Capatoki Video Series

Lesson 8 Side aids in canter

Lesson 8, side aids in a canter. This demonstration I attempt to use my side aids in a canter.

Not all rides will go as planned and this mare got snarky as I put my leg on her. For this horse, I keep kicking or tapping with my leg until she responds. When she responds, I soften my leg to just a light touch. In time, she learns that two legs on means to go forward.

In past years I have learnt two schools of trainers, the light school and the hard school. The light school would tell me to stop. They will automatically assume the horse is sore or the saddle is ill fitting. That can sometimes be the case. However, in this instance, I am simply receiving some attitude and resistance. Attitude can be common with good horses. Giving in and stopping will get me nowhere.

The hard school would have me using whips and spurs to beat it out of her, that will only make her worse. My firm and assertive approach requires a bit of patience but this is by far the most effective approach.

This series will include many exercises used in Strides Exercises, for more information visit Strides Exercises

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