How To Canter on Horseback

Once the rider is comfortable with walking or trotting on horseback, the next step up in speed is to canter or lope. In most cases, the canter on horseback is a smooth and enjoyable action. Learning to canter on horseback is not a difficult task once trotting is mastered. However, precautions and care should be taken to prevent a runaway horse or injury. With patience, you can be cantering on horseback like a professional.

If you are uncomfortable or scared to canter on the horse, it may be best to practice on a lunge line in or around pen before attempting the canter in an open area.

The first step in getting your horse to canter is to trot. Begin the horse at a steady trot. Using your legs, apply pressure to the horse's sides at the girth. This directs the horse to move faster. If the horse seems reluctant to speed up, a vocal direction should be given. The instructions that you give the horse to canter depend on the horse’s training. A clucking sound is often effective.

Once the horse begins to canter, you will want to keep a closer hold on the reins. You do not want to pull back to indicate to the horse to slow down. However, you do want to maintain more control than at a walk.

The rider's body should follow the motion of the horse. Keep loose hip to allow the flow of the motion. When the rider and the horse work together in the same motion, the ride is smoother.

While cantering on horseback, sit deep into the saddle. Keep control over the upper portion of the body. Sit with your back straight. Prevent your shoulders from swaying back and forth.

Once you are experienced with cantering on horseback, you will want to work toward ensuring that the horse begins with the right lead. The correct lead leg is the inside leg when catering around a circle. There are different methods for getting the horse to begin with the lead leg. Most riders tap the horse's lead leg. Tapping the horse’s ear is another form of training for using the lead leg. When the horse begins with the correct lead the ride is smoother.

To move from the canter back to a trot, release any leg pressure and pull back gently on the reins until the horse is back to a trot. As soon as the horse slows down, release the pulling on the reins.