We will be discussing several exercises that will help the rider improve the canter balance and engagement: (1) canter circles; (2) enlarging and shrinking the circle; (3) canter on two tracks on the circle; (4) counter canter; (5) half-pass at the canter; and (6) canter-halt-canter using the wall.

Cantering on a circle has much the same effect on the horse than circling or bending the horse at the walk or trot. The horse has to engage the inside hindquarter. It is important to change the direction of the circle so the horse can build up the musculature on both sides evenly. Riders can vary the size of the circle. Nevertheless, a rider should be careful not to make the circle smaller than the training of the horse will allow. A circle that is too small may cause the horse to (1) fatigue quickly and hurt himself, (2) canter with the balance on the forehand or with four beats (rather than three); or (3) drop the hindquarter out of the circle.

The aids for the canter circle are much the same as for the trot circle work. The rider sits quietly and tall on the saddle with the inside leg pushing the horse onto the outside rein. The rider’s outside rein forms a wall along with the outside leg. The inside leg position is on the girth and the outside leg behind the girth. From time to time the rider can drop the inside rein to better establish a correct contact with the bit and position of the horse’s head. When the horse is working well the rider tries to sit specially light to reward the horse. (More will be said about the rider’s seat later under "Training of the Rider.")

Starting with a circle of healthy diameter (e.g., 20 meters) the rider can enlarge the circle diameter and then bring it back to the original size (Figure 9-1). This can be done in two ways, that is on one track or two tracks. Work on one track is basically straightforward. The rider simply directs the horse forward either towards the inside or outside of the circle.

Figure 9-1. Enlarging and decreasing canter circles

On two tracks, the rider can use the inside leg and the outside rein to enlarge the circle, and the outside rein and outside leg to decrease the circle. When it comes to the position of the horse’s bend, the enlargement is a bit like leg yield at the canter while the decrease is more like a half pass at the canter.

Riders can alternate canter leg yields with the head to the inside (Figure 9-2) or to the outside (Figure 9-3) of the circle. This exercise may fatigue the horse and should not be prolonged too much. Actually, the rider should be happy with just a few steps at first. Both leads need to be built up evenly.

Figure 9-2. Canter leg-yield head to the inside

Figure 9-3. Canter leg-yield head to the outside

In the canter leg-yield in a circle with the head to the inside and moving to the left, the horse would maintain the left lead and the rider uses the inside leg (left) to push the horse onto the outside rein and leg (the right rein and leg behind the girth forming a wall against which the rider drives the horse). The inside rein maintains steady contact and from time to time might increase the contact for moments to assist the driving inside leg, and at moments may be dropped to lighten the horse. The angle of the leg-yield is important because if the horse is facing too far into the center of the circle, the horse can lose impulsion (Figure 9-4a). On the other hand, it is harder to maintain the horse on two tracks when the horse is slightly in position to the inside (Figure 9-4c). The ideal is to move fluidly forward (Figure 9-4b) with impulsion and maintaining the same degree of position around the complete circle.

Figure 9-4. Canter leg-yield head to the inside angles: (a) too pronounced, (b) just right, (c) not enough

If the horse turns the head to the inside but the rest of the horse is going in the circle without being on two-tracks (Figure 9-5), then (a) the horse does not yet understand the action of the leg yielding; (b) the rider has not formed a good wall with the outside aids, or (c) there is insufficient impulsion. The rider can improve the wall by increasing the contact on the outside rein. From time to time the rider moves the horse forward with impulsion on one track—either in the circle or out.

Figure 9-5. Head turned without body angle (incorrect)

In the canter leg-yield in a circle with the head to the outside and moving to the left, the horse would maintain the left lead and the rider uses the inside leg (right) to push the horse onto the outside rein and leg (the left rein and leg behind the girth forming a ‘wall’). The inside rein maintains steady contact and from time to time might increase the contact for moments to assist the driving inside leg, and at moments may be dropped to lighten the horse. The angle of the leg yield is important because if there is too much of an open angle the horse can lose impulsion. On the other hand, it is harder to maintain the horse on two tracks when the horse is closer to being in one track. The ideal, again, is to move fluidly forward with impulsion and maintaining the same degree of position around the complete circle.

This can be a little confusing, as the horse in the leg-yield moving to the left on the circle, keeps the left lead all the while he is slightly bent to the right, with the right being considered the inside, as the head faces the outside of the circle. While in reference to the circle, the right would be on the outside, in reference to the movement and the aids, the right is on the inside. So, once again, we are not referring to the inside or outside of the circle, but speak of the bend. This same confusion did not exist in the leg-yield head-to-the-inside of the circle, as the inside of the circle and of the bend where the same.

