When do you ask for the Canter?!

[@CDN_Bookmouse]

"If you start over-thinking it, it's going to get worse." My riding life.

[@veroniqueviaudFaspasie_1957]

😂😂👌🏻👍🏻🇫🇷❤️🐴

[@danielabackstrom]

I just cantered with my very scared mare today, she normally gets really stressed when I ask her to canter, now I'm so excited to start strengthening her 😍

[@charlottex232]

That’s rlly good xx

[@leanngarofalo2355]

Never heard to follow the front leg landing. So much easier then feeling the rear leg!! Thank you

[@farmershonor]

Yes... when trotting you can either ask on the outside hind, or the inside fore... (same diagonal), just decide to either hind focus or front end focus, whichever works best for you. (I've taught riding for 30+ years.) You can also think like this... if you are front end focused, from the trot... ask when front R shoulder is forward (R hoof is up)... or ask when the L shoulder is back (L hoof is down). Ask with your inside leg at girth, outside leg slightly behind girth. Just think about it. You'll get it!! Also, watch this video again. It's the best I've found to teach canter from trot and walk. I send Amelia's videos to my students all the time. She is excellent teacher with excellent videos. Be blessed.

[@jeanfish7]

Your horse is a bit too well trained to give examples of " mistakes ", that's a complement:)

[@rossolinger4477]

Amelia, I just tried this at my lesson tonight and it was a massive lightbulb moment. My horse just "clicked" right into the canter and didn't rush or anything. He was then super excited to keep cantering and wanted to do more upward transitions! It was like snapping together a puzzle piece! It was incredible! Thank you so much!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome!

[@sandyriddle4520]

Wow, I'm 46 and I NEVER KNEW this! I so wished riding was taught properly and not in the so often "mystical"/cryptic way 😝!! Thanks heaps Amelia for demystify it more with every video!

[@other2535]

I second that!! Amelia the best on the internet at explaining how to communicate with a horse!!..

[@Amblynone]

I've learned (via Felicitas Von Neumann-Cosel, I think?), that if you need to post the trot into canter to sit twice (2 bounces/2 strides) so your seat is in the saddle on the 2nd bounce to ask for the canter at the right moment. Just wanted to add as an option in addition to the great description of feel and timing that Amelia has in this video.

[@kcoates]

I've heard this two but didn't realize it set up the timing of your aids! Thanks for connecting those dots! 💡

[@bwill3337]

I learned the same thing.

[@vicky0920]

Do you ask for canter with your outside leg behind the girth the same time you sit your 2nd bounce, or after the 2nd bounce? Thanks!

[@amieperrymanSelahFarms]

As a trainer and instructor, I am enjoying your sessions and picking up some nice tidbits for teaching! A great trainer isn’t always a great teacher. You do a fantastic job of describing your thoughts and how you achieve the results you are looking for.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! So glad to hear it is helpful!!

[@kristyhelms3349]

Omg so helpful. Thank you for these videos. As a green rider I appreciate them more than you know

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome!

[@patriciaw2596]

I over-think it all the time; You have described exactly what I am doing wrong - thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!!

[@hellilak]

This explains why at times if feels the canter transition is smoother. I must be asking for it at the right moment by accident. I have to remember this and practice. Thank you so much for the instructions, very helpful!

[@correllamy]

so, this video is two years old and still helping people! I have a lovely 4th level horse, new partnership. I am basically a second level rider trying to move up. The walk-canter transition is easy for us, but we sometimes miscommunicate in the trot canter and get a fast, rushing trot instead. Using this video along with the instruction of my excellent trainer got us back on track today! Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad this helped!

[@amandafrench8047]

Truly the gem of your video is telling us that its timing with the inside front leg in trot and walk to get the canter. Thank you Amelia.😃

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelschulze6545]

Learned from you: First count, then feel, and then stop thinking.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Haha! Yes!

[@cvenzon]

I can’t wait to get to the barn to try this lesson on my horse. Always exciting to learn from you Amelia.👏🏻🙌

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Wonderful!

[@michaelstevens215]

Your instruction..its like seeing light an easy to follow an learn..thank you so much

[@tanon823]

The association of the rising post with the timing for the canter was gold. It helps to be able to feel without needing to look down at the shoulder as that tends to put me a bit out of position. Another great tip. 👍🐴

[@lindav3747]

Another wonderful tip for riding. Trot trot trot trot trot trot CANTER ! BTW I was helped so much by this month’s workshop on Transitions in “Amelia’s Dressage Academy”. Thanks for teaching online like this !!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome!!

