Hands in upwards transition

[LMayhewtx]

When you ask for walk to canter transitions, how do you use your hands? My current ri has us keep our hands where they are, even pull back a little, to control the front end, and keep the horse from trotting before cantering. My old instructor always emphasized giving with the reins anytime we wanted any upwards transition, so I had gotten in the habit of pushing my hands forward while giving leg pressure to get an upwards transition. I should say, that old ri complimented us when we did walk-canter w/out any trotting, she never talked to us about HOW we should do this, and never criticized when there was fast trotting involved in the transition. New ri is very much into rhythm and balance, and really hates fast trotting in any upwards transition. I know my new ri is right to insist on no fast trotting, and to just keep asking for the transition we want. But I am feeling a little confused about these approaches. Is one a different style, is one kinder to this horse, is one more correct? Any other thoughts?

[Marmite]

If you give, the energy and impulsion needed for a walk to canter transition runs out of the front end and can result in the horse running through the transition (hence fast trot) rather than bouncing upwards like they're supposed to. :)

[Skyhuntress]

I had also gotten into the habit of giving with my reins during a canter transition. And its not wrong. If you're on a green horse learning how to canter. But eventually, you want to be in the position where he canters UP to you, so realistically, your hands shouldn't be moving.

The problem I'm running into now, because I'm so used to giving with my hands is that the horse is now able to lurch into the transition instead of picking up his front and lifting himself into the canter.

[LMayhewtx]

Nope, not riding any green horses! I ride one lazy but sweet pony, and one lazy but feisty pony, but they are both trained horses. I did get the bouncing up into canter from a walk last night on the feisty one after a lot of work. I see what you mean about the "bouncing up" into canter. It is a really different feeling (for someone that is not used to it, at least)!