Ride the Canter

What does "Ride the Canter" mean?

When a horse canters, he starts with the outside hind leg, then the other (inside) hind and outside front legs step together, then the inside front leg. Last, (the fun part), he has a moment when all of his feet are in the air. The gait produces a rocking motion, beginning with rocking forward as the hooves rotate through the pattern and then rocking back so that the horse's weight is over the hind foot with which he started. The sound is three hoof beats, then a pause, three beats, then a pause.

To "ride the canter" is to take life in stride, fluidly enjoying the swing and the "hang time" moments of suspension. The more suspension, the greater the sense of freedom and balance. The rider can help the horse canter more freely by being in balance herself. The horse is free to use his back and can reach his hind legs further under him for longer strides. He is more in balance because the rider is also balanced.

To "ride the canter" is to hold life gently and firmly while allowing freedom both in yourself and in those around you. It's being in tune with the ups and downs, living life connected to your surroundings, interacting with, but not forcing others to mold to your wishes.

May you "ride the canter" in all you do!