[@chloehooper7024]

My horse used to rush at the trot. I also have a horse that sometimes lunges in the canter. The horse the used to rush has gotten stronger and I have also developed as a rider so she can pick up canter easily. The mare that lunges into the canter is getting better with time and work. Thank you for sharing!

[@jayeneedham3906]

Today your explanation on how to count the trot off the front inside, and the connection to the back diagonal pair, but keeping the focus on the front inside for the count, to give the canter cue was instrumental for me…. I have struggle for years over thinking it and struggling to get it…. To the point after years I still don’t canter…. I’m feeling like today might be the day to try the counting…. Next week I just might cue the canter if all works well today. It clicked in my mind today…. I have a small cob size older horse that other can canter so I is my overthinking that has prevented us cantering more than about 20 steps in 12 years. Thanks for helping me make the connection in my mind.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Glad it was helpful!

[@harmonysprogress]

Very interesting!! As soon as it drops a ways below 100 degrees I'm going to work on this!!

[@annalopez6808]

Thank you. Brilliant video ! Looking forward to the workshop. Thanks so much Amelia

[@lindabonds8655]

Love it! This helps a rider develop the illusive “feel” with some practical directions. Nice!

[@JitkaVejrostova-hs4di]

Thanks for getting me on the right track.👍

[@wendyrockwell719]

This is fantastic! Nobody has ever told me about this before! Thanks!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Happy to help!

[@1Mollysmom]

Thank you for this information and presenting it so clearly. I have the hardest time asking my horse to pick up the canter and now I know why. I love your videos!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome!

[@bernicehearn6261]

Super - I'm currently working on this feel - great tips !

[@mathewmurray5071]

Love ❤️ this. Something to practice.

[@luciemarinov129]

I was listening to a few of your videos during my rides this am and they were very helpful. I couldn’t comment on each one because I was riding. Even tho I couldn’t see ur illustrations on the horse I still got a great deal out of them because in every video there were things I could learn! Ur details are very valuable, things my coach doesn’t tell me, but are very important to improve my ride. Thanks so very much’

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!!

[@patricialeighty1614]

Very clear instructions. I think Im finally in an emotional place to finally understand clearly. Now lets put it into practice. Thank you

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Let me know how it goes! Thank you for being here!

[@brigitteboyce2370]

Hi Amelia. I found that advise on timing really helpful. Thanks.

[@EllenBrennan-yh4iy]

Nicely taught

[@TheDesignerDiaries]

SUPER helpful…. you break things down so well… one of very few that do so…..thank you

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're very welcome!

[@giselelucatto1841]

Nice Amelia ! If we could help our horses be in balance with their movements and know it before ask for any transition will be great for both ! I live in Brazil and even my focus is jump I would like to thank you for your videos. They really make me feel more confident!

[@karilanham811]

It finally makes sense! Thank you!

[@Melissa-gn9tb]

You are my hero!! My horse has a long back and is in general a big boy so the more I can help him the better. Thank you can't wait to try this out.

[@SatoriDance]

This was very helpful! I'm trained as a dancer so understanding where the horse's weight is at and where the power for the movement comes from made so much sense! I feel like this is something I can easily practice to build my riding partnership. Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome!

[@CALFERERERERERer]

so helpful! No one has ever explained that to me! Can't wait to practice. Thanks Amelia.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Haha Thanks so much, i'm glad it's helping! And thanks for watching!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@christineporter2479]

So helpful. Thank you. I always thought it would be difficult for me to know when outside hind was on the ground, but so much easier concentrating on the front inside leg.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertc9179]

Excellent explanation of canter transition and understanding the feel.

[@maggsm3392]

I think I cut out half of my previous comment.. What I meant to say was I don't have my own horses anymore -I'm 71 and still ride but only about once every few weeks but I love watching you. I have ridden English and more recently switched to Western moreso for the instructor. The lesson horses I ride are accomplished cutting and trail horses and they never go on the incorrect lead. I just do that 'kiss' thing and off they go. However I'm going to practice giving the aid as you described. This was a wonderful explanation and so glad you explained how to do it from the walk, as with these quarter horses I ride we almost always go into a lope from a walk. Thanks again xo from Australia

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad this was helpful! Let me know how it goes!

[@ammie3447]

I have been riding for about half a year now, and I've struggled so much with asking for canter. My teacher hasn't told me about this timing, but I've just thought that it must be a good timing and a less good timing to ask for canter. Thank you for this video! Will for sure think about this and try it next time I'm riding.

