Timing the Canter Aid

[wanabe]

In an earlier post on the canter, someone said that applying the aid at the right time in the stride helps the horse to pick up the correct lead -- which makes a lot of sense. They also said that the correct time is just as the horse is about to push off with its outside hind leg. My question is how can the rider know that this is about to happen? I doubt there's anything you can look for -- must be feel?

EDIT: Actually, I'm not sure that what they said makes sense. Since we transition to canter from a standstill, a walk, or a trot, there IS no answer for the standstill transition and I assume 2 different answers for walk and trot.

[kedwards]

Right, you apply the aid when the outside hind is on the ground.

In the walk: the outside hind is on the ground and about to lift when the outside fore steps down.

In trot: the outside hind is on the ground when the outside fore is in the air (i.e., it's on the ground at the same time you would be rising).

[Skyhuntress]

Hehe, Kedwards said it all

[wanabe]

Wow, that is going to be exceedingly helpful! I feel like I have a real leg up now ( :D ).

As usual, kedwards, you are a fount of knowledge. :cool: