1. Lunging the Rider in Canter
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2. Lunging the Rider in Canter Overview
Preparing the Horse for Lunging a Rider in Canter
Assessing the Rider’s Readiness for Canter
Lunging a Rider in Canter
No matter the experience of a rider, when the time comes for them to begin to learn to canter the best way to approach it is on the lunge line. Learning to canter on the lunge line provides an environment where they will be able to learn to maintain their position, seat and develop their balance without having to worry about controlling and guiding the horse. When done properly lunging a rider can assist in developing confidence and a circle is a smooth consistent shape for a horse to canter on.

3. Preparing the Horse for Lunging a Rider in Canter
The horse needs to be lunged in a controlled walk, trot and canter, by doing so you will make sure the horse will respond to your commands and be controllable in all three paces. If you are going to use a side reins when the rider gets on then you need to warm the horse up with side reins, again this is for safety reasons: to make sure the horse will work calmly with the side reins on, it is no good to test this theory out once you have a rider on the horse.
The horse used for a rider’s first canter needs to have a canter which is relatively easy and comfortable to sit on, should pick up the correct canter leads and maintain canter rhythm and tempo consistently (not because the rider will necessarily be learning this topic at their first canter but rather because a horse which picks up the correct lead will be better balanced for a inexperienced rider) and must respond to trot and canter signals from the instructor on the ground. Ideally the horse used to introduce canter should be an experienced lunge lesson horse that is responsive to the handler’s commands and is more likely to return to trot after a few strides of canter.
Prior to mounting the rider the horse needs to be warmed up in walk, trot and canter. Ideally the horse should be cantered on both reins on the lunge but due to the time restraints of a lesson this may not be possible. Options to work around this restriction of time include lunging the horse prior to the student arriving for the lesson or cantering on one rein for this lesson and then cantering on the other rein at the next lesson.
A monkey strap/grip is also useful to have on the saddle (if not already) or a neck strap. Neck straps are particularly good for the rider to hold when teaching 2 point seat as the rider will need to bring the shoulders over the knee to hold onto it whereas when they hold the monkey strap in 2 point it can restrict the rider’s upper body in coming forward as far as it needs to.

4. Assessing the Rider’s Readiness for Canter
A rider needs to have a certain amount of balance and strength to be ready for canter. A good indicator of whether a rider is ready to start canter is if they are able to hold 2 point seat with their hands on their hips for 5 circles in trot on the lunge. During these 5 circles the rider should maintain balance and the correct position (i.e., weight down into the leg, heel the lowest point in the body, ear-shoulder-knee-toe line). This exercise also gives keen riders something to gauge their progression by, as excited and enthusiastic young riders will often ask “When can I canter?”.
Due to the transition into canter the rider should be able to maintain their seat and balance in sitting trot on an energetic trot. This means that the rider should be able to sit and absorb the movement of trot (sitting to the trot does not mean bouncing without falling off) whilst maintaining balance and position.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both sides when deciding whether to introduce a rider to canter from sitting trot or from 2 point seat. Sitting trot allows the rider another point of contact with keeping the seat in the saddle and as such may be a better option for some riders whereas 2 point may prevent the rider from bouncing initially and will keep the weight down into the stirrup. On the other hand from sitting trot the rider may draw weight out of the stirrup and in 2 point the rider is in a somewhat vulnerable position if the horse happens to stumble. When deciding how to introduce a rider to canter, as the coach you will need to take into consideration the horse, the capabilities of the rider and what is the safest and most suitable option.

5. Lunging a Rider in Canter
Because you are introducing a new pace you may find it more appropriate to allow the horse to only do a couple of strides of canter the first time. This will allow the rider to feel the canter and provide an opportunity to return to trot and address any positional problems that may interfere with the rider’s success in staying on. A common fault in a rider learning to canter is that their weight and position slips to the outside of the horse (i.e., when lunging to the left their weight goes to the right). This can be counteracted by having the rider hold the pommel of the saddle with the inside hand and the cantle of the saddle with the outside hand (e.g., cantering left the left hand would hold the pommel and the right hand would hold the cantle). Until the rider has sufficient balance, the reins should be secured to the monkey strap so the rider does not need to hold them.
The option to lead the horse for the rider’s first canter will be very difficult if not impossible and probably a little unsafe.
Before putting the rider into canter for the first time take a few minutes to explain the who, what, when, how of it. For young, keen riders this may be a bit boring (may sure you use language relevant to the rider’s age and cultural background) but most older riders and adults the will appreciate knowing what is going to happen and what they will be required to do for it to be successful.
Who:- Is the rider, the horse and the coach.
E.g.,: “Today I (the coach) will begin to teach you (the rider) to canter the horse….”
What:- Cantering
E.g.,:- “Canter is a 3 beat pace, the footfalls are…” Proceed to explain relevant knowledge about the canter. Details regarding correct and incorrect leads may not need to be explained at this level as primarily you want the rider to focus on developing their seat and position, however if the horse does pick up a wrong leg upon cantering it may become relevant to explain what is going on.
When:- When the horse/rider will canter and when the horse/rider will trot.
E.g.,:- “ Shortly I (the coach) will move the horse into trot, once the trot is established I will move the horse into canter. I will allow him to canter for 2-3 strides then I will return the horse to trot…”
How:- The rider performs canter.
E.g.,:- “What you (the student) will need to do in canter is keep your shoulders back over your hips and allow your seat to slide in the saddle…”
The first initial canters should be kept to about 2 to 3 strides. This will allow the rider to get a feel for cantering and the opportunity to correct any drastic seat or positional problems that may be relevant to the rider’s safety. The time spent in canter can be gradually increased as the rider’s confidence and strength improves.

6. For more information see your course workbook