How to Canter on a Horse for the First Time

Co-authored by Kate Jutagir

Last Updated: October 1, 2025 Approved

Cantering on a horse for the first time can be scary. This article will give you tips on how to canter for the first time.

Steps

See How to canter with your horse and How to sit the canter properly for more information.
2
Choose the right horse for your first time canter. Always ride a quiet, push button horse/pony when doing your first canter, preferably a comfy one too.
- To be safe while interacting with horses, have some experienced person to guide you.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kate Jutagir
  Equestrian Specialist & Trainer
  
  Expert Interview}
- You should be familiar with their body language and behavior. Read books and study horse care and behavior.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kate Jutagir
  Equestrian Specialist & Trainer
  
  Expert Interview}
- Buy protective headgear and work with an experienced horse that has some experience and is a little older.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kate Jutagir
  Equestrian Specialist & Trainer
  
  Expert Interview}
Advertisement
If the girth isn't tight enough, then it might become loose and you could slip off.
Get your instructor or even a person who has ridden a couple of times before, to tell you how you can improve your seat in trot and walk first.^{[4]
X
Research source}
If you are focusing on getting your horse to go, then you won't be focusing on yourself and what you should be doing. Even though it might feel very beginner-like, it will all pay off in the end when you have the best canter in the lesson.
Don't let your butt come off the saddle. Try to stay with the motion of your horse. It should feel as if you're rocking your hips slightly when you sit the canter.^{[5]
X
Research source}
7
Keep your hands in normal position. Keep the heels down.
8
Don't be afraid! Seek to enjoy it, because if you are worrying the wobbliness out of a jelly, then you shouldn't be on a horse. Just relax, have fun and get used to the rhythm of the canter.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Should I canter if the instructor thinks I'm ready but I don't feel ready?

Community Answer

If you don't feel ready and secure on the horse, you shouldn't canter. Tell your instructor about this and they should be understanding.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 42
Question

What do I do if I suddenly get afraid?

Community Answer

Think about something else and focus on that. A horse can tell if you're afraid and they're looking to you for guidance. Be sure of yourself and your horse will be too.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 38
Question

How do I keep my legs in while cantering?

GladystheBarrelBurner

Community Answer

Just as everybody says, "Keep your heels down." It takes a lot of consistent riding and practice to exercise your muscles to keep your feet in the stirrups. Try riding in a canter more often. You can also just bring your stirrups up a notch.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 29

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Never ever push yourself to hard before you are ready. If you see people the same age as you or even younger than you cantering around the arena effortlessly, just remember that they were a beginner once too!

Thanks
Helpful 21 Not Helpful 4
Cantering is a lot smoother then trotting, so if you can trot good, you will be fine when cantering. Cantering really isn't that different from trotting. Actually, its easier.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Warnings

There is always the risk of falling off, so always wear an approved riding helmet.

Thanks
Helpful 22 Not Helpful 2
Even if you don't normally have an instructor, get one to help yourself in prove quicker, then the quicker you can go solo again.

Thanks
Helpful 25 Not Helpful 6
Always ride with someone.

Thanks
Helpful 23 Not Helpful 8
If you fall down be sure to roll your self away from the horse, or you will get crushed by the horse.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0