How To Tell Which Canter Lead You're On Two perfect tips for learning your canter leads. A reader asks, "How can I tell when I'm on the correct canter lead?"
The canter is a three-beat gait. You want the right lead when you are tracking right (circling to the right) and the left lead when you are tracking left. The horse in the video above (from Wikimedia) is on the right lead. In the first beat, one of the hind leg pushes off from the ground while the other three legs leave the ground. In the second beat, the other hind leg and the opposite fore leg hit the ground. In the third beat, all four feet leave the ground. This is called the suspension phase. Horses gather all four legs under themselves in this phase. Here is a video that clearly shows these four phases (from Wikimedia):  Here is a brief video that shows a horse on the right lead canter in slow motion. Notice that the right fore is slightly ahead of the left fore when the horse is cantering. How you can tell which lead you're on Look at the front feet: Ask for canter (usually by tapping your horse with the heel of your outside leg). Then lean forward just enough so you can see your horse's front feet. If the left front hoof appears before the right front hoof, you are on the left lead. If the right front hoof appears before the left front hoof, you are on the right lead. If you're on the wrong lead, bring your horse back to a trot and ask again. Focus on what you're feeling: Once you're on the correct lead, focus your attention inward on your body. Pay attention to how your body feels while the horse canters. Your pelvis should feel as though it is doing a mini-hula on a swing (seriously, that's what it feels like), circling slightly from one hip to the other hip and then forward toward the horse's withers in a smooth gliding motion. Then put your horse on the wrong lead and feel how much bumpier and off-balance you feel in the saddle. It also helps to have someone on the ground to tell you when you are on the correct lead and when you're not. When they say you are, again focus inward and pay attention to what you are feeling in the saddle. Do the same when they say you aren't. If you do this enough times, you'll be able to tell yourself because you've become more aware of what the correct lead and incorrect lead feels like. One last thing…
There is something called a cross-canter in which the horse is on one lead in front and a different lead in the hind. It feels awful. If your horse ever feels tremendously bumpy and off-balance in canter, she may be cross-cantering. Bring her down to a trot immediately. If you're not sure whether your horse cross-canters, ask for help from an experienced rider who can tell you by watching from the ground. As long as you’re here, check these out! Equestrian Products That Make Your Riding and Horse Care Easier and Better! Three Secrets to a Secure Seat How to Post on the Correct Diagonal How to Control Your Horse's Speed How to Develop an Elastic Rein Contact Happy riding! Copyright June 5, 2018 Denise Cummins; Updated May 29, 2024 The Thinking Equestrian |
Denise Cummins has over 30 years experience as an equestrian and horse business owner. In The Thinking Equestrian, she shares valuable tips on caring for and training horses, giving riding instruction, and running a successful horse business.
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Denise Cummins (The Thinking Equestrian) has over 30 years experience in training horses, showing them, giving riding instruction, and owning/running a successful equestrian boarding and training facility. I am also a research psychologist who is an expert on human and animal learning and behavior. Dive into this site to find valuable tips on how to care for a horse, how to train a horse, how to teach students effectively, and how to manage a successful horse business.
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