What Is Cantering on a Horse?

The canter and gallop are variations on the fastest gait that can be performed by a horse or other equine. The canter is a controlled three-beat gait, while the gallop is a faster, four-beat variation of the same gait. It is a natural gait possessed by all horses, faster than most horses' trot, or ambling gaits.

What is the difference between trotting and cantering?

Canter. The canter is a controlled three-beat gait that is usually a bit faster than the average trot, but slower than the gallop. ... In the canter, one of the horse's rear legs – the right rear leg, for example – propels the horse forward.

How long should you canter a horse for?

If your horse is less fit, start with slow canter intervals of three to four minutes, interspersed with walk breaks for two to three minutes depending on how quickly your horse recovers. The idea isn't to go super fast with these horses, but to keep a good rhythm and build the fitness first.