Counter-canter

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The counter-canter is a riding movement performed, as its name suggests, at the canter, which asks the horse to move on the outside lead. For example, while on a circle to the left, the horse is on the right lead. The horse should be very slightly bent in the direction of the leading leg.

[edit] Uses of the counter-canter

The counter-canter is primarily used as a training movement, improving balance, straightness, and attention to the aids. It is used as a stepping-stone to the flying change. It is also a movement asked for in dressage tests.

[edit] Asking for the counter-canter

Most people begin asking for the counter-canter by riding through a corner on the "correct" lead, then performing a very shallow loop on the long side of the arena, returning back to the track in counter-canter. As the horse becomes better at the exercise, the rider may then make the loop deeper, and finally perform a 20-meter circle in counter-canter. Riders must take care not to ask for too deep a loop early on in the horse's training.

The rider should maintain their aids throughout the movement. They should not lean in one direction or the other, nor should they overbend the horse.