Establish a balanced canter on the right lead. Turn onto the quarter line from the short side.
From the quarter line, apply your right leg to push the horse sideways toward the rail in a canter leg yield.
Maintain a slight left flexion (away from the direction of sideways travel).
The horse should move both forward and sideways, reaching the rail by the end of the long side.
The canter should remain three-beat and rhythmic throughout the lateral movement.
Walk and change direction. Repeat from the other quarter line on the new lead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The canter breaking to trot because the lateral movement disrupts the balance.
Too much sideways and not enough forward, causing the horse to lose impulsion.
The horse swapping leads during the lateral movement.
The rider leaning to one side, throwing the horse off balance.
Variations & Progressions
Start with just 3-4 sideways strides at canter before straightening.
Progress to canter leg yield across the full diagonal.
Use canter leg yield as preparation for canter half-pass.
Tip: Canter leg yield is a stepping stone to half-pass. If your horse can stay balanced moving sideways at canter, it's ready for more advanced lateral work.
