Western
Intermediate
25 min
Ranch Riding: Extended Canter
Focus: Impulsion, Freedom, Natural Movement
Equipment: None required
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Ranch riding values a natural, forward-moving horse. The extended canter should cover maximum ground.
- From the working canter, ask the horse to open its stride into an extended canter.
- Post the extended canter. The horse should reach forward with its front legs and push powerfully from behind.
- The frame should be natural — lower than dressage but active and forward.
- Ride the extended canter on the long sides, collecting back to working canter in the corners.
- The contrast between working canter and extended canter should be dramatic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The extended trot looking like a fast jog instead of a truly lengthened stride.
- The horse becoming hollow and inverted during the extension.
- Not enough difference between the working jog and extended trot.
- Posting too fast, driving the horse faster instead of longer.
Variations & Progressions
- Practice extended trot on the diagonal for a different spatial challenge.
- Add transitions: working jog to extended trot to working jog every 20 strides.
- Use ground poles to encourage genuine stride lengthening.
Tip: Ranch riding extended trot should look like a horse covering ground to get to the next pasture. Natural, ground-covering, and purposeful.
