Introduction
Teaching a horse to perform a canter half-counter-flying-change-counter-change is an advanced level of dressage and a challenging one for both the horse and the trainer. This requires patience, strength, balance, suppleness and strength. You must also have trust and understanding between the horse’s trainer and your horse. Teaching a horse to perform a canter half-counter-flying-change-counter-change is not something that can be done overnight, but with patience and dedication, you and your horse can achieve this impressive dressage feat.
Step 1: Establish a Good Canter
Before attempting to teach a horse to perform a canter half-counter-flying-change-counter-change, it is important to establish a good canter. The horse must be balanced and comfortable while cantering straight and should be able transition from a trot to a canter. Once the horse is comfortable and confident cantering, you can begin to work on the canter half-counter-flying-change-counter-change.
Tips to Establish a Good Canter
- Before you begin the exercise, make sure your horse is properly warmed up.
- Begin by walking straight.
- Be consistent and establish a rhythm.
- Reward your horse for his effort, and make sure you release the aids immediately after the horse responds.
Step 2: Teach the Half-Counter-Flying-Change
Once the horse is comfortable with cantering in a straight line, you can start teaching the half-counter-flying-change. This is when the horse changes its direction while moving in mid-air. This requires the horse to be able balance while in the air, and also to be able take off and land correctly on the correct lead. To teach the half-counter-flying-change, begin by cantering in a straight line. Once the horse is engaged and balanced, you can ask for a change in direction or a change in lead. Make sure you give the horse the right aids as he takes off.
Tips for Teaching the Half-Counter-Flying-Change:
- Begin by asking for a simple shift in direction.
- Add the lead change once the horse is comfortable.
- To help your horse understand what you’re asking, be sure to provide consistent and clear aids.
- Reward your horse for his effort, and make sure you release the aids immediately after the horse responds.
Step 3: Teach Counter-Change
Once the horse is comfortable with the half-counter-flying-change, you can begin teaching the counter-change. This is when the horse changes its direction and change its lead mid-air. This requires the horse to be able balance while in the air, and also to be able take off and land correctly on the correct lead. Start by walking straight and cantering. Once the horse is engaged and balanced, you can ask the horse for a change in direction or a change in lead. Make sure you give the horse the right aids as he takes off.
Here are some tips for teaching the Counter-Change
- Begin by asking for a simple shift in direction.
- Add the lead change once the horse is comfortable.
- To help your horse understand what you’re asking, be sure to provide consistent and clear aids.
- Reward your horse for his effort, and make sure you release the aids immediately after the horse responds.
Step 4: Combine it all
Once the horse is comfortable with the half-counter-flying-change and the counter-change, you can begin to put it all together. This involves the horse performing a canter half-counter-flying-change-counter-change. Start by cantering straight. Once the horse is engaged and balanced,