canters

Canter is a controlled, three-beat gait of a horse or other equid that lies between a trot and a gallop. It is characterized by a rhythmic, relatively smooth to the rider and a brief suspension between strides. The canter can be performed on either lead, with the preferred lead often chosen to suit a turn or movement.

In riding, the lead refers to the foreleg that reaches forward most prominently during the canter. A horse can canter on the left lead or the right lead, and lead changes are a common training aim in many disciplines. A counter-canter describes cantering on a curve with the horse’s body bent toward the inside of the circle while maintaining the opposite, or outside, lead.

The footfall pattern of the canter is typically described as three beats per stride, with the exact sequence varying by horse and lead. In general, the gait follows a rhythmic progression that can be developed or adjusted through training. The cadence and looseness of the gait change with the horse’s fitness, arena surface, and rider aids. Riders work to achieve a balanced, consistent canter through effective use of seat, leg, and rein aids, along with proper topline and hindquarter engagement.

Within equestrian disciplines, the canter is foundational for dressage, show jumping, eventing, and general riding. It enables longer strides, fluid transitions, and controlled movement between gaits, contributing to a horse’s athleticism, responsiveness, and versatility.