Teaching youngsters to canter

SNORKEY

SNORKEY

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I've now been aboard my coblet about a dozen times and he's being amazing. I did a lot of long reigning first and we're now happily going around the field on our own, over poles etc.
My problem is going to be cantering, I'm not looking to rush into it now, but he's such a laid back little man that I know I'm going to have trouble getting him into canter.
How does everyone else teach their youngsters to canter?
 
I'm in exactly the same situation as you. My boy is backed, riding out well, walking and trotting fine.
Close to where we are is a very secure, large field that is on a slight hill. Perfect for a first canter. I intend to just ease him into it, in a straight line, uphill. At least if it goes horribly wrong its a very soft landing!
 
I've got some good bridleway paths as well, that are long and narrow, but I don't think il be able to get him into a fast enough trot to break into canter! Lol
 
I think the faster you trot the harder it is to get them to break into a canter. You need to be asking them for it when you have a steady medium trot. Although I hate lunging I've had Roberto learning to canter from voice with a 'hup hup' on a long lunge rein and when long reining. Just enough to work on transitions from walk = trot = canter = trot etc. Also I intend on taking out his field buddy who will take the lead so I can tuck in nicely behind.
 
For first canter under saddle I've always found it best to do it out hacking, behind or beside another horse. FAO Cambrica, I have also done it in fields like you describe and that method works well too.

However we don't have off-road hacking here so our youngsters' first ridden canter has to be in the school. Basically just a case of getting a nice active (but not rushed) rhythmic trot, then riding deep into a corner, sit deep, and use lots and lots of leg! We back up the leg aids with a voice command which they've already been taught on the lunge. We'll also carry a crop in the outside hand which can be used behind the outside leg if necessary. If they don't canter by the time they're coming out of the corner, re-establish the rhythm of the trot and then try again in the next corner, rather than letting them fall into a fast flat trot.
 
A low cross pole placed just before the corner helps them to go into canter as they go over it, especially if they've already got used to doing it on the lunge.
 
The first time i cantered my cob was out across a field following another horse. Even now as a 5 yr old we are still working on her canter in the school. Finding a nice field with a gentle slope and a calm neddy to follow normally does the trick :)
 
Ive only been cantering short time and its with steady hacking partner who is just half a pace ahead. I tried side by side and he booted out in excitement. I prefer open field so no reason to spook and have just done my first on bridlepath behind and in school.Wont be doing anything for a while as stupid driver scared him causing him to stomp his front feet on road and we now have what I hope is splint and nothing more serious.Why do drivers wait till you have past then start their engines and rev up Im seriously peeved as he was doing so well :(
 
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