Flatwork / Dressage Intermediate 20 min

Working Trot to Free Canter and Back

Focus: Transitions, Relaxation, Throughness

Equipment: Letter markers

At the working canter, ride the long side. As you approach the diagonal, transition to canter.
Immediately allow the reins to lengthen for a free canter across the diagonal.
The horse should stretch its neck forward and down, taking big, relaxed strides.
Before reaching the opposite track, gradually shorten the reins to medium canter.
Pick up the working canter before the corner.
The entire sequence: canter → canter → free canter → medium canter → canter should flow seamlessly.

The horse jogging in the walk transition instead of truly walking.
Not allowing enough rein for a genuine free walk.
Rushing the transition back to trot instead of re-establishing the walk contact first.
The horse not stretching down in the free walk, indicating tension in the topline.

Perform the free walk on a curved line (20-meter circle) instead of the diagonal.
Add a halt on the diagonal before the free walk to test obedience.
Time the free walk: 10+ seconds of genuine relaxation before gathering up.

Tip: The free walk is a window into your training. A horse that stretches freely forward-down is working correctly through its topline.