If the horse over bends the head to the inside but the rest of the horse is going in the circle without being on two-tracks then, just as in the head-to-the-center of the circle, (a) the horse does not yet understand the action of the leg yielding; (b) the rider has not formed a good wall with the outside aids, or (c) there is insufficient impulsion. The rider can improve the wall by increasing the contact on the outside rein. From time to time the rider moves the horse forward with impulsion on one track—either in the circle or out.

The canter circle travers (also known as canter circle with haunches-in) is quite equivalent to the pasade work at the walk in its engagement requirements. This is because the travers increases the engagement of the inside leg—which will already be well engaged on the circle. In the canter circle travers (Figure 9-6) the engagement of the inside hindquarter is very much increased. This is an excellent exercise and quite important in order to improve the balance and collection of the canter, and to prepare the horse for the pirouette. The horse is asked to move in a position of travers while maintaining the canter circle. Fluidity and impulsion of the movement are a requirement. It is good to finish the exercise before the horse loses impulsion.

Figure 9-6. Canter circle travers (haunches in)

When moving on a circle to the right, the horse would maintain the bend to the right. The inside quiet rein (right) steadily asks for a bend to the right of the horse’s neck and is supported by the outside (left) rein that prevents the head from being over turned to the inside. The inside riding bone is placed with more strength on the saddle to help maintain the balance and fluidity of the movement. The inside leg on the girth helps to bend the horse. It is the outside leg behind the girth and the unilateral half-halt actions of the outside rein (in addition to the work of supporting the inside rein as described above) that put the haunches in, and help the horse move in travers position. A few steps should satisfy the rider at first.

The importance of having sufficient impulsion may not be overrated. Once again we use the drop forward exercise. When ready to terminate the canter circle travers, the rider takes the inside rein and drops the rein while at the same time increases impulsion and asks the horse to move impulsively forward onto one track—either in the circle or out. This is the same type of dropping of the inside rein we have discussed before and so the rider takes the contact back right after dropping it. The horse will respond very positively to this dropping of the inside rein and increase of impulsion after a few times. One reason the horse responds so well is that there is a transition between a movement with high engagement requirement and an elimination of that requirement while at the same time the horse is asked to move forward. Soon the horse will associate the dropping of the inside rein with increased impulsion even before the rider uses the legs or the whip. Since the legs are quite active during work on two tracks, the rider will be able to sustain an impulsive two track movement in the future by simply dropping the inside rein.

This drop forward exercise will work best wherever the inside rein acts normally as a steady quiet rein, such as in the half pass, renvers, travers, and pirouette. The drop forward can be used well at the canter and the trot. We did not introduce the exercise in the introductory lateral work such as the leg-yielding exercises, because there the inside rein does not have that quiet and steady communication; the role of the inside rein in the leg-yielding is more active.

Another exercise that can help increase the impulsion of the horse at the canter, is the "grape bursting exercise" explained when we spoke of transitions to the trot and canter. The rider asks for the left or right lead by putting more pressure on the left or right riding bone. Once at the canter, added placement of pressure with the inside riding bone can help maintain the forward balance of the canter.

The haunches-out at the circle (canter circle renvers) is also a good supling exercise (Figure 9-7). The engagement requirement is not as exaggerated as what was required in the canter circle travers. The horse is asked to move in a position of renvers while maintaining the canter circle. Fluidity and impulsion of the movement are once again a requirement.

Figure 9-7. Canter circle renvers (haunches out)

When moving on a circle to the right, and on the right lead, the horse would be bent to the left. The inside of the horse’s bend is to the outside of the circle in the renvers, so again, here it is easy to confuse the inside vs. outside terminology. Once again, we call the inside in relation to the movement, not to the circle. In the travers, the inside of the circle and of the bend are the same so this confusion did not arise there. The inside quiet rein (left) steadily asks for a bend to the left of the horse’s neck and is supported by the outside (right) rein that prevents the head from being over turned to the inside. The inside riding bone (left) is placed with more strength on the saddle to help maintain the balance and fluidity of the movement. The inside leg (left) on the girth helps to bend the horse. It is the outside leg (right) behind the girth and the half halt actions of the outside (right) rein (in addition to the work of supporting the inside rein as described above) that put the haunches out, and help the horse move in renvers position. A few steps should satisfy the rider at first. It is good to finish the exercise with a drop forward before the horse loses impulsion.

In the counter canter the rider must be careful that the horse does not offer a flying change of lead unasked. In order to prevent the horse from doing a flying change the rider can at first exaggerate the aids for the canter. The rider would keep the horse bent to the appropriate side and in addition, may exaggerate the weight of his inside hip (in relation to the bend).

A good way to begin the exercise is to pick up the correct canter lead and to bring the horse to the counter canter by performing a smooth change of direction without changing leads (Figure 9-8). In this figure, the rider has began cantering on a circle to the left (a). Next, the rider leaves the circle on a diagonal (b). The horse begins a large half circle to the right (c) at counter canter and takes the diagonal (d) back to the original circle.

