How to Train a Horse Not to Canter Kick

To be considered fully trained, a horse must master all three gaits under saddle: walk, trot and canter. The canter is a three-beat gait, unlike the walk and the trot, which are four-beat and two-beat gaits, respectively. While the walk and the trot are fairly easy to train under saddle, the more complicated canter can be difficult. Some horses will find it quite easy to balance at the canter with a rider on their backs, while others will find that balance a bit more challenging to attain. In a well-executed canter depart the horse will travel in a straight line, with his inside front foot leading the way.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
  • Longe line
  • Longe whip
  • Halter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch your horse in the pasture to make sure he is moving normally without a saddle on his back. If he seems unable to canter properly in the pasture, or if you notice any lameness, be sure to contact your vet. If your horse's back is stiff or sore, he might kick out at the canter in pain.

    • 2

      Place the saddle on your horse and tighten the girth just enough to keep it from slipping. Attach a longe line--essentially, a very long rope--to the halter and longe your horse to warm him up, standing in the middle and allowing him to move in a circle while you observe. Spend at least a few minutes working at the walk and the trot before asking for your first canter depart. Use the voice cues you have established during your previous training sessions to ask for the canter. Watch your horse's body as he moves into the canter on the longe line. He should be moving fluidly and look happy and balanced.

    • 3

      Tighten the girth so you can easily slide your hand between your horse's side and the girth. Mount your horse and work him at the walk and trot. Use circles to flex and bend your horse--the more flexible your horse, is the cleaner your canter departs will be.

    • 4

      Put your horse into a wide, sweeping circle at a fast trot. Shape your horse with your inside leg as he moves around the circle. Do not allow your horse to lean into the direction of travel--use your inside leg to move him toward the outside of the circle.

    • 5

      Bring your horse down to a walk and then use a half halt to prepare for the canter depart. To perform a half halt, you use your reins to check the horse and stop his forward movement for just a second or two, then release the pressure and allow him to move on. Do a few steps at a walk, followed by a half halt, then ask for a canter depart with your voice and leg cues. Touch your horse lightly with the outside leg just behind the girth while using your voice cue at the same time.

    • 6

      Pick up on your inside rein slightly to support your horse in the canter depart. This will help prevent him from getting strung out and off balance. If your horse kicks out at the canter depart, bring him back to a trot to loosen up his muscles, then transition down to a walk, a half halt and finally a canter depart. It can take a lot of practice to get a good, balanced canter depart, and working with your horse daily is the best way to get the results you want.