Question for skib about canter

[wanabe]

skib -- in another thread you mentioned that some people ask for canter by shortening the reins and leaning back. That, along with an outside leg kick is what my RI had me try last lesson -- and it worked. What is the shortening of the reins all about? Does pulling the horses head back put more weight onto his haunches? Is the concept to sort of tilt the horse back and then kick to make him push off?

[Selle Francais]

Hi Wannabe - well I was always taught that shortening the reins (a bit) is a way of signalling to the horse that you're going to ask him to do something, eg trot, walk, canter, so I guess that works. However asking for canter usually involves lifting the inside rein a tad at the same time as you move your outside leg back behind the girth (ideally not kicking), so maybe you're getting a sort of half-way stage, which you can refine later?

Just a thought . . . SF

[horses4eva888]

We were always taught that for the same reasons as selle francais and because you need more control in canter

[Hanamoon]

I always thought it was the international secret sign to your school horse that you are trying to pull things together to canter.... they always seem to know when you go to shorten your reigns that its time!

[Skib]

Since this post is addressed to me directly, it would be discourteous not to reply in some way, although Wanabee knows that I believe he should ask more questions of his riding teacher who is the only person who knows him and this particular horse.
True, I always ask questions in my lessons. But that doesnt make me an expert, only a repository of my teacher's knowledge.

Wanabee there are so many different aids for most things in riding.
everything depends on what the horse recognises as an aid, and also on context.
I have my lessons on a dressage mare. To canter one wants activity. Using your leg to encourage movement and at the same time shortening the reins and I mean just a tiny bit signals to the horse that you dont want faster (trot). Otherwise she would (I am told) just trot faster.
So for some horses that shortening ijn conjunction with leg squeeze signals you are going to canter.
But out hacking, a horse may well be longing to set off in canter, or will charge into canter with a terrific bound. And in that case my shortening the rein may check that energy and reduce movment and control what is going on. And then ask for a more controlled transition at the moment I choose.

Is the concept to sort of tilt the horse back and then kick to make him push off?
Absolutely not. Kicking is utterly forbidden by my teacher and the other UK riding school where I have good lessons. I suspect your posts use language which is not well chosen. Or at least a different language from the horsemanship I learn here in the UK. Which is another reason I dont like to answer your questions. Though much of what my teachers teach is influenced by an American book called Centred Riding by Sally Swift, which I recommend you read.

I am not allowed to use leg on my lesson horse to start canter. Also on my lesson horse, my teacher prefers me to transition to canter from walk. I ask for an active walk with nice contact, just rock back and my seat signals her to go. Well trained horses do that; it is the same at another top riding school where I have lessons sometimes.
You get the horse moving nicely for you for just a few steps and then barely have to think canter and they do it. But just tipping your body back a little will (if you picture your shoulders going back) shorten the reins a fraction as your elbows will hang from a point that has moved slightly back.


The outside leg bit is something I have been told to do at one school last Spring, so I did it. I do what the RI says is right for the horse I am riding. So you should too.
But I think selle francais is wrong about you adding stuff later. I have not been told to lift a rein. Lifting a rein and adding bits and pieces is only to assist a stiff horse or to overcome a problem.
As for tipping the horse? Horror horror horror. What are you saying? Even a man like you is not heavy enough to tip a horse unless you get it rearing up? If you mean compact the horse as in dressage, no not nearly so much. When I said shortening up my reins, it has to be in context. Going from walk to canter there would be more shortening than going from rising trot to canter?
I have been taught contact and to ride with more or less collection to alter the stride, but as with everything I have been taught in walk. I dont think the canter transition is a good point to start learning collection.

The problem in riding lessons is very often beginner riders havent done enough cantering to really really want it? And the horse picks up. So if you shorten your reins and at the same time think worried thoughts about whether you are doing things and why and will you fall off or get the wrong lead, you can guess that the horse will read your mind and interpret your shortening the reins as a signal to slow down?

My main problem with your post is one of degree. Closing one's fingers on the rein (shortening) and squeezing gently with legs, just the pressure of a woman's finger tip - is YES. And anything more should be applied only on the instruction of the teacher who knows the particular horse you are riding.

Oh and another thing, as in anything in riding it is the preparation for the transiton which is important. You keep asking about the transiton aids. What is happening in the previous four steps? Like in home decorating. Preparation is the secret. You have to set the horse up so it is easy for it to do as you ask. The transiton to canter, like the top coat of paint, is only the finishing touch.
I have answered you as best I can, because you asked me by name. But Please dont ask me again. Although we are roughly the same age, the cultural divide between us and the way we are taught is too great and I am now going to be late for my ride. I do wish you well. over there in Texas.

[wanabe]

Wow, skib, I didn't know you felt this way! :eek: :(

I certainly won't ask you about anything again -- although I think you give really enlightening answers.

[Little Dolphins]

hey Wanabe ;)

[Horse100]

We were always taught that for the same reasons as selle francais and because you need more control in canter
Yep i was always taught that too :)

[aberz]

Hey Skib, One must have some really sore fingertips after all that typing.:D