Rhythm; Learning to Identify and Develop it in Canter

It can often sound like a jackhammer... Rrrrrrrrrrrrrr.  Instead of the 1,2,3...1,2,3...1,2,3... that the canter should produce when you listen for the rhythm.  And once either a horse or a rider has become 'used' to a different way, it can be a real challenge to get things back on track.  Or on beat, as the case is when the rhythm is lost in the canter.

Some things are taken for granted when we ride horses.  Rhythm is very often one of those things.  And many riders think that, if there is a regular enough repeating sound, rhythm is good.  But sometimes, the rhythm itself is not right.  And when this happens, no further development can happen within the gait until this is corrected.

The Rhythm in Canter

I am sure that you are well aware of the fact that your canter should have a 3 beat rhythm.  I am going to also assume here that you understand what causes this gait to have 3 beats (as opposed to 4 or 2 like walk or trot).

However, what many riders fail to realize is that rhythm in the canter can be lost without your horse becoming disunited behind!  I mention the disunited behind because this is one of the most talked-about and common ways for the canter to develop a 4-time beat.  However, let's assume here that your horse is indeed united in the canter.

All feet are moving where they should be.  And yet, you're just not hearing that distinctive 3-time beat...  Now what? 

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Additional Resources:-

• Your Aids to Ride the Half Halt
• Using Your Body to Effectively Influence the Canter
• Learning to Stop Blocking with Your Seat – Part 1
• Learning to Stop Block with Your Seat - Part 2
• Learn to Stop Driving with Your Seat
• Connection in Your Riding; Seat and Legs
• Your Independent Seat is a Result of Your Independent Aids
• 4 Steps to a More Comfortable Canter
• Join Connection; The Online Membership for Equestrians
• Lunging for Riding