Canter Leg Yields!

Canter leg yields are not commonly referred to, as they are not mentioned in dressage tests. Thus, I feel they are really only commonplace when teaching the half pass. Thus, we miss out on the incredible benefits from them!! For jumpers, dressage riders, eventers, they are CRUCIAL!!! Not only do they reinforce inside leg to outside rein, but they will supple and strengthen your horse immensely. Also, when approaching a jump or need more bend, having your horse responsive to the leg yield at the canter will tremendously improve your horse’s rideability and your ability to rate your horse. To do them, make sure your horse knows the leg yield at walk and trot first. Then at the canter, start on a quarter line and ask for the movement to shift over with each stride. I find horses generally need a bit to sort out how to coordinate their legs and balance if they don’t know this already. Because of this, your horse might be a bit sticky until it understands. Be gentle and reward effort! Many horses love canter leg yields, and this exercise is one of my personal favorites to ride!! The better your horse gets, you start going down centerline and past it. Canter leg yields will also make your counter canter better. Counter canter is also great to use in conjunction with canter leg yields.