Collecting and extending the canter

I'm wondering what I can do to collect and extend the canter? It's mainly collecting the canter that we struggle with, my horse tends to break to trot and I don't really know how to get him to keep cantering but still shorten his strides.

Answers from HayHay's experts

One trick is to make a circle larger and smaller in canter. Spiralling the circle in onto the outside leg is often a good way to collect the canter. Start with small changes. If the horse breaks to trot easily, it helps to remember to follow the canter with your hips and keep your upper body stable 🐴

Elise Lindman

Sports Psychologist