Walk to canter

[rosechaplin]

Hey i am doing my first pony club intermediate dressage test this weekend which includes walk- canter. do any of you have any tips on getting better marks for it or how to keep round and supple through the transition and not throw his head up. Any exercises you have to improve? thanks so much XX

 

[Illusion100]

Flex him round your inside leg turn his head slightly to the inside while maintaining a steady outside hand contact just before asking for the strike off into canter and make sure he is travelling forward in walk in a good rhythm before you ask.

 

[hibshobby]

Second what Illusion100 says - keep the horse moving forward in walk, but try to shorten the walk just (and only just) before asking for canter. It will appear to be a more free canter if the walk is a slightly shortened stride just beforehand. The judge will be looking for a keen, obedient, free and forward canter, so your mark should be higher than if the horse is seen to fall in to canter or runs into canter.