Question: My pony has the worst canter in the world! It is almost impossible to sit to and she hardly ever gets the correct lead. If I want to show this season in Dressage, I'm going to have to learn to sit to her canter. Can you please give me all the tips you can find? I'm so worried because this is so important to me.

PS- Can you give me some tips on 20 meter canter circles. Thanks a million!

Answer: There are several articles in the "Training and Showing Tips for Hunter Seat Riders" at my web site that may be of help to you. First, read the August 1996 article, "Learning To Sit Trot Comfortably," which will give you the basics of sitting that can be applied to the canter as well as to the trot. Then, practice the exercises described in the January 1997 article, "Strengthening the Rider's Position," particularly the sitting trot without stirrups. You can also find information about the canter depart in the June 1997 article, "The Canter Depart."

As for the 20-meter circle, first you should concentrate on making the figure round, for too often people ride it as an oval or ride the first half-circle a different shape from the second half. It's best to measure the circle on the ground, then mark the ground in some way to indicate the proper track--for example, lime can be used to mark the track.

Now that you know the exact track to follow, concentrate on keeping the horse bent properly and moving at a steady rhythm around the entire circle. If you can track a perfect circle, have the horse properly bent, and keep a steady rhythm, you'll be ahead of the majority of riders who perform this movement in competition.