Canter Leading Leg

[clare123]

Hi
I have been learning in a schools for 2.5 years and am beginning to feel I have almost gotto a stage of cantering reasonably! I can recognise cantering on the wrong leg, however I am unsure how this happens and how to stop it happening? I am also unsure as to how to apply it in a non-school situation, which would then be the correct leading leg?
Thanks
Clare

[cvb]

we tend to talk about the front leg when we described canter lead.

Canter actually goes (for right canter)

left hind
right hind and left fore
right fore

and when you watch it, it looks as if the right/inside fore "leads".

We tend to adopt right canter on right rein as this is easier for the horse to balance. They are already naturally "curved" that way ;)

But more advanced horses/riders will also ride "counter canter" (left lead on right rein and vice versa) as part of their training and work.

So really we're all a bit naughty when we talk about "wrong" lead - what we mean is that someone has adopted counter canter when they wanted canter !

If you are in a straight line, e.g. on a hack, there is no need for a specific "lead".

Reasons why you may get counter canter "by mistake"....

- the horse is not supple on the rein you are on, and finds it easier to strike off with the inside hind (rather than outside) hence giving counter canter

- the rider asks at the wrong point in trot - hence "asking" for strike off with inside hind rather than outside. i.e. its a "timing" issue

- the rider does not give a clear aid, so the horse just offers any lead, rather than a specific lead

and there's probably more.

So to correct it

- work on your horse going properly around the corners, balanced etc
- ask with a clear aid (i.e. make sure you are asking "right canter" or "left canter" not just "canter").

(e.g. if you are out on a hack, and going straight, can you ask for a specific lead and get it ? Or do you just get what the horse offers ?)

Also, work on your timing. I need to think it through to explain it properly - so will wait and see if someone beats me to it ;)