope) can send riders into a state of panic. Some horses don’t make cantering much fun- they might have huge, bouncy strides that make it hard to sit. Nevertheless, there are some things you can do as a rider that can help you sit the canter and enjoy the ride.
Here are a few things to try at the lope or canter:
Perfect the Trot First
Trot your little heart out! Trotting and practicing at different trot speeds will help you prepare for the canter. Practice sitting trot, posting trot, collected trot, extended trot, etc. Its good for you and your horse!
Try Spurts of a Lope or Canter
Cantering on a lunge line with another person holding the line, is one of the safest and most effective ways to canter for the first time. Another option is to canter on the short sides of the arena and trot on the long sides, and then switch it up once you are comfortable and canter the long sides and trot on the short sides.
Sit Long and Tall
Sit back and stretch your heels and legs down, like they are tree trunks trying to reach the ground. A lot of riders lose their stirrups at the canter. Stretching those legs down will help you keep your stirrups and help your balance. A lot of riders shorten their stirrups for their first few canters – feel free to shorten them if you keep losing them or if you feel it would help you balance better.
Use that Core
Cantering or loping will engage your core muscles – get ready for an ab workout! You want the upper part of your body to stay still and quiet – you can use your core muscles to do so. Your legs and seat are the things that need to move for a successful canter. If you find yourself tipping forward, push those shoulders back and engage your core!
Move Those Hips
Your seat should be the thing moving in the lope or canter. It should move almost like you’re trying to “buff” your saddle. You don’t want to see huge gaps of daylight between your seat and the saddle when cantering. Stretch long and tall, use your core and sit back, and “polish” your saddle with your seat. This is a slight movement- try not to “hump” your saddle or move your hips too much. This can encourage the horse to go faster and elongate their stride because you are pushing too much with your seat.
Circles Slow the Horse
If you feel like your horse is going to fast or gaining speed, circles can help slow them down and collect them. Keep in mind a horse has a difficult time cantering in small circles, so make sure it is large enough they can continue the forward motion but have to contain their speed.
Relax your Grip
The first thing many riders do when panicked is grab hold of their horses mouth. If your horse keeps breaking into a trot or drops the canter, you may have too much of a grip on their face. Pretend you’re riding a giant rocking chair. Allow enough rein to let them go forward into the canter motion. Light contact allows the horse to move without stopping and keeps them from running off too.
Ready to canter? Try these tips out for a better cantering experience. Cantering does take time and practice to master for both rider and horse. It is one of the most fun and freeing riding experiences you can have on horse. Be safe and happy cantering!