THE HORSE GAZETTE training starting the canter Training without force


By Mary Rose, FBHS © 2011 Before attempting


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• 2008 AQHA/PHBA Filly • 2008 Go for the Gold Futurity winner


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the canter under saddle work your young horse on the lunge line, without side reins or other restrictions, in the trot to can- ter depart and through fre- quent transitions. At first use a large circle but gradually ask a smaller circle for a few mo- ments and then allow the horse to move out again to the larger track. When lunging attempt to keep a light, constant contact on the line and if necessary, walk a small circle yourself rather than standing too fixedly in one spot. This is to help the horse find and maintain his balance and develop his muscles. The aid to canter on the lunge that I use is a slight indication on the line and my voice saying “can- ter” with an upward inflexion, rather than any use of the whip, although I always keep the whip up and pointing at the horse’s hindquarters.


to develop the mounted horse only in walk and trot until he is quite advanced and then attempt the canter. The main disadvan- tage to this is that cantering


Some trainers prefer


can build up into a problem in the mind of the rider. From the horse’s point of view he uses trot and canter indiscriminately. Some horses will prefer to trot faster when they are headed off with their friends and others will break into a canter straight away.


canters are best achieved, like every other movement, by the rider deciding exactly where she will ask for the transition and preparing the horse a few strides ahead by making a little half halt (check) in the trot, maintaining light rein contact, and using the seat and a little lower leg and the voice to ask for the canter. If the horse makes the transition, ride the canter forward, at least along the length of the arena and then gently ask the transition back to trot. If the horse does not transi- tion into canter when asked do not “run” him into the canter but rather check a little, rebalance, decide on another starting point and try again. When you get the right result be sure to praise your horse.


The first mounted Two main difficulties


at this stage may be a) that the horse doesn’t strike off into can- ter when asked, and b) that he doesn’t come back to trot easily. If you ask for canter coming into the short end at a spot you have asked many times on the lunge, and if you use your voice in the same way as when lung- ing you will probably get the transition easily. Do not worry about which lead at this stage. To bring the horse back to trot decide to make the transition coming into a corner and then block the forward movement by closing both thighs and pushing the seat a little forward and down and immediately starting to rise. Of course you will use a little rein aid but don’t get into a pulling match. If the horse still doesn’t transition, circle him quite tightly whilst continuing to rise and say the word “ter-ot” with a downward inflexion. Next month we’ll


consider how to improve the canter.


You can contact Mary


at 512-589-3796 or 512-894- 4536 or visit: www.maryrose- dressage.com.


a voice of reason in the midst of the madness


By Karen Brown © 2011


fication, raw milk sales restric- tions, food safety bills, geneti- cally modified foods, …. The list never ends! Governments at the state and national levels insist on dictating how we will live our lives. Now more than ever we need advocates for the little man—the local growers of qual- ity foods, the small ranchers, the independent small businesses. The Farm and Ranch


NAIS, animal identi-


Freedom Alliance (FARFA) continues to lead the fight against big-business/big-government tyranny. However, being in the right place at the right time takes time and money. Judith McGeary, Executive Director of FARFA, has spent countless days and weeks attending governmen- tal advisory and public meetings to speak for independent farmers and ranchers over the last several years.


to be an effective voice for in- dependent farmers and ranchers with the mission of protecting our food supply and our personal liberties. Take this opportunity to


crazy bob in one up division of Texas star trail


ton, Iowa winning the one up division of the driving/playday portion of the annual Original Texas Star Trail. Trail ride dates March 4 thru 12, 2011. Notice all four feet are off the ground. He had the fastest time of all.


of Clifton, Texas Trail ride Photographer.


Photo by Ed Quirk


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Visit us at: www.HorseGazette.com Crazy Bob of Bou- FARFA has proven


show your support of this critical work by sending a donation. And now, you have an


opportunity to DOUBLE your donation to this much needed organization. Two donors have provided a $5,000 matching grant for donations given to support our efforts in the Texas legislative session, so your donation will pack twice the punch.


legislative session, FARFA will be working to pass bills to: * improve consumer


access to raw milk * reduce unnecessary


regulations of farmers markets * allow people to


produce “cottage foods” to sell directly to consumers without burdensome commercial kitchen requirements * reduce fees on


small-scale cheesemakers Thanks to the work of


FARFA and other like minded organizations, NAIS is not a looming threat; however, the USDA continues to work toward some form of national animal


In the coming Texas


identification. FARFA works at both the state and federal levels.


download the membership form to mail in your donation. Website: www.farmandranch- freedom.org. Phone: 866-687- 6452.


FAMILY FARM AND LOCAL FOODS EDUCATION DAY AT THE CAPITOL Mark your calendars


for 10:00 am, February 21, 2011, and plan to attend the Family Farm and Local Foods Education Day at the Capitol in Austin. This is a day of public interaction with your legisla- tors geared toward spreading the message from independent producers. The goal is to meet with every legislator on this day. Go to www.farmandranchfree- dom.org or call 866-687-6452 to learn more and to check in. FARFA will provide materials on the issue, organize groups, and help set up meetings with legislators.


Donate online or


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