How do you develop a correct, balanced canter for Hunter Under Saddle?

The canter in Hunter Under Saddle should be balanced, rhythmic, and ground-covering with a relaxed, swinging quality that reflects a horse moving in self-carriage rather than being held together by the rider. Developing this canter begins with establishing correct canter departures — the horse should pick up the correct lead promptly and quietly from a light leg cue without rushing into the gait or breaking from the trot with tension. Early canter work focuses on rhythm and relaxation rather than pace or frame. A horse that canters in a consistent, relaxed rhythm will develop the muscle memory and physical conditioning that produces a correct, sustainable canter over time. Many Hunter Under Saddle horses have a tendency to either rush at the canter — getting faster and flatter as they go around the arena — or to break to the trot when asked to slow their pace. Both tendencies are addressed through transitions. Bringing the horse back to the trot, re-establishing rhythm, and then asking for the canter again teaches the horse to maintain a steady pace within the gait rather than accelerating or falling out of it. Counter-canter exercises, where the horse maintains a specific lead while traveling on the opposite rein, develop balance and body control that improve the overall quality of the working canter. Large circles and changes of rein through the canter also develop the horse's ability to maintain rhythm and balance through turns, which is exactly what is required during a Hunter Under Saddle class in a busy arena.