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The Canter

Written by Sue Morris

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canter - animated gif

The canter is 3-beat gait followed by a suspension phase when all four feet are off the ground. The canter can be "true"; leading with the left leg when going to the left or "counter"; leading with the left leg (and staying flexed towards the left leg) when cantering to the right.

It can also be said to be ""disunited" when the correct sequence of leg movement is broken i.e. a horse changes legs in front but does not change behind.

For a left lead canter the sequence runs:
right hind put down

Right Hind put down
right diagonal raised

Right Diagonal raised
right diagonal put down right hind raised

Right Diagonal put down
left front put down

Left Front put down

Right Hind raised
suspension phase

Suspension phase

"The correct activity of the back produces a swinging movement and becomes evident to the rider by a swinging back and resilient chewing on the bit. A swinging back must therefore be one of the trainer's main goals during the entire course of training." (Paul Plinzner in a footnote to Gustav Steinbrecht's "Gymnasium of the Horse" )

The Walk

Regularity of the Walk

The Trot

Regularity of the Trot

The Canter

Regularity of the Canter

Copyright © Sue Morris 1998-2004