QUESTION: When a judge writes on your first level test "needs more definition for the lenthening at the canter back to working canter" what does he or she mean and how do I accomplish it?
Answer submitted by Kerry Petty:
The judge is looking for a clear difference between a canter lengthening and the working canter. Many times what we see is a slowing down of the canter that is gradual especially when riders are first asked for a lengthening. In tests where you are given between letters to transition down that is okay to have a progressive transition. However, it is not okay to be gradual when the transition is asked for at one letter.
It could also mean that there was not much a lengthening in the first place so the difference between the two is going to be minimal and lack definition.
How do you accomplish a clear definition? First you have to have a true lengthening of stride with the horse balanced from behind. This means the horse is on the aids and coming from behind. This gives the horse balance and elasticity. If you try to obtain the transition from in front by using your hands you drive your horse on the forehand or worse he will break to a trot.
As an exercise on a circle you ask the horse to go forward into lengthening and then bring him back to a working canter for a few strides. This will strengthen the horse and make him like an elastic yo yo. Remember bring him back by engaging your core as the will to ask for the horse to bring his back up and hind end under.
Kerry Petty
Answer submitted by Sue Hughes:
The request from the judge for “more definition” could cover two areas. First is the rhythm/tempo package of the horse, and second in the back to front balance and frame of the horse.
Theoretically in a lengthening there is more engagement resulting in more thrust than in the working trot. Therefore, there could/should be fewer strides across the diagonal because there is more “airtime” or suspension. This difference in air time can easily be seen in a lengthening that earns a 7, 8 or 9, or 10. It needs to be well developed by the time you and your partner reach the first quarterline, and it should be seen to return to working canter from the just after the corner letter to just before the final letter on that side. That is not much space on either end – probably about 3 steps – but it can be done and can be seen by the judge when done that well. A good lengthening is an amplification of the gait.
The back to front balance all need to show a distinct change. Done correctly a lengthening of the frame is distinctly uphill. By focusing on the withers, one can decide – either as a rider or an observer – if the horses’ body goes uphill or downhill. Additionally, the frame must lengthen perceptively. Admittedly, up hill and longer are hard! However, if the horse has enough strength to “undulate its pelvis” enough to reach farther under his body and produce more thrust during the stance phase of the gait, it can and will happen.
Hint to the rider. Stay vertical from ear to ankle. Tilting your own pelvis works both against your own biomechanics and the biomechanics of the horse. See studies by Hilary Clayton (horse info) and Alexandra Howard (rider info) for verification.
Sue Hughes