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The Correct Seat for Canter Transitions

The Correct Seat for Canter Transitions

The canter transition may only be a small part of a training session, but it is however a crucial and important moment. It influences the quality of the canter and prepares the horse for other movements. However, many riders fail to tap into the full potential of riding a correct transition and mistakes can happen easily.

Why a Correct Rider’s Seat Is Key to an Uphill Canter Transition

A correct seat is the foundation of a smooth and uphill canter transition. Riders need precise coordination, balance, and control over their own body to help the horse transition effortlessly into an uphill canter from the very first stride. This requires correct positioning and movement of the hips. Grand Prix trainer Benjamin Werndl explains the feel of a proper canter transition from the saddle:
“Essentially, I cue the canter transition through my entire seat, not just with my leg. Just as I use my seat for a half-halt, I also use it for the canter aid. Think of it like a forward-moving half-halt. During the transition, I focus on maintaining balance and ensuring I don’t overwhelm the horse. The horse should remain balanced. I am patient and I try to tune into the horse and let it ‘offer’ the transition. The canter transition should feel relaxed for the horse. Before I ask for it, the horse is already in front of me, and I aim to maintain this feeling throughout the transition. When the horse is in front of me, I can ride forward at any moment while encouraging the horse to carry itself.“

A Correct Hip Movement is essential in Canter

DressurFit® Coach Marcel Andrä highlights the central role of hip movement and biomechanics during the canter transition:
“Unlike walk and trot, the canter is an asymmetrical gait where the inside hip moves forward during the lead canter. You can practice this motion while sitting on a chair or a ball. Imagine a left-lead canter: Push your right hip slightly back, return to neutral, then push your left hip slightly forward, and back to neutral. Repeat this sequence.“
To visualize it further, imagine sitting on the face of a clock: Your left seat bone starts at 9, and your right seat bone at 3.
In the left-lead canter, the right seat bone moves back to 4, then the left seat bone moves forward to 10, and so on.
Everyone has a natural asymmetry—such as a dominant leg or hand—which becomes evident in the canter. Many riders find it easier to move one hip forward than the other. Through targeted exercises from the DressurFit® program, these asymmetries can be noticeably improved.

Common Mistakes in Canter Aids

One frequent mistake during the canter transition is opening the hip angle too much. When the rider’s upper body leans too far back, it pushes the horse downward and forward, leading to a loss of balance. If the horse is pushed downwards by the first canter jump, it cannot develop its full movement potential. The horse can then fall on the forehand and the transition into the canter will appear unbalanced. By maintaining a correct hip angle, the rider enables his horse to jump uphill in a controlled manner.

Richtiger Sitz beim Angaloppieren

Benjamin adds:
“Mistakes often occur because riders try to force the transition, overwhelming the horse with aids. Or, the horse isn’t properly prepared and falls behind the rider before the transition. Here is an image that helps me: The airstream that I feel during the preparation should remain consistent in the transition to canter. It shouldn’t change.”

The Connection to Flying Changes

The aid for the canter transition is very similar to the aid for the flying change, making transitions an excellent preparation for this advanced movement.

The Correct Seat for Canter Transitions

Benjamin describes the feel of a flying change from the saddle:
“The aid is an impulse through my entire body that goes through the horse’s whole body. I give a subtle half-halt with the new outside rein and slightly soften the new inside rein. The horse’s neck stays straight, and my pelvis tilts naturally. My new outside leg gives the cue without moving too far back, while my new inside leg maintains light contact. I keep the reins connected, and the aid is given just before the suspension phase. When I let it happen naturally, my leg falls in rhythm with the horse’s movement. I tune into the canter and give the cue just before the new canter jump.”

Ein biomechanisch korrekter Sitz ist der Schlüssel, um dein Reiten spürbar zu verbessern. Speziell beim Angaloppieren bist du in der Lage schon beim ersten Galoppsprung den richtigen Trainingsreiz zu setzen und den Galopp deines Pferdes zu formen – für einen harmonischen, nach vorne-oben durchgesprungenen Galopp.

Tip for a Correct Seat for Canter Transitions

To improve your seat and rider biomechanics in canter and during transitions, it can be incredibly helpful to film yourself from the side. Watch the videos in slow motion and analyze your posture:

  • How is your upper body positioned? Do you stay aligned, or do you tend to lean too far forward or backward?
  • Are you making any compensatory movements during a specific phase of the canter?
  • Do you lift your knees or legs? Is your back hollow or rounded?

Does your hip angle open and close correctly?
Compare the images from your analysis with examples of the correct hip angle provided in this blog. Pay close attention to the different phases of the canter, as your seat adjusts slightly in each phase. The slow-motion footage will help you spot compensatory movements, so you can focus on the details you‘d like to improve.

By consciously examining your posture, you’ll become more aware of your body while riding, allowing you to improve step by step. A strong core and mobile hip flexors are key to maintaining a correct seat in the canter. With focused training using DressurFit®️, you’ll not only feel more confident in the saddle but also enable your horse to achieve a harmonious, uphill canter transition.

Targeted exercises from the DressurFit® program improve your rider fitness, laying the foundation for a biomechanically correct seat and refined aids. Explore our Academy courses, including the Flying Changes and The Canter Pirouettes, for more tips and exercises for training with your horse to improve the quality of the canter.

Get inspired and take your training to the next level!

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