A left canter and a right canter refer to the leading front leg of the horse during the canter gait. In a left canter, the horse leads with its left front leg, while in a right canter, the horse leads with its right front leg. The direction of the canter is determined by which front leg is leading, and it is important for riders to be able to cue their horse to pick up the correct lead for the desired direction. **

The canter is a three-beat gait in which the horse moves forward with one hind leg leading, followed by the other hind leg and then both front legs together. The working canter, on the other hand, is a more collected and controlled version of the canter. In the working canter, the horse is more engaged, balanced, and collected, allowing for better communication between the rider and the horse. Working canter is often used in dressage and other disciplines that require precision and control. **

The aid for canter is a cue given by the rider to ask the horse to transition from a trot to a canter. The aid typically involves a combination of the rider's seat, leg, and rein aids. The rider will use their inside leg at the girth to ask the horse to move into the canter, while also using their outside leg slightly behind the girth to support the horse's hindquarters. The rider's seat will also play a crucial role in influencing the horse's movement and balance during the transition. Additionally, the rider may use a half-halt with the reins to help signal the horse to prepare for the canter transition. **

To achieve a light seat in canter, it is important to have a strong and balanced position. Start by sitting deep in the saddle and keeping your weight evenly distributed. As the horse begins to canter, allow your hips to move with the motion of the horse, keeping your upper body tall and your legs relaxed. Focus on maintaining a light contact with the saddle and avoid gripping with your thighs. Practice regularly to improve your balance and coordination in the canter, which will help you achieve a light seat. **

An extended canter is a faster and more ground-covering version of the regular canter gait in horse riding. In an extended canter, the horse lengthens its stride and covers more ground with each step, while maintaining a three-beat rhythm. This gait requires the horse to push off more forcefully with its hind legs and reach forward with its front legs, creating a more powerful and dynamic movement. Extended canters are often seen in dressage and eventing competitions as part of a horse's training and performance. **

The aid for the canter is given only during the transition to canter in order to cue the horse to make the upward transition from trot to canter. This aid is typically a combination of leg and seat aids, along with a slight shift in the rider's weight. Once the horse has transitioned to the canter, the aids are then adjusted to maintain the gait and communicate with the horse as needed. Giving the aid only during the transition helps to clearly communicate to the horse what is being asked of them and helps to maintain clarity in the rider's communication. **

To canter a young horse in a light seat, it's important to first establish a solid foundation of basic training and obedience. Once the horse is comfortable with the canter and responds well to cues, the rider can begin practicing the light seat. This involves slightly lifting out of the saddle and maintaining a light, balanced position to allow the horse to move freely underneath. It's important to use subtle aids and maintain a relaxed, supple position to help the young horse feel comfortable and confident in the canter. Gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the light seat work will help the young horse develop strength and balance in the canter. **

You can ask for the canter during a light trot when your horse is relaxed, balanced, and listening to your aids. It's important to make sure that your horse is straight and not leaning on one shoulder before asking for the canter. Additionally, you should have a clear and consistent connection with the horse's mouth through the reins before asking for the canter transition. By waiting for the right moment and ensuring that your horse is prepared, you can set both yourself and your horse up for a successful canter transition. **