Training
Ride a half 10-metre circle from one of the middle markers... Simple changes
A simple change is a canter- walk-canter movement with a change of canter leads. The horse should show 3-5 clear walk steps in between. A good way to teach it is to ride two half 10-metre circles from E to B or B to E, making sure the walk and canter transitions are both made on the straight line, not on the half circle.
Pick up canter and collect it a little, aiming to achieve forward, active steps without speed. Once you are happy with the canter, go large around the arena and
ride a half 10-metre circle at E or B, so you turn onto the centre line. As soon as you are straight, facing A or C, ask for a walk transition, ride 3-5 steps straight then pick up canter in the other direction to ride another half 10-metre circle the other way. Be careful not to lean into the turn as you pick up the new lead.
Simple changes improve strength in the horse’s hindquarters, obedience to the aids, lightness of the forehand and impulsion.
Five and eight metre canter loops
Canter loops are the beginning of counter canter (where the horse canters on the outside lead). They are introduced into tests at elementary level.
The loop will begin and end at the corner markers, F, K, H and M. Therefore, in a large arena the
loop will be easier as it’s spread out over a longer distance than it would be in a short one. Leave the track at one of the corner markers and gradually make your way inwards towards the centre line. For a five-metre loop you will get to the quarter line (midway between the long side
and the centre line) and you should aim to reach this point when you are level with the middle markers B and E. As you approach the B-E line make sure you maintain a small amount of inside bend (you’re now riding the beginnings of counter canter) and then keep cantering
towards the end corner marker. An eight-metre loop will take you two metres short of the centre line and should be ridden in the same way. Be careful not to lose the inside bend, otherwise you will unbalance your horse and he might even throw in an unwanted flying change.
...and then picking up the opposite lead
...before riding a walk transition for 3-5 steps...
canter for another half 10-metre circle to the opposite middle marker
The canter loop starts and ends at the corner markers... 20 DECEMBER 2019 | For advertising telephone 01380 734373
...and the horse should stay in slight inside bend throughout
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