Cantering is an important part of horse racing, with jockeys needing to be able to ask their horse for the canter in a way that is both safe and effective. Asking for the canter is a complex process and involves numerous techniques and cues which must be used in the correct order in order to ensure that the horse is relaxed and ready to respond. In this article, we will explore how jockeys ask for the canter, from the basics of the cues used to the more advanced techniques employed by experienced riders.
Understanding the Canter
Before we can look at how jockeys ask for the canter, it is important to understand what the canter actually is. The canter is a three-beat gait which is slower than the gallop but faster than the trot. It is a smooth, rhythmic gait that looks effortless when done correctly. Horses cantering will typically have one hind leg leading in a diagonal pattern, followed by the other hind leg, then the two front legs. This gait allows the horse to cover a lot of ground quickly and is used in many different equestrian disciplines, from show jumping to dressage.
What Cues Do Jockeys Use?
When asking for the canter, jockeys will typically use a combination of verbal cues, physical cues and leg cues. The verbal cues are typically simple commands such as “let’s go” or “canter”. The physical cues involve the jockey moving their body in an up-down motion, while their arms and legs remain still. This helps to encourage the horse to lift their gait. The leg cues involve the jockey squeezing their legs against the horse’s sides to encourage it to canter.
The Basics of Asking for the Canter
When asking for the canter, the most important thing is to be calm and consistent. The jockey must be in control of their own body and the horse must be relaxed and listening.
1. Slow the Trot
The first step when asking for the canter is to slow the trot. This can be done by using the reins to slow the horse down and by using verbal and physical cues.
2. Sit Up in the Saddle
Once the trot is slowed down, the jockey should sit up in the saddle. This will help to encourage the horse to lift its gait and to prepare for the canter.
3. Use Leg Cues
The jockey should then use leg cues to encourage the horse to canter. This can be done by squeezing the legs against the horse’s sides, or by using a patting motion.
4. Use Verbal Cues
The jockey should then use verbal cues to ask the horse to canter. This can be done by saying “let’s go” or “canter”.
5. Use Physical Cues
Finally, the jockey should use physical cues to ask the horse to canter. This can be done by moving the body in an up-down motion, while the arms and legs remain still.
Advanced Techniques for Asking for the Canter
Once the basics of asking for the canter have been mastered, there are some more advanced techniques which experienced jockeys may use.
1. Use Voice Commands
Experienced jockeys may use voice commands to ask for the canter. This can involve saying things such as “let’s go” or “canter now” in a firm but gentle voice.
2. Use the Whip
The whip can be used in a controlled manner to help encourage the horse to canter. The whip should only be used as a last resort, and should not be used with too much force.
3. Use Visual Cues
Jockeys can also use visual cues to ask for the canter. This can involve looking in the direction that the horse should move, or using hand signals to indicate the direction.
4. Use Rein Cues
Rein cues can also be used to ask for the canter. This can involve pulling the reins slightly to the side to indicate the direction of the turn, or using a light tapping motion to indicate the canter.
Safety Considerations When Asking for the Canter
It is important to remember that safety must always be the first priority when asking for the canter. The jockey must be in control of their own body, and the horse must be relaxed and listening. If either of these conditions is not met, then it is important to stop and reassess the situation.
Conclusion
Asking for the canter is a complex process that requires the jockey to use a combination of cues and techniques in the correct order. From the basics of slowing the trot and using verbal and physical cues, to the more advanced techniques such as using voice commands and rein cues, it is important that jockeys understand how to ask for the canter in a safe and effective way.
Safety is always the number one priority when asking for the canter, and jockeys must be in control of their own body and the horse must be relaxed and listening. With practice and patience, jockeys can learn how to ask for the canter in a way that is both safe and effective, allowing them to get the most out of their horse.