Canter and gallop

A variation of the canter, seen in western riding, is called a lope,[3] and is generally quite slow, no more than 13–19 kilometres per hour (8–12 mph).

[4] However, a lack of compelling evidence made the 18th-century equestrian Richard Berenger remark in The History and Art of Horsemanship[5] that "the definition must certainly puzzle all who are horsemen and all who are not" [author's italics], and suggest his own derivation, noted in contemporary dictionaries,[6] from the Latin word cantherius, a gelding, known for its calmness of temper.

[7] The gallop is the fastest gait of the horse, averaging about 40 to 48 kilometres per hour (25 to 30 mph), and in the wild is used when the animal needs to flee from predators or simply cover short distances quickly.

The "hand gallop" of the show ring is not merely an extended canter, but a true lengthening of stride, yet still fully under control by the rider.

[8] The Guinness Book of World Records lists a Thoroughbred as having averaged 43.97 miles per hour (70.76 km/h) over a two-furlong (0.25 mi or 402 m) distance in 2008.

In limited circumstances, mostly in dressage training, a horse may be deliberately asked to take the lead opposite of the direction it is traveling.

Understanding the motion of the canter is important if a person wants to ride the horse with a balanced, secure, yet flexible seat.

In a half-seat and/or two-point position the rider's seat is raised out of the saddle to some extent, the upper body leaning forward as needed to balance over the horse's center of gravity, and more weight is carried in the stirrups.

The more forward positions allow the horse greater freedom of movement at speed, over rough terrain, or when jumping.

When a rider sits the canter, the seat remains firmly in the saddle at all times, allowing a more secure position and greater control over the horse.

A rider sitting the lope or canter requires relaxed hips and the upper body balanced over the center of gravity of the horse, usually achieved by slightly leaning the torso forward.

The lower leg should remain quiet, the heel will sink down slightly and the knee angle may open with the footfalls, absorbing the shock of the gait.

It is used for jumping when extra control via a seat aid may be necessary, especially for sharp turns, riding downhill, on the approach to potentially spooky fences, or when the rider wishes to collect the stride.

Half-seat is used frequently in competition over fences, and at times even in dressage training, to help lighten the horse's back.

The rider in half-seat inclines their shoulders and the pelvis slightly forward, keeping their hip angle nicely open and the lower back soft.

This position requires a rider to have good base of leg strength to perform well for long periods, and it can be quite tiring.

Two-point is seen when galloping uphill or in straight lines on flat ground, doing large, wide turns at moderate speed, and when approaching a jump.

Another variant is seen in horse racing, where the jockey rides with extremely short stirrups and the body inclined well forward, generally with little or no contact with the seat bones.

Aids: The rider applies the outside leg slightly further back from its normal position, which activates the outside hind (the first beat of the intended lead).

At the same time, he or she uses the outside rein to flex the horse's head toward the outside, which frees up the animal's inside shoulder, encouraging it to fall into that lead.

If the rider were to ask for the left lead, for example, he or she would apply the right leg behind the girth and use the right rein to turn the horse's head to the right.

The refined sequence usually makes for a quicker and more balanced depart, and prepares the horse for use of the inside lateral aids.

Purpose and Drawbacks: An intermediate step, this is the most commonly used sequence of aids by amateur riders, and is usually the one taught to beginners.

The rider should lead the horse in the direction of the turn by applying the opening rein aid without pulling backward, while the other hand releases as usual.

The canter stride should be easily lengthened and shortened, making the horse "adjustable" between fences so that it may meet the distance correctly.

If the rider does not keep sufficient leg on, the horse will simply fall onto the forehand or break into the trot or walk.

Specific movements of the canter are often required in dressage competition, but are also important for the general training of any riding horse for any discipline.