TRAINING.
PACE PERFECT Whether the horse has expressive rhythmical paces or restricted ordinary ones it is our responsibility as riders, trainers and judges to preserve and nurture what nature has given. In a new series by Jane Kidd, we look at what can be done to achieve this, starting with the canter.
A
s always with the paces the priority is the regularity, which in the canter is a three time beat with a moment of suspension. The rider looks to develop their feel, the awareness of what is happening in the horse’s body and limbs and whether the sequence is correct or failing. Trained eyes on the ground can help and tell them what is happening.
LEFT: A WONDERFULLY EXPRESSIVE CANTER FROM A YOUNG HORSE, AN UPHILL TENDENCY AND OBVIOUS HOCK ACTION.
BRITISH DRESSAGE // Issue 3 2022 // 29
