Encouraging Your Horse To Have An “Uphill” Canter

  • User AvatarBernie
  • 14 Jul, 2015
  • 0 Comments
  • 1 Min Read

Encouraging Your Horse To Have An “Uphill” Canter

Submitted by member: Mary

Do you have any tips on creating an uphill canter on course without losing your stride? Specifically in the hunter ring needing to balance up a smaller TB in the corners without losing pace and stride.

Answer by Bernie

Assuming you have done all the proper flatwork to create a balanced canter, I have a technique which I use in the ring that I call the “Nip Up.” It is useful in elevating the neck of the horse when done properly, thus having some rebalancing effect on the horse without sacrificing any length of stride or rhythm. It’s a quick invisible flick up of both wrists followed immediately by softening the contact. Master this technique and become an artist with it. In the end it’s not visible to anyone and the effect is amazing! I demo it in the video below for you.

FREE Video Topic: The “Nip Up” – A Half-Halt Technique for Your Horse

Are you looking to correct a horse with a carriage that is too low or is too heavy on the forehand?

In this free video tip, Bernie Traurig teaches us a very handy tool all equestrians should have in their riding toolbox. One of his versions of a half-halt that is simple to do, he calls a “nip up.” This can be used in many instances, especially on a horse that is too low in it’s carriage or is too heavy on the forehand. Bernie demonstrates how to use this technique properly and effectively without hanging on the horse’s mouth. Ultimately, this should be an invisible and soft correction that you should only use when absolutely necessary so it remains meaningful. This technique can also be found in the books by Vladimir Littauer (Commonsense Horsemanship) and Gordon Wright (Horsemanship & Horsemastership) where it is defined as a Half-Halt.

Have Something You Want to Ask Our Panel of Experts?

Ask The Experts is the ultimate way to get help from the top professionals in the equestrian industry without leaving the comfort of your home. This service is available to Monthly, Annual and Lifetime Members of EquestrianCoach.com.

Join Website Ask The Expert

How to Tell if Your Horse’s Back is Sore
Horses and Technology - How Equestrians Can Benefit from the Web

Leave a Reply

X