[@loredelore7286]

Very good video, technical and clearly explained.

[@skmaslen]

I really like the attention to inside front leg during walk to canter transition ❣

[@asia5285]

Thank you , I've never thought about this , now it seems so obvious. It's interesting to hear such tips for back transition from canter to the trot

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kristinemcclain9028]

This has been extremely helpful thank you.

[@gacc8693]

Best tip ever! Thank U

[@wendietresik6425]

Thank you!!!! I really need this. I’m struggling with asking for the canter at the right time. I can’t wait to give this a try ☺️

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You got this!

[@paddyfromculmore8597]

Finaly i can jump in the right canter with my young horse . It works amazing. Thank you Amelia. Greets Oona

[@simons1543]

Next lesson tomorrow... yet more things to work on. Thank you Amelia. I'm feeling so much sympathy for my very very patient horse right now... please god I get better at asking appropriately

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You will Simon! It's great that you're learning and getting lessons! Thanks for watching and subscribing! Also, You could take my rider assessment quiz and my mini rider position course if you'd like to get a little guidance! Both are free! Rider Position Mini Course: www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/riderpositionminicourse/? Rider assessment quiz: www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/dressage-rider-quiz/

[@andreapetrovits302]

Dear Simon, I envy you so much for having a very very patient horse... 😊

[@simons1543]

@@andreapetrovits302 My horse needs to be!! 🤭

[@julierichardsoncastro838]

Yes...I didn’t know when to ask

[@nicolalambourne6782]

Thank you for the easy to understand explanation.

[@debistevens3238]

Thank you for the focus on this. I struggle with the timing with a resulting trot into the canter, inversion of his head with his ears pinned or sometimes he even flips his rump up and kicks out. When I get the timing right, it is a fairly nice canter transition. You are awesome. Thanks

[@ezenok]

dear amelia! thank you for your kindness help

[@cherylwhite6250]

Truly.... I've never heard this before. Thank you so much! I can easily see how these teaching points will also aid in picking up the correct lead as well.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome!

[@rachelmacgowan86]

So helpful, thank you very much

[@kimnenninger7226]

Typical great video. Very good job on teaching us timing.

[@monetteleblanc-priemer2200]

Thank you, I'm working at Second/Third level and one of my struggles is getting my mare to understand the correct lead on straight lines from the walk. I'll try this tip to see if better timing helps, thank you!

[@sihemgallo5919]

Very helpful tips. I really like your videos great advise thank you !

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad to hear you're enjoying them.

[@paolopiccirillo6760]

Very Good explanation

[@kimyuracharlotte4143]

We struggle a lot with trot canter transitions and I rather do walk canter transitions because those are much easier for us, so I can't wait to try this out and so if it will become easier for both of us. Thank you so much, video helped me a lot.

[@rachellambert8195]

Hi Amelia, I think this could be lead to over thinking and tension in the rider. Very helpful to understand, if you get it wrong horse will probably still canter if balanced and set up, like yours, but delay by a stride. I think it’s a feel think as you say, but 90% of success is preparation 😊.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Horses can definitely be forgiving. We are so luck to have them!

[@jadelambton490]

My instructor always says "right legggg..NOW" and I finally get why 😂

[@stolensilver6963]

Different coloured bandages on the different diagonals would help with following the legs. Thanks.

[@wayneoyston2764]

Brilliant! Really great video and tips, makes so much sense, can't wait to use them this weekend, I've been having trouble with a horse striking off on the wrong leg. Thank you! 😊

[@rosieshine1332]

This is most helpful, thank you

[@donnadefrancis1972]

Thank you for this clear, helpful explanation! I am heading out to try it with confidence.

[@JenniferSmith-wt8gg]

Nice technical description that will be very useful 🙏🏼🤗

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbsimmons2954]

Thank you so much for simplifying this 😊

[@juliafoley6499]

You really break things down very clearly, thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're very welcome!

[@alisalarson4196]

This is the most helpful tip I have found, thank you so much!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! Awesome

[@Kipreno]

Thank you! I will try this at my next lesson. I have been having trouble with timing the last few lessons after doing it much better a couple of weeks ago. I think I am over thinking it versus just feeling it like before.

