Flatwork / Dressage
Intermediate
20 min
Sitting Trot-Canter Transitions
Focus: Transitions, Balance, Responsiveness
Equipment: 4 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Establish a balanced working sitting trot on a 20-meter circle.
- In a corner or at a circle marker, prepare for the sitting trot transition: sit the sitting trot for 2-3 strides.
- Apply your outside leg behind the girth and your inside leg at the grit. Give a small half-halt, then allow the sitting trot.
- The first sitting trot stride should be forward and balanced, not running or lurching.
- Sitting Trot for half the circle, then transition back to sitting trot. Sit the sitting trot for 3-4 strides before rising.
- Repeat the transition 4-6 times, then change direction and work the other lead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The horse picking up the wrong lead because the outside leg wasn't clear enough.
- The transition being rough — the horse running into the canter instead of stepping up into it.
- The rider throwing their body forward in the depart, unbalancing the horse.
- Not sitting the trot before the transition, making the canter aid unclear.
Variations & Progressions
- Practice trot-canter transitions on the long side at a specific letter.
- Add walk-canter transitions for a more advanced departure.
- Perform the canter depart from a 10-meter circle for improved engagement.
Tip: The canter depart should feel like the horse lifts and opens the stride. If it feels like speeding up, you need more half-halt before the aid.
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