How to canter the newly backed horse for the first time.
The horse must be balanced, going in an active rhythmic trot first,before moving on.
Up hill
Cantering a horse for the first time on grass should be done going up hill. It is safer and the easiest way to begin.
When going up hill the horse is unable to get onto it’s forehand, due to the incline.
He is less likely to increase pace and will most likely come back to trot as soon as you ask him, due to the horse being tired.
On the flat
School the horse in walk and trot first until he is relaxed and responding well.
A young horse will find it difficult to work on a circle at first so to begin with ask for the transition off a corner.
Make sure you keep an even rhythm in trot when asking for the transition, as you want to make a smooth from trot to canter.
The last thing you want is your horse trotting faster and faster and running, unbalancing the horse and on the forehand.
If the horse strikes off on the wrong leg, bring it back to trot and start again.
I usually begin by asking as I go into a corner, keeping it going for a few strides down the length of the school then bringing the horse back to trot and repeat the exercise down the other side.
Remember to work equally on both reins.
You will find that all horses have a natural side, so they will favour a certain way of going.
If you are on the wrong leg it will feel very unbalanced and it will be a lot harder to make a smooth turn.
This is known as counter canter.
To assist your horse in leading with the correct leg, place a pole about 12” off the ground in the corner, where you will strike off.
If the horse has not been introduced to jumping yet then lay the pole flat on the floor.
As the horse progresses you can start working on a large circle, decreasing the circle over a period of time.
For horses to achieve elevated paces and lightness in the reins, the animal has to carry more weight from behind.
This will only be achieved through schooling the horse and maintaining muscle tone.
Perfecting this gate in a young horse is very tiring and does not always come naturally.Rhythem and balance takes time.
All horses are individuals, work at the horse’s pace.
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Mountin the green horse for the first time.
Riding the green pony on a lung line.
Training the young horse to halt square and half halt.
Riding the young horse off the lunge line.
Backing a horse
Backing a horse with a saddle
Working on the bit
Horse training voice commands
