Building Angelo’s “Royal Canter” — February Countdown to Sydney Royal
We’ve hit that delicious part of the Sydney Royal countdown — the bit where everything feels possible and every ride is another brick in something worthwhile. For Angelo and me, February is all about one thing: the Royal Canter. Not fast. Not flashy. Powerful, uphill, adjustable, and as soft as a well-worn bridle.
What is a Royal Canter? Picture a canter that carries rhythm and confidence like a quietly proud horse walk into the arena. Balanced and uphill. Strong without rushing. Easily adjustable when you ask. Soft in the contact. Calm in the brain. It’s the pace that makes jumps look easy and makes a Working Hunter round breathe.
This month’s game plan is simple: build strength, sharpen balance, and keep Angelo enjoying his job. Our toolbox is full — transitions inside the canter, canter→trot→canter play, 20s and 15m circles, lateral engagement, hill sets that make hindquarters honest, and the occasional beach or trail ride for variety. Every repetition is a small deposit in the “confidence bank.”
Weekly rhythm keeps us honest. One ride for uphill power (think hill sets and steady canter blocks), one for adjustability (shorten/lengthen within balance and canter-within-canter), one for suppleness and lateral work (haunches-in, counter-canter, canter–trot–canter), and one for fun — light jumping, a relaxing hack, or a seaside trot that says, “job well done.”
Sessions are short and focused. Warm up thoroughly, hit 10–20 minutes of canter broken into smart sets, practice transitions, then cool down. If Angelo gets heavy, tired, or grumpy, we back off and keep it positive — better a five-minute win than a twenty-minute mess. Recovery days are sacred; strength grows between rides as much as on them.
Progress shows up in little things: cleaner within-canter transitions, a softer contact, fewer dips onto the forehand, and a springier, more uphill frame. Best sign of success? Angelo’s ears stay forward and he goes to work with curiosity rather than caution.
February is about repetition with a grin. Every small, honest ride brings us closer to a canter that’s not about speed but about control, presence, and readiness for the Royal. If Angelo keeps enjoying it, I’ll call that a win — and I suspect the judges will notice the difference too.
