Canter Tutorial With Sarah Williams

International Dressage rider, Sarah Williams, gives us a quick video tutorial on the canter, emphasising the importance of the horse and rider working together in the movement of the connection.
Here's what she had to say about the tutorial;
"This is a follow-up to my last two tutorials on walk and trot - now the canter!
"Again, I am focusing on how the rider should be following the movement of the horse within the connection, so in this tutorial I am trying to demonstrate the movement of the rider's body with the hands forward to the contact, following the natural movement of the horse. I am trying to illustrate how to move in harmony, with no interference, allowing your horse to move naturally underneath you.
"Obviously, as soon as we sit on the horse we change their balance. So how can we try to enhance the horse with a positive effect, to make his job as easy as possible?
"Initially, I give a bit of a recap on my previous tutorials, and then I go on to talk about preparing for the transition and how to follow the horse in the canter with both your body and your hands. There is one video clip taken in slow motion to try and help you see the movement more clearly.
"I talk about the movement being similar to the type of movement required to get a swing to move when you’re sitting stationary in the park (think about how you'd get the swing to move underneath you) and the small feeling of rowing with your hands to follow the movement in the canter. I also talk about overuse of the outside leg, and that the impulsion comes from your inside leg; your outside leg really just initiates the counter. Personally, I like to sit a little bit to the inside in the canter, keeping a very light inside seat bone, with my hips and shoulders parallel to the horses, and a nice loose leg hanging down in front of my body line.
"I hope you enjoy this and find it useful. If you have any questions please message me on either Facebook or Instagram @sarahwilliamsdressage and I will be happy to help in any way I can!
"Stay safe, stay inspired, and keep on learning from each other."

[@lauradurrant730]

I love the Chihuahuas thing ! 😂
I love the video- brilliant instruction!

[@mizmae0890]

"like you're walking two little Chihuahuas" hahaha love it!