Figure 9-8. Canter from regular lead to counter canter and back

In a more advanced variation (Figure 9-9) the rider maintains the counter canter (c) for a complete circle.

Figure 9-9. Canter from regular lead to counter canter circle and back

Once the counter canter is well established the rider can ride a serpentine at the canter in which the horse will be on the regular lead part of the time and on the counter canter the rest of the time (Figure 9-10).

Figure 9-10. Serpentine with canter (a) and counter canter (b)

Counter canter work should be well established before starting work on flying changes.

The half-pass is one of the prettiest movements in dressage riding. The half-pass at the canter is a particularly easy exercise and very supling. It can be taught to the horse before the half-pass at the trot. The rider should remember to maintain forward impulsion and terminate the movement with a drop forward exercise.

In the half-pass the horse moves forward and sideways. It is similar to the travers in that the horse is also bent in the direction of the movement. It is different to the travers in that the haunches—even though they are bent in the direction of the movement—are not bent as much. At the half pass the head leads slightly over the haunches in the direction of movement.

When moving on a half pass to the right, the horse would maintain the bend to the right. The inside quiet rein (right) steadily asks for a bend to the right of the horse’s neck and is supported by the outside (left) rein that prevents the head from being over turned to the inside. The inside riding bone is placed with more strength on the saddle, to help maintain the balance and fluidity of the movement. The inside leg on the girth (right) helps to bend the horse and adds beauty to the movement. At first, however, the inside leg can remain passive until the horse better understands the requirements of the movement. It is the outside leg behind the girth (left) and the half halt actions of the outside rein, left (in addition to the work of supporting the inside rein as described above), that help the horse move in the half pass.

The hindquarter never leads the movement. At first the head leads the hindquarters in a more exaggerated way (Figure 9-11).

Figure 9-11. In the half pass the forehand leads

As the horse improves, the amount of lead can be diminished as long as the movement is forward and fluid (Figure 9-12). The horse’s neck may be given a slight lateral bend.

Figure 9-12. In the more advanced half pass the forehand leads in a less pronounced way

Figure 9-13 shows an incorrect movement. There is a good bend but hindquarters lead.

Figure 9-13. Half pass the hindquarter leading (incorrect)

In Figure 9-14, the bend is wrong.

Figure 9-14. Wrong bend for the half pass (incorrect)

A good time to start the half pass is from a volte or a corner when the horse has left the wall slightly so the head will lead or be in line with the hindquarters. Figure 9-15 shows how the place in the corner (or volte) where the half pass is begun has an important effect on the correctness of the half pass. In Figure 9-15a the half pass is began too soon and therefore the haunches are leading. In 9-15b the half pass was started at the right time. Between point (a) and (b) there is an acceptable point where the haunches and head are even or head is slightly ahead. This is hard too do but is the ideal. The position and degree of bend should be maintained throughout the complete half pass.

Figure 9-15. Half pass departing too soon (a) so the hindquarter leads and correct (b) to the fore leads

At the beginning, the half pass can be more forward than sideways and later the side requirement can be built up. The forward impulsion must be a constant no matter what. In executing a correct half pass the horse should move fluidly forwards and sideways. The line of travel should be straight and the horse should not move in some steps more forward and in others more sideways.

A good way to begin the exercise is to do a half pass to the center line starting from the corner and upon arriving at the center line moving the horse forward with impulsion by executing a drop forward exercise (Figure 9-16). At this point is a good time to caress the horse also, and let him know how well he did. Be glad with little bits of improvement.

Figure 9-16. Half pass to center line

After a few days the exercise can be repeated immediately back again from the other corner (Figure 9-17) so the horse is asked for a half pass to center line followed by moving forward, turning to the same direction of the bend upon arriving at the other end of the arena and immediately beginning half pass to the center line again when passed through the corner.

Figure 9-17. Half pass to center line and repeat

The half pass can also be practiced coming down center line and performing the half pass to the wall (Figure 9-18) and then maintaining a counter canter. Later on the half pass to the wall will include a flying change of lead as the horse arrives at the wall.

Figure 9-18. Half pass to from the center line to the wall

Canter-Halt-Canter-Change Using the Wall

This is an interesting exercise to increase the balance of the horse at the canter. In addition, it helps the horse become more supple and increase the engagement of the hindquarters, in preparation for the pirouette at the canter. In the canter-halt-canter change exercise using the wall (Figure 9-19) the rider makes a circle at one end of the riding arena. Before passing the second wall the horse is brought to an abrupt halt at the corner (and slightly toward the inside of the arena). Before the horse loses impulsion at the halt, the rider asks for the canter on the left lead followed immediately by asking the horse to turn to the left and reversing directions (thus ending on the correct lead). In the process, the horse will execute a quarter of a pirouette supported by the corner. The horse continues on the canter circle and does the same to the other direction.

