Dressage Pointers: Preparing For Counter Canter By Riding Shallow Loops

Описание: In this video, Cooley and I will show you how riding shallow loops down the long sides of the arena will prepare you and your horse for the counter-canter where you will be moving into different directions while staying in the same canter lead. The counter-canter is an advanced movement that will help your horse to become stronger and more balanced through her/his body which will eventually lead to her/his improvement of what we call ‘straightness’ in Dressage, the increasing ability to take up weight in the hind end while growing the bending capacity to both sides more evenly.

You may find that this exercise looks easier than what it may feel like when you’re first trying it out with your horse. It is quite possible that she/he may occasionally break into the trot when you are shifting your weight on the second half of the loop. If that happens you may not have supported your horse enough with your driving inside leg, and/or your weight aids may not have guided her/him (as described in the video) enough to stay balanced throughout the whole movement. You may also want to make sure that you do not switch the flexion and bend in your horse’s body while you are moving through the different parts of the shallow loops. In essence, in terms of the canter feel, you’re riding just a little ‘detour’ from the usual straight line of the long side of the arena and back. Note: This is different when compared to riding the same shapes in the trot where the bend changes to mirror the bend of the loops.

Take your time practicing the single shallow loops before moving on to the double shallow loops. Have a look at the graphics at the end of the video so you know exactly where you’re aiming to be. Once these two patterns feel fluid and good to both of you, try this single loop toward X which will be shown in one of my upcoming videos. Happy riding! :)

Horse: Cooley (Windchase KilCooley), 12 year-old gelding, Irish Sport Horse; Background: Imported from Ireland; formerly ridden and competed as a three-day-eventer; Health: Continuous, thoughtful management of stomach problems/ulcers and bouts of colics; Training: Careful ongoing Dressage and ground training while taking into consideration former shoulder injury/surgery; Temperament (0 being extremely calm/laid-back, 10 being highly excitable/hot): 6; Personality: Dominant gelding with a tendency to show resistance and twist/stick his tongue out when feeling stressed/overtaxed; Sweet spot: Needs his time in the warm-up; attentive and patient when it comes to trying to figure out new things; noticeably loves to perform movements he has learned and enjoys using his body as he continues to become a stronger, more balanced athlete.


Note: Viewers should consult a professional before adopting any of the training techniques shown in this video. Any activity you do with your horse is at your own risk and may produce varied results.


Useful links:

Dressage Pointers: How To Improve Your Horse’s Balance By Riding Quarter-Turns On The Forehand —    • Dressage Pointers: How To Improve Your Hor...  

Dressage Pointers: How To Improve Your Horse’s Balance By Riding Quarter-Turns In The Trot —    • Dressage Pointers: How To Improve Your Hor...  

Dressage Pointers: How To Improve Your Horse’s Balance Riding On A Rectangle In The Trot and Canter —    • Dressage Pointers: How To Improve Your Hor...  


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California-based Dressage trainer, instructor, clinician and life coach, Katja Elk, provides gentle training solutions for riders and horses of all backgrounds.
“Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate enough to learn from many amazing human and equine teachers. In my videos, I share tips and pointers with people interested in expanding their knowledge about foundational Dressage and different types of groundwork. You will see me work with horses of various breeds, levels and backgrounds, highlighting parts of the journey we call ‘work in progress' with our equine partners. None of the shown clips are flawless, but they are honest attempts to show you ways to nurture a kind, joyful and productive relationship with your horses as you are exploring the finer points of Dressage and groundwork.”
Katja applies the concept of a friendly, trust-based, two-way communication system to riding Dressage, work-in-hand as well as groundwork such as halter-work, longeing/lungeing and longlining.
Additionally, Katja, a Martha Beck certified master life coach, works with people who are looking for relief from anxiety, depression and/or other challenges in their lives.

https://www.katjaelk.com

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