Question # 246: I was wondering what your favorite exercises are to work on rhythm at the canter? My trainer says my horse is the horse of a million canters, and this especially comes through over fences...
I'm hoping by working on it on the flat a lot this will transfer to stadium as well. Currently I have been working on cantering over two poles set across from each other on a 20 meter circle, and trying to get the same numer of strides in between each pole. He's getting there for sure, I'm just wondering what other exercises might be good to try. Thanks! (Amy)
Hi Amy!
This is a great question! Rhythm is so important, and with come horses it can be so challenging to maintain! Think about the fact that every time the rhythm changes, something changed to make that happen. Often what happens is that the horse has become tense or anxious (maybe because the rider has?), so the rhythm becomes quick or erratic. Or the horse is losing energy, which will make the rhythm slower and more labored. But commonly it is due to a loss of balance, which can cause the rhythm to change in every possible way. Here are some things to think about, and some exercises to try, to help you improve your horse's canter rhythm... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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