Explaining the Canter (Equine Tip)

 I have had a few questions this week from people on what the canter is and what it should look like. Well, here are some answers for those of you who asked!
    The canter is the quickest of the three basic gaits of the horse. The horse should have impulsion, covering ground in that three beat rhythm..

 The moment of suspension happens when the horse leaves the ground with all four of his feet.
A so called "ground covering canter" is when the horse takes big, impulsive strides with a supple back and lowered butt. Jumping forwards and upwards with plenty of spring.

As you can see.. this horse has a great ground covering canter.

 I was also asked about the foot-falls and leads of the horse when cantering..  The foot falls are:

1. Outside hind

2.inside hind and outside fore

3. inside fore

4. momentum of suspension

 

Great picture of the foot falls.

Leads. Pretty simple. What ever foot leads first, that's his lead. This bay horse is on his left lead. When riding to the left, he should be leading with his left (inside) fore. When riding to the right; his right (inside) fore.

This grey is on his left as well. Amazing picture of balance and suppleness. I could write a whole book on just cantering, there is so much to know and learn. These are just some of the basics.

Anyone tell me what lead this one is on?? Its a tricky one. Its good to look at pictures and watch a horse move, it will train your eye and you will be able to glance at a horse and say which lead he is on. Any idea? The right lead! :)

One more awesome picture of a cantering horse. This horse has swapped his left lead to the right. And is being cued for the left lead again. So much power in these animals, and once you ride a controlled canter on a supple and balanced horse, there is never going back! HAHA! (Not a crazy ride like yours Emily) :)