Learn how to set up transitions and shift your horse's weight to the hind.
This exercise is not for beginners, but rather for those who have watched and learned from the previous lessons and already have built some 'buttons' into their horses. The aids for the direct canter are clear. Herman needs to rein back one deliberate footstep at a time. When his weight has shifted towards his hind quarters, Jenku raises his hand so that he lifts his poll, the whip is at Herman’s inside shoulder and with one cluck, he strikes off in canter.
This can’t be done if Herman is heavy on the forehand or slow to respond to the canter cue. Jenku clicks and rewards him as soon as he strikes off. If he makes a mistake – such as striking off disunited, Jenku provides feedback and Herman tries again. This mindset is focussed on success and incremental gains. It assumes you will try, fail, try, improve. Repeat. While food is the most obvious reward, when your horse is working and lactic acid is building up in his muscles, by inviting him in to rest, you’re also rewarding him. He’ll soon realise that being with you, is a good place to be and that training is rewarding rather than punishing.