Figure 9-19. Canter-halt-canter and change using the wall

Often, the rider will pass the corresponding corner and will not stop in order to maintain impulsion and prevent the horse’s anticipation. The canter should be well forward and with impulsion for the action of the reins to go through the horse. If the horse gets overly exited the rider should switch to a different exercise, and it is better to do these a few times a day, than to overdo the exercise. The rider should be content with a little progress at first.

Other work includes beginning to lengthen and collect the canter. The lengthening of the stride at the canter should be rhythmic and the horse should not increase the number of steps but rather increase the length of the strides. In the collected canter care should be taken not to allow the horse to fall on the forehand or canter using four beats. The size of canter circles can be reduced little by little. Work on two tracks on the wall will be mostly renvers and travers. The canter shoulder in (shoulder in aids discussed in the next chapter) will eventually be useful for preliminary approaches to the pirouette, but there is little use for it now. The canter half pass is certainly one of the most important movements at the canter.

Canter work needs to take place on three rather than four tracks. The drop forward exercise is used frequently at the canter, to build impulsion. The rider takes the inside rein and drops the rein while at the same time increases impulsion and asks the horse to move impulsively forward with legs and or whip. Soon the horse will associate the dropping of the inside rein with increased impulsion even before the rider uses the legs or the whip.

Cantering on a circle has much the same effect on the horse than circling or bending the horse at the walk or trot. The horse has to engage the inside hindquarter. It is important to change the direction of the circle so the horse can build up the musculature on both sides evenly. Riders can vary the size of the circle. Nevertheless, a rider should be careful not to make the circle smaller than the training of the horse will allow. In the canter circle the rider sits quietly and tall on the saddle with the inside leg pushing the horse onto the outside rein. The rider’s outside rein forms a wall along with the outside leg. The inside leg position is on the girth and the outside leg behind the girth. From time to time the rider can drop the inside rein to better establish a correct contact with the bit and position of the horse’s head.

In the canter circle travers (canter circle with haunches-in) the engagement of the inside hindquarter is very much increased. The inside quiet rein steadily asks for a bend to the right of the horse’s neck and is supported by the outside rein that prevents the head from being over turned to the inside. The inside riding bone is placed with more strength on the saddle to help maintain the balance and fluidity of the movement. The inside leg on the girth helps to bend the horse. It is the outside leg behind the girth and the unilateral half-halt actions of the outside rein (in addition to the work of supporting the inside rein as described above) that put the haunches in, and help the horse move in travers position.

In the haunches-out at the circle (canter circle renvers) the horse is asked to move in a position of renvers while maintaining the canter circle. The inside of the horse’s bend is to the outside of the circle in the renvers. The inside is in relation to the movement, not to the circle. The inside quiet rein steadily asks for a bend to the left of the horse’s neck and is supported by the outside rein that prevents the head from being over turned to the inside. The inside riding bone is placed with more strength on the saddle to help maintain the balance and fluidity of the movement. The inside leg on the girth helps to bend the horse. It is the outside leg behind the girth and the half halt actions of the outside rein (in addition to the work of supporting the inside rein as described above) that put the haunches out, and help the horse move in renvers position.

A good way to begin the counter canter is to pick up the correct canter lead and to bring the horse to the counter canter by performing a smooth change of direction through a flat figure eight without changing leads.

The half-pass is one of the prettiest movements in dressage riding. The half-pass at the canter can be taught to the horse before the half-pass at the trot. In the half-pass the horse moves forward and sideways. At the half pass the head leads slightly over the haunches in the direction of movement. The inside quiet rein steadily asks for a bend to the right of the horse’s neck and is supported by the outside rein that prevents the head from being over turned to the inside. The inside riding bone is placed with more strength on the saddle, to help maintain the balance and fluidity of the movement. The inside leg on the girth helps to bend the horse and adds beauty to the movement. At first, however, the inside leg can remain passive until the horse better understands the requirements of the movement. It is the outside leg behind the girth and the half halt actions of the outside rein, left (in addition to the work of supporting the inside rein as described above), that help the horse move in the half pass. As the horse improves, the amount of lead taken by the fore can be diminished as long as the movement is forward and fluid. The horse’s neck may be given a slight lateral bend. The hindquarters will not lead the movement.

Other canter work includes lengthening and collecting the canter. The lengthening of the stride at the canter should be rhythmic and the horse should not increase the number of steps but rather increase the length of the strides. In the collected canter care should be taken not to allow the horse to fall on the forehand or canter using four beats. The size of canter circles can be reduced little by little. Later, we will discuss the pirouette and the flying changes.