I’ve found that introducing vertical flexion at the canter to a horse on a circle makes it easier for him to catch on to the lesson rather than cantering in straight lines because it automatically puts some lateral bend in his body. Anytime you add speed to a horse’s feet, his resistance to pressure doubles. So even though he’s light and responsive at the trot, when you initially pick up on both reins at the canter, it’s likely he’ll be stiff at first. Remember that lateral flexion is the key to vertical flexion, so by putting the horse on a circle, it will discourage him from being pushy and resisting against you as much. It will also discourage him from speeding up and will exaggerate his body position to pick up the correct leads. Whenever you’re teaching a horse something new, it’s important to make it as easy as possible for him to understand what you’re asking.
