RideAbility
Sally Amsterdamer
SHOULDER-FORE IN CANTER
When riding the shoulder-fore in canter the same principles for riding shoulder-in in trot apply. The shoulder-fore helps to strengthen the horse's quarters and hind legs, and improves the rider's ability to straighten the horse. In canter a slight crookedness of the quarters being placed to the inside can often be seen. Therefore by riding the shoulder-fore the horse can be straightened. Only a straight horse can be collected correctly.
The shoulder-fore is a very important for show-jumping riders as having a strong canter is imperative. This exercise is also advantageous when teaching the horse to open and close the stride. By putting the horse into shoulder-fore position when practicing closing up the canter stride, will encourage him to close up correctly from the back to the front, bringing the inside hind leg more under the body. It is is especially important for the rider, to feel that the horse should not be collected simply by pulling the reins, but to ride from the back, seat and legs into the hand.