[@falizianme5846]

Well he did it right when I was wrong! I love that! Sign of a well trained pony! Thanks for the tips! I'm always trying not to overthink and over ride! 🙃 our walk canter is definitely better and the canter walk has improved but can still go a bit south with out perfect timing on my part! He can do it, but it just isn't correct!

[@thehamregroup-realty1930]

So helpful thank you!!!😊

[@maloveng]

It’s very helpful to me. I’v been practicing effectively my legs’ aides, with hands position and good sitting. Now I’ve learned one thing more to get canter on time. Thanks.

[@horsecrazy7655]

Thanks for the tip I ride a reining horse and probably am asking on wrong timing cause her head goes up( which reiners usually carry a low head set) I will try this new tip tomorrow am excited to see it work 😉

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad to help!

[@Froby2378]

Once again Thank you for this video !!!

[@rachelpalomino7701]

Very good video - Thank you for breaking it down! I just started my dressage journey and I love watching these videos. My lesson horse likes to pull his head down as we canter and my coach tells me that I have to lift his hind legs and bring him in because he stretches out...I'm still trying to figure out what that means... So much to learn and I realize that its time in the saddle that is the only way to learn and get the feel for it.

[@horsemom6421]

Great tips! I'm going to apply this today. Thanks

[@jthompson13]

Thank you for this.

[@daridadorka5467]

Thank you for explaining everything! I overthink and get frustrated with myself. My current horse needs really precise signs and I am still getting used to it. It is hard to adjust, but I am hopeful that your technique will help me.

[@patstouter8309]

My Gaited horse is lateral so need to get that timing down

[@audreylee8371]

Thank you so much for the clear explanation! I know timing is really important when you ask for anything from your horse. I am struggling with the half pass's timing for both canter and trot. Is there anyone struggling with the same problem QAQ?

[@teammotleyequestrian]

Wow i had never been taught this, your videos are absolutely amazing helped me so much !

[@charlottex232]

I don’t have a horse but some of the horses I am on we ask to pick up canter in a corner but I was on a speedy horse and he was like let scare Charlotte and into canter he went hahaha x

[@georginalester4303]

very Helpful! Thanks

[@Richard_Martin]

Yes really helpful

[@debraallen5588]

Very helpful

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks Debra! And thanks for watching!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@lizgarland2241]

Fab thank you x

[@amandafrench8047]

Ye make it look SOOO easy lady :)

[@AamarieAngeMerrier]

Merci

[@astridpeters4074]

dear Amelia, I am from Holland, so exuse me if the word are not correctly. So I ask the right time for the canter. When the inside front leg lands on the ground, I give the aid for cater. You said: now, now, now, canter! So at the moment you said "canter" you give the aid? because I think I am to late. Thank you

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! Watch the video again and look for that

[@lindacox119]

love the "feeling" the inside front & outside hind" on the ground. This is a great riding tip. Can I ask, what does it mean if a horse is not balanced in the canter?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

When a horse is not balanced they are on the forehand and either rushing or breaking to the trot. The feeling is not good!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Do you struggle with the canter transition? What's your biggest issue?

[@karolienvanzijderveld3261]

The main problem for us I think is the active tempo while also focussing on doing the right thing (focussing to much maybe ?). We didn't have this problem before but it started after an injury where my horse had problems to start cantering. I know there is another good video from you about "mistakes while asking for canter" which I watched several times. I think the right timing also might add some confidence, so we'll try that from now on ! Thanks for the instruction !

[@michelleschenck326]

In addition to the leg position, Is there que given with your reins and wrists ( slightly turn or twist your wrist) when asking for the canter transition..

[@mm25937]

Very instructive! Thank you!!

[@amywelcher7117]

Thanks Amelia!! I can’t wait to try this out! Sometimes my horse will pick up the wrong lead, I try to ask correctly with my legs, seat and having my horse’s weight in the outside rein, but do you think my timing could also a problem?

[@amysteva1649]

I was always told to keep my legs on, I see your legs bumping him throughout your ride.

[@carloseduardomonge]

awesome

[@vicky0920]

So when you change from rising trot to sitting trot, do you apply your outside leg aid behind the girth when you sit your trot at odd or even number? I’m always confused if I should use my leg aid on the 2nd or the 3rd bounce. I suppose it’s the odd number because it’s when the outside hind leg begin to step forward? Appreciate if you can explain this 🙏🏻

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Vicky, You are thinking on the right track. You want to ask for the canter when you would be posting up if you were rising the trot. When you are sitting the trot, look for the outside front leg to come forward (inside hind will be on the ground) and give your canter aid then.