What Do You Do if the Horse Cross Canters?
Canter Series # 12 Excerpt from Book Four
Cross-cantering means that the horse is on one canter lead in the front and the opposite canter lead in the hind. This would be an example of incorrect rhythm at the canter. This is a common problem in young horses and older horses that have not been ridden with their hind legs engaged and their backs up.
First determine if the horse’s cross cantering is caused by an injury or not. If it is, consult your vet and determine what course of action you should take.
Second, look at your trot work. Is the horse balanced off the inside shoulder and using his hind legs? If the horse is on the forehand with a hollow back then it will be difficult for him to maintain a balanced canter and he will switch leads to compensate. The canter comes out of the trot. Some trainers might tell you to canter around and around the ring, pushing the horse forward to strengthen the hind, but that is usually counter productive. The horse will simply practice incorrectly, cross cantering as often as he feels out of balance. Cantering up hills will help to strengthen the hind legs if you have access to trails and fields. If you are confined to an indoor arena, as some of us are during the winter season, practice your trot work, engaging the horse’s hind legs more and more. Canter each day, but only for a short duration. Canter around the arena once, stop, change direction, and canter on the opposite lead. Keep your canter short enough for the horse to maintain the proper canter.
Do not get anxious when the horse breaks in the canter and start pushing and pushing until he goes back to the canter. By the time the horse picks up the canter again he has picked up speed and lost his hind legs out behind him and then he goes racing around the arena. That isn’t what you want. My best advice is to stay relaxed when starting the canter. If your horse breaks in the canter, relax and come back to the walk, so you can reorganize and lift back up into the canter. Remember to engage the hind legs so that the horse can carry himself with balance, with a brush of the whip, and a reminder with your legs. This will keep the canter organized and your horse will be able to hold his canter lead better and better